Attitude towards Russians abroad. "Drink tea and get insurance"

Attitudes towards the people of Russia in the West varied from fear mixed with sympathy during the Cold War to delight and enthusiasm during perestroika. Events in Ukraine and the sanctions associated with them have forced Russians traveling abroad to think again about the eyes with which they are now viewed. The Village found out how the attitudes of residents of the USA, Norway, Poland, Australia and other countries have changed.

Alexandra Erickson

Poland, journalist

I grew up in Sweden and therefore did not know that Poles and Russians dislike each other. I also somehow ignored the fact that my grandfather stood up to the Red Army after World War II. My relationship with Russia began thanks to a sweet teacher who called me Sasha and tried to teach us, tired teenagers, Russian love poetry.

I work as a journalist. Today there is a great demand for articles about Russia. I've written about the long and varied history of non-traditional sexual relations in Russia, I've written about Perm as the capital of modern culture, and most recently I've written about communist artists in St. Petersburg who are reviving the idea of ​​equality through their art. I'm trying to show a fascinating and interesting side of Russia. Sometimes I think this is naive. After the annexation of Crimea, support for Ukrainian separatists and state propaganda that brainwashes citizens, it is difficult to talk about restoring close ties between Russia and the European Union. Now there is a war in Europe. And this war would not have been possible without Russian support.

Russian politicians present Russia as a country opposite to Europe, as a country that “cannot be understood, but in which one can only believe.” But I don't think that's true. This is just one of the tricks to make Russians consider themselves special and stop complaining about many things. My Russian friends are in many ways similar to friends from other countries. I'm sure that if we all get together, we'll have a great time. But for now all I can do is bake pies. The only positive result of the last few months is that Poles have switched to a healthy diet. After the Russian embargo, everyone eats kilograms of apples.

Eva Spomer

Germany, student at Goethe University

At the very beginning of the development of the situation in Ukraine, almost all the media were full of headlines about what a ghoul and despot Putin was, and his next victim was the once allied Ukraine, which desired independence and self-determination. Naturally, due to the one-sided presentation of information from all sides, people were inclined to believe it. I personally once had a conversation during a break in the smoking room with my colleague, who proved to me that Russia is the aggressor in this situation, and Putin is a terrible, bloody dictator. But over time, tangible changes began to occur. I can only guess about the reasons. I think that everything is sung too smoothly and is sewn with white threads. I assume that the open information space of the Internet also played a role, the presence of friends who speak Russian. In some German cities, Germans hold rallies and protests against obvious anti-Russian propaganda. My German colleagues and friends rarely touch upon the topic of Ukraine, but if they do talk about developments there, people are full of sympathy and heartily share my personal concern for my comrades in Ukraine, as well as the fate and role of Russia in this difficult situation.

Andreas Andersson

Sweden, librarian

For many Swedes, Russia is a country that appeared in 1990, but not a thousand years ago. For me, Russia is a logical continuation of the superpower of the USSR. The same buildings stand, the same people live in them. And yet for some reason it is generally accepted in the world that the Cold War and its end completely destroyed Russian culture.

American culture is present in Sweden in various forms. That's why she doesn't scare us. Accordingly, we do not notice American propaganda. But with Russian culture the situation is the opposite. To most Swedes it is unfamiliar, incomprehensible and seems foreign. And it turns out that we react negatively to Russian nationalism and propaganda.

I don't believe in nationalism or the perfection of one nation. Diversity is what we really need. Yes, in Sweden we need more Russian culture. But we also need more Arab and Chinese culture. And this also applies to Russia. Building a wall between West and East is not a solution to the problem. People need to communicate, try to understand each other.

With all this, I do not find the Russian political course strange, although it is covered that way in the Swedish media. Yes, Russian foreign policy is quite aggressive, but at some points I understand it. It seems to me that it is good that Russia wants to be an alternative force in the world. But you must always understand that you will never be more than part of the general flow.

Derrek Williams

USA, Department Researcher
health

The Russian people are not to blame for the aggression taking place on the borders of Ukraine. Events in Ukraine are solely the responsibility of the Russian leadership, and more precisely, Vladimir Putin. I am also concerned about intolerance towards gays and lesbians in Russia. In the United States, some people may perceive Russia as an intolerant state steeped in conservative principles and morals.

Katerina Fedorova
and Jarle Möller

Norway, students of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Norwegians know how to filter information and draw their own conclusions. Many of them romanticize Russia and dream of visiting it (travelling about the Trans-Siberian Railway is a bucket list). However, they are shocked by the latest events and cannot understand anything, although they believe that it is not ordinary citizens who are to blame, but people in power.

