Ukrainians are very hospitable.

As their guest, you will receive red-carpet treatment. This includes heavily-laden tables, gifts, and many toasts.

Some rules of etiquette may be useful:

1. Men in Ukraine will always Shake Hands when they greet for the first time during the day. However, it is taboo to shake hands with your gloves on. But it is not a custom to shake hands with a woman. Kissing her hand will make you very gallant.

2. If invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift. A bottle of wine, a cake, or a bouquet of flowers are customary. If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift as well

3. If you bring flowers, make sure the number of flowers is uneven (3,5, etc.), because even numbers are brought to funerals.

4. Do not whistle at home – some believe it will “blow your money away.”

5. Do not shake hands or give things across the threshold of a door. It is considered to bring bad luck.

6. It is impolite to point with your finger. But if you must point, it’s better to use your entire hand instead of your finger.

7. Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a home. To keep apartments clean, most hosts will provide you with a pair of slippers.

8. On public transportation, give up your seat to mothers with children, the elderly, or the infirm.

9. If it is possible, have business cards printed in Ukrainian on one side and English on the other.

10. When eating dinner at someone’s home, casual dress is accepted unless otherwise specified.

11. It is traditional to always propose some kind of toast when drinking.

12. Offer to share your snacks and cigarettes with those around you.

13. Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered when visiting friends. Turning down food may be considered rude.

14. In Orthodox churches, women should wear scarves or hats, and men should take off their hats

15. Be careful when complimenting a host’s belongings, he or she may offer them to you.