When you visit Ukraine, you will be treated to some of the best hospitality the world has to offer. As a guest you find table filled with food and gifts and toasts will be offered all around. If you are offered a gift from one of the residents, it is considered rude to turn it down. Always make sure that you graciously accept the proffered gift so that you do not insult your hosts. This is the Ukrainians way of saying, ‘Welcome to our humble home and country’.
Some other rules of etiquette that you may find helpful when you visit Ukraine are as follows:
- Bring a gift when you visit a family home. A bottle of wine, bouquet of flowers, or a cake satisfies this tradition. If you know there is a child in the home, bring them a small gift as well.
- If you choose to bring a bouquet of flowers, make sure there are an uneven number of blooms. This is considered good luck.
- Remove your shoes when you enter a home in order to help your hosts keep their home clean. More often than not, they will offer you slippers to wear.
- Casual dress is acceptable when you dine at a host’s home unless they specify otherwise.
- Be ready to give a toast during dinner. Guests are usually asked to so as an honour to them.
- If you are offered food and drink while visiting friends in Ukraine, accept it even if you are not hungry. It is considered rude to refuse, although if you leave some on your plate, your hosts will graciously accept that you are full.
- Your host’s may offer you an item that you compliment on so make sure you are very careful when doing so.
- While using public transportation, give up your seat to mothers with children, the infirm or the elderly. This shows respect.
- Do not whistle or shake hands with someone across the threshold of a door. Both are considered bad luck.
- Expect to have your coat, briefcase, or baggage checked at a restaurant or theatre.
- Make sure you share any snacks or cigarettes with those around you as it is a sign of respect and friendship.
- If you are in Ukraine on business, have your business cards printed ahead of time with English on one side and Ukrainian on the other.
- Business attire is conservative and men should not take off their jacket unless they are asked to.
- When attending an Orthodox Church service or simply touring one of the many cathedrals in the country, women should wear head scarves or hats and men should remove any hats they are wearing. This is a sign of respect.
- Do not put your thumb between your first two fingers as this is a rude gesture in Ukraine.