Our friends often talk about events in Russia and Ukraine. Basically they turn everything into a joke: if we are sitting in a company of Norwegians and if a plane flies low, then they can joke that Putin sent it here. In general, they joke about Putin all the time. Well, or they say that Putin is the main macho. Remember that photo where he is naked to the waist and sitting on a horse? She seems to give no rest to anyone. They told me yesterday: Why do people hate Putin? He is like a teddy bear.

Hugo Smith

Australia, lawyer

When I meet Russians, I am always struck by how detached they are from the idea of ​​the Russian nation. Recent events and conflicts have only strengthened my opinion: Russians are too skeptical of any form of government. They are ready to be let down by any government, no matter what it is. Because of their apathy and fatigue, Russians do not support their government at the proper level. As for my idea of ​​Russian power, it was quite low even before the latest events. But I always thought that Putin's attitude towards the world community was mostly a bluff. But it is now quite obvious that it is not limited in any way by obligations to maintain peace and basic international norms. The unpredictability of the Russian government really worries me.

Ion Prepelice

Moldova, graduate student

My attitude towards Russians has not changed at all since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine. I love Russians, I find them open, sociable and receptive people. I’m not afraid to go to Russia, but because of the level of corruption, I wouldn’t work or live there. As for the Russian government, for me it has always been one of the most primitive, underdeveloped and tyrant in the world. So we can say that in connection with the latest events, my attitude towards the Russian authorities has not changed either.

Magare Banda

Vietnam, owner of creative agency Lekker

I would not say that my attitude towards Russia and the Russians has somehow changed in the light of recent events. It would be unfair to blame an entire nation for the actions of a small group of rebels or for the actions of politicians who care only about their own gain. Anyone who has any understanding of how politics works will not blame the people for what is happening now. Recent tragic events have, on the contrary, made me think about the difficulties that the Russian people must face as victims of a regressive and oppressive government that is more concerned with feeding the press and lining its own pockets rather than paying due attention to the development of the economy and the social sector.

Bill Jerome

USA, teacher at the Faculty of English Literature

Despite the general hysteria, I try to treat Russians and Russia with respect. Of course, I demand the same treatment as an American. As a rule, private citizens have little to do with their government. What is happening now in Russia resembles the beginning of many terrible events in world history, the consequences of which were irreversible. Contemporaries later, as a rule, grabbed their heads and asked themselves how they allowed this to happen. So now we are turning a blind eye to your country’s foreign policy, hoping that we will get through without consequences, and, I promise, we will finish the game.

On the other hand, you have always been a terrible, dramatic (and therefore beautiful) people. You even get the feeling that you are made, chiseled to suit the surreal, Kafkaesque conditions in which you live. Another nation would have raised such rulers long ago, but you manage to live, love, and give birth to children. You seem to me very gentle, naive, somewhat soft-bodied, but at the same time warlike, aggressive, and principled. I love your language, it is like a river breaking waves on rocky shores. He doesn't seem rude to me at all. And I love your women - beautiful, sexy, smart, complex. There are no such Americans, of course. I always quickly spot Russian women in a crowd, I don’t even know how. You are somehow different.

Are you wondering how Americans relate to Russians? Welcome, lovers of self-esteem! If you are tormented and tormented by the question of how they treat us overseas, so good, then you are at the right place! =)

How do Americans feel about Russians?

They will treat you the same way as they treat all Homo Sapiens (provided that you are Homo Sapiens, of course). When traveling or moving to another country, people usually try to adapt to the behavior of the locals. So here, if you are as nice as they are, then it makes no difference to them whether you are from Bilbao or Uryupinsk. Another thing is Americans coming to Russia, to our habitat, to our comfort zone! Here they see our culture in full glory - people are stern, no one smiles or speaks how are you doing? By the way, they use this expression as simply hello, that is, you don’t even have to answer it. They are not interested in knowing how you are doing, it is just politeness. In the article I wrote about this in more detail. 🙂

One could probably even write a whole article about the unsmiling nature of Russians. If you are friendly and smiling, then you have already “Americanized”, and if you have a gloomy expression on your face, then there are two options:

1. you recently moved;
2. you live in a Russian region.

Americans willingly hire Russians, and foreigners in general. Because Russians are distinguished by their hard work and intelligence! Americans throw away everything that breaks, and Russians fix it. It is so? Mexicans are like that too, by the way. I get the impression that they can do EVERYTHING. And repair roofs, and repair boots, and mow lawns, and cook.

