Men: don't be afraid to give a woman flowers. Men: don't be afraid to give men flowers, either. The custom is widespread.
DMITRY ASTAKHOV/AFP/Getty Images
People dress up for everything —
Whether for a night at the Bolshoi Ballet (performing here at the Sochi Games opening ceremony) or a trip to the store, a suit or evening dress will get a lot of use. OK, maybe not going to the store.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images
Winter can get pretty steamy —
Especially in winter, Russians like to turn up the heat -- whether in public transportation or hotel rooms.
KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/Getty Images
You're not required to drink vodka —
Yes, it's Russia's social lubricant of choice. No, not all Russians drink it and neither need you.
ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images
Winter can be tough on shoes —
She's got a pair of Manolos in her pocket for when she gets to the party.
MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images
Superstitions about money are common —
People can be superstitious about transferring cash from hand to hand. One weird, positive financial omen: when a pigeon uses you for target practice.
ANDREI SMIRNOV/AFP/Getty Images
Unauthorized cabs abound —
Unlicensed cabs are plentiful but they can be less reliable than official cabs, which are supposed to have meters and an orange light on the roof. For registered taxis, you can download the popular GetTaxi app, which locates official cabs nearby.