Americans also believe that Russians are crazy and don’t care about anything. Aren't they afraid of anything?

They don't care about the rules, the opinions of others, or the markings on the roads. You can call it a mess, or you can call it the beautiful word FREEDOM. 🙂 My MC and his colleagues often laugh about what UPS drivers in Russia must be like - they drive around with a cigarette in their teeth and are in no hurry. He even somehow likes it. =) (I wrote about the impressions of my MCH after his visit to Russia. =))

Our fighters build a good image for us - most of the male population loves to watch fights, and we have a fighter named Fedor Emelianenko, whose spiritual organization they could not understand. Like, why is he always so calm, that these Russians eat in Russia, that they don’t seem to care about anything. Fedor Emelianenko was unbeatable for 9 years! Let's all be proud of him! 🙂

How do Americans feel about the Russian accent?

Here in Texas there isn't much of a Russian population and the locals won't be able to tell your accent apart from Polish or German. I have already been asked more than once whether I am from Germany.

It's stupid to worry about an accent. This is your highlight, your difference from other people. Remember, when some German or American tries to speak Russian, doesn’t it sound cute? In my opinion, very much so. My masseuse noticed that she was crazy about my accent. Well, maybe, of course, she wanted more tips. =)

The Russian accent, I've been told, sounds quite interesting and even sexy (I have no idea what's sexy about it). It sounds much nicer than French or, especially, Indian, which they often laugh at.

It is very difficult to get rid of an accent. Even if you think you sound completely native, the locals will still notice your accent. This comes with years of living in another country.

How do Americans treat Russian girls?

It's no secret that Americans like Russian girls.

According to Americans, the advantages of our girls are as follows:

1. Russian girls are family-oriented - they cook, wash, clean, raise children;
   
2. Russian girls, as a rule, are not spoiled and are content with little (they do not demand expensive restaurants and diamonds);
3. Russian girls have a certain slavic look (Slavic appearance), which is attractive to Americans;
   
4. Russian girls take good care of themselves and dress beautifully;
5. Russian girls are generally slimmer. But in the United States, according to official statistics, every third person suffers from obesity.
   

I'm in shape. The circle is a shape!

For the same reasons, Russian girls are willingly entrusted with the work of babysitter (nanny).

Darling, I'm home!
- Why so late?
- On the way, the bear sprained his leg - I had to drink it with vodka.
-Where is our grandfather?
“He’s been standing in line for two weeks to get coupons.”
- It’s good that he drank vodka before that.
- Mom, I want to play with the bear!
- Okay, just drink some vodka first.
Now you can go, son, but don’t forget to write a report to the KGB later! And buy vodka along the way - it's running out.
- Honey, it’s kind of hot. Please turn off the nuclear reactor.
- Now I’ll finish the vodka and turn it off, while you play the balalaika.

How do Americans feel about Russia? They know that it is cold in Russia. They think that there is no freedom of speech in Russia, that everything is dictated “from above”, and any disobedient people are sent to prison. In general, everything is the same as under Stalin.

How do Americans feel about Russian politicians? Putin!

Americans think he is a despot and a tyrant. In general, I have heard the opinion that Vladimir Vladimirovich currently the most powerful person in the world. And why all? Because Russia has oil. And many countries will not spoil relations with Russia, because... may be left without oil. And Putin takes advantage of this.

When my MCH and I went to his father’s house to get acquainted, he made it clear to me in advance that it was better not to talk about politics. However, the attitude towards Putin in no way affected the attitude towards me.

So, how do Americans feel about Russians? Their attitude towards Russia is not influenced by politics or the head of state, because people are people!

Well, it's time to finish the article. I wanted to write a shorter article, but it turned out as always. I spoke out!

Oksana Bryant was with you, bye-bye! 😉

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Out of curiosity, we went through a bunch of foreign sites to get an answer to a rather interesting question: what do they really think about us, Russian people, abroad. Undoubtedly, this has already been written about more than once, but I still wanted to see it once with my own eyes. On other sites, similar material is presented in the form of raw statistics, but we offer only live examples. We tried to avoid topics/topics/forums where people’s opinions are molded from fresh Ukrainian-American plasticine shit, we also ignored boring answers in the style of “what difference does it make what nation a person is, there are good and bad everywhere”, and therefore we hope that the result was more or less less impartial.

Ukraine:

“Russian people only care about themselves and try to judge others before they know anything about them. They consider their language to be the best language in the world. They love to talk about themselves. However, they are nice and friendly."

Argentina:

“I find Russians charming. At least their way of thinking is much more interesting than the American one.”

France:

“Rivers of vodka flow in Russia.”

Bulgaria:

“I can’t help but resent Russia for the 1944 invasion. However, I cannot ignore the fact that there are many worthy scientists and writers there.”

Israel:

“What do I think about the Russians? Hmm... Russians, you are very kind-hearted people. But please stop with vodka, it won’t lead to any good.”

Vietnam:

“I have the best thoughts about the Russians. They have made a huge contribution to world peace."

Germany:

“Russian people are unfriendly and indecent, not all of them, of course, but many. Yes, and St. Petersburg is much better than Moscow.”

Finland:

“Most Finns have positive and neutral feelings towards their neighbor. However, we unanimously speak about our dislike for the majority of your previous rulers. It's a shame".

China:

“How can someone not love Russia? We are on very good terms with her, we kindly call her “summer brother.” I consider Russians my friends. I don’t like the Japanese, the whole of Asia doesn’t like them, this is a known fact.”

Switzerland:

“I was in Russia. Your girls are very sexy, there are none like them anywhere else. I admire the Russians, they are probably the only country that is not influenced by the United States. Great country".

Australia:

“I know a little Russian. Once I was unlucky to vacation with Russian people. They push each other while walking, during lunch - at the buffet - they try to eat all the food, slurp, imitate each other, encourage their children to steal towels. Every Russian complains at the information desk at least once.”

Great Britain:

“I'm afraid of the Russians. I've heard a lot about your skinheads and racism. Of course, this is not an indicator for the entire nation, but travel to you does not seem safe.”

USA:

“I can only say what we are told in the media, what there are rumors about, what we read in books and see on television. There is no democracy in Russia, and freedom of speech is infringed at every step. Alcoholism, poverty, overcrowded orphanages, organized crime, food lines, intimidation of the population by the authorities, corruption are everywhere. This is how the majority sees Russia. There are also more informed people who know the real state of affairs in the country. However, we try not to judge other countries based on the meager information we are given.”
“We are a very patriotic people. And against the backdrop of all these cold wars and propaganda, many things lend themselves to imposed opinions. Honestly, the overwhelming majority do not like Russians. As an American soldier, I declare that I would not like to fight with you."

Thailand:

“I do not want to speak on behalf of all Thais, but will only express my opinion as a worker in the tourism industry. Wherever Russians appear, tourism dies. If the Russians end up at the same resort with you, then your vacation is doomed. The only way to return tourists to holiday destinations is to prohibit Russians from leaving their country.”

Of course, these fragmentary opinions cannot be used to judge the opinion of an entire nation, because, as they say, there are as many opinions as there are people.

So, let's summarize. We advise the Thais, whose tourism business owes a lot to Russian tourists, not to bury themselves, and the British - residents of the homeland of the skinhead movement - to pay attention to their subcultural scumbags. For residents of France, who are not far behind us in terms of ethanol consumption per capita, as well as for Israelis, we note that, unfortunately, there are no mythical vodka rivers along which bears on nuclear warheads swim in Russia. Let us remind the Bulgarians of the old proverb: “Whoever remembers the old is out of sight,” and for the Germans, just in case, we will remember this very old thing. Let’s just wink at Vietnam - guys, wait for the “Russian world” and in your area, we will be there soon. The Swiss are allowed to look at girls only on the conditions of joining Russia as the Swiss People's Republic. Well, the Pindos are just stupid, as always. This article is filled with spirituality and autocracy.

Bala Bolt, Zelig Shmutsik

The question of how Russians are treated abroad has acquired particular relevance in connection with the current difficult international situation, in which our country plays not one of the last roles. Many potential tourists are worried whether political squabbles will affect the friendliness of the local population. Of course, in different countries the attitude towards tourists from Russia is different, however, openly aggressive behavior can be encountered, after all, rarely.

Even before the well-known events of recent years, our tourists abroad were treated somewhat biasedly in many countries. Somewhere, this attitude is rooted in the distant or not-distant past, and at certain resorts, tourists themselves have managed to tarnish their reputation, and politics have nothing to do with it.

If we do not take into account those countries that are not very welcoming to Russians due to political and historical events such as wars or occupations, there are several general points in the behavior of tourists from Russia that provoke a negative response.

Russian tourists are too loud and rude

Many people consider it absolutely normal to talk loudly, sing songs, swear at each other right on the street, and also, without hesitation, talk about everyone around them and make jokes in their direction. But what, the foreigners around you still don’t understand anything? They may not understand, but they can pick up volume and intonation well.

Russians believe that everyone owes them

For some reason, some of our compatriots, having come on vacation to another country, believe that everyone around them should: communicate politely and smile, even if they themselves walk with a straight face, make discounts, speak Russian, tolerate indecent antics and swearing , run as fast as you can on demand, and so on. This behavior is especially common among those who flew to another country on the cheapest ticket, but behave like a king. Would you like it if you were treated like this at your workplace?

Russians disrespect traditions

Many countries, including Arab, Hindu and Buddhist countries, have many traditions, customs and rules of behavior, the violation of which is offensive to the local population. For example, in the UAE you cannot wear beach suits in public places; this is categorically unacceptable, since it is prohibited by religion. By the way, you shouldn’t be too naked, especially for girls, in Turkey or Egypt, but our tourists don’t even remember this. It is not surprising that after this, Russian girls are perceived there as easily accessible. By the way, shouting enthusiastically after you is not a sign of sympathy, but rather disrespect, because such behavior is not allowed towards local girls.

Russians drink too much and have poor table manners

In this case, we can say that it was not only, or rather not so much, Russian vodka that ruined the Russian tourist, but the notorious all inclusive system. It simply does not fit in the minds of our tourists that one can eat and drink in moderation, even if everything, yes, everything, has been paid for. In order not to lose the hard-earned food and drink reserves already paid for the trip and hotel, Russian tourists fill the restaurant with full plates of food that they are not able to eat. By the way, many foreigners note that Russians do not know how to behave at the table, this applies to the use of cutlery, loud belching, and irrepressible fun.

As for alcohol, this topic has always been a sore subject for Russia. Once on vacation, many consider it their duty to “not go dry” for a day, it’s vacation! An excessive amount of alcohol consumed can lead to sad consequences, it’s good if it hits you in the head so much that you want to dance and have fun, or, at most, sing along with local songs. It's worse when alcohol starts to cause aggression, which can lead to fights. Russians' attitude towards alcohol and aggressiveness even lead to the fact that on the eve of May 9, many Germans are asked not to leave their rooms. Not ashamed?

Russians are very stingy and, at the same time, waste money

Many foreigners cannot explain this paradox. Russian tourists can bargain long and tediously at the market to reduce the price of a magnet or a T-shirt, but for the same alcohol or other entertainment they can spend as much in an evening as the local population, especially in poor Asian countries, earns in a month.

According to surveys, Russians are least liked in the Middle East, including countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

Why Russians are loved abroad

However, not everything is so bad. Of course, after reading everything that is written above, you might think that people abroad do not like us, or are even aggressive. In fact, if you behave as described above, then you should expect a corresponding relationship. However, in Russia they treat those who behave uncivilly in our homeland in the same way. There is only one conclusion: those who behave rudely are treated poorly. Behave decently and respectfully towards another country and you will receive a warm welcome and polite treatment in return.

In most countries, tourists from Russia are treated either neutrally, just like other guests, or well, with special warmth and interest. It is worth saying that in connection with recent political events, little has changed in the attitude of foreigners towards Russian tourists. Whatever they think about the foreign policy of our state, everyone understands perfectly well that the people of the country are not responsible for the actions of their leaders, therefore, even if the course of our country is not approved, this does not affect the attitude towards Russian tourists.

Russians abroad are loved for their openness and friendliness, for their sincere surprise at everything new, their keen interest in people and events happening around them, as well as their cheerful character (again, to a certain extent). In addition, many resorts in different parts of the world became more developed precisely due to the fact that at a certain period they began to become fashionable among Russian tourists, who began to travel en masse to one place or another. In recent years, it is the segment of Russian tourists that has made a significant contribution to the development of the tourism industry in many countries.

According to surveys, Russians are most loved in Greece, as well as in South Korea and China.

How Russians are treated in different countries

Of course, in some countries the attitude towards tourists from Russia is special, and the degree can vary from a sharp minus to a rather noticeably hot plus. In most countries, the decline in temperature occurred a long time ago, and the reason for this was, as you might guess, military conflicts in which our country, to one degree or another, infringed on the rights of others.

Countries of Europe

Oddly enough, in Europe the attitude towards Russian tourists is neutral, even despite the strained relations. Most Europeans are much more concerned about their own well-being and the well-being of their home than conflicts with Russia. The attitude towards us here is rather neutral. No one will be aggressive or, especially, refuse service, but you can’t expect hugs and kisses either. The exception is Greece, where, according to a recent survey, we are the most loved in the world.

Perhaps, they are somewhat wary of Russians in Germany, and only due to the fact that in this country there are many youth parties and movements that are susceptible to opposition ideas. However, these young people are not aggressive, you shouldn’t expect an attack from them, the most they can do is drag them into a conversation “for life.” Also, according to an international survey in which 39 countries participated, Russians are least liked in France, although no one will show this openly.

USA

Of course, propaganda works quite well in the United States, so the idea of ​​Russia as an aggressor was firmly rooted in this country many years ago, and is now only being confirmed. However, they are rather a little afraid of Russians here, and only if we are talking about some abstract Russians, because the Americans do not know what to expect from us. In direct contact, the residents of the United States are nice, accommodating and do not show any aggression. It cannot be said that tourists from Russia are incredibly welcome here, but you can count on a polite and correct attitude in any case.

South America and the Caribbean

Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, most likely, do not even think about the conflict somewhere in distant Eurasia, because for them it seems distant, and therefore uninteresting. Russian tourists in Latin America are treated friendly; you won’t find an aggressive attitude here, however, nor will you find anyone particularly friendly. Tourists from Russia here are rather surprising and interesting.

The same can be said about the countries of the Caribbean, both continental and island. Russian tourists have not yet had time to explore these destinations en masse, so an opinion about Russians as a nation has not yet formed. Therefore, we are for them, just as they are for us, rather exotic. The only exception to the overall picture is, perhaps, Cuba. Many people here speak Russian, there are many Russian cars, and a significant part of the population, especially those over 40, studied in Russia. Most Cubans treat Russian tourists well, but there are those who are supporters of the United States and do not feel much sympathy for Russians. Outwardly, however, this does not manifest itself in any way, except that they smile back not so often.

Asia

In Asian countries, tourists from Russia, as well as from all other countries, are treated more welcomingly than anywhere else. People are always happy to help here, the locals are friendly, and their sincere smiles immediately put you in a positive mood. However, here, as elsewhere, mirror relationships are in use: if you behave uncivilized or arrogantly, you will receive rudeness in response. In recent years, at resorts favored by guests from Russia, for example, in Thailand or India, the attitude towards Russian tourists has become a little cooler, especially towards those who behave inappropriately. If earlier they were neutral towards the antics of Russians, attributing it to the characteristics of a particular person, then with the increase in the influx of tourists and the widespread occurrence of such cases, the attitude becomes a little more wary. However, as soon as the locals understand that this is a normal, well-mannered person, an endless sea of ​​smiles and positivity is guaranteed. Asian countries treat children especially well; tourists with children are always ready to help and make all kinds of concessions.

Baltic countries and neighboring countries

Oddly enough, it is in the Baltic countries and neighboring countries, which are our immediate neighbors, that the attitude towards Russian tourists is ambiguous. And it is precisely in these countries that the negative attitude is connected not with the behavior of Russian vacationers, but with the historical past of our states.

Citizens of our country are treated negatively in Estonia, Latvia and Ukraine. In the first two countries this is due to the opinion of the local population about the period of Soviet occupation, and in Ukraine in connection with the events of recent years. In these countries, you may encounter that the locals will not speak Russian, although they know it perfectly, and in some places they may even refuse service. Tourists from Russia are treated a little more calmly in Lithuania and Poland, although one cannot expect a particularly warm welcome either.

They have a neutral attitude towards Russian tourists in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Albania, Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Despite the fact that we have had difficult relations with some countries in the past, today there is no noticeable negative attitude. In these countries you can always hope for a polite and hospitable welcome. A difficult question arises regarding Croatia, because in the Yugoslav conflict Russia sided with Serbia, which caused hostility on the Croatian side. However, in tourist places they don’t even remember this, and the tourists who go to Croatia are mostly intelligent ones, so the attitude here is rather friendly.

In Bulgaria, Montenegro, Belarus, Slovakia and Serbia, Russian tourists are treated well and received with all warmth. Some people have already become accustomed to us, and our cultural characteristics are similar in many ways, and with some countries, past political relations contribute to this attitude.

To summarize, I would like to note: despite the fact that in some countries the attitude towards Russian tourists is better than in others, it is still not worth abusing hospitality. Before traveling to the country, you should definitely take an interest in local cultural characteristics and study traditions. Well, upon arrival, behave like a long-awaited, but at the same time, cultured, polite and friendly guest. In this case, no matter what country you come to, you can expect a good and friendly attitude.