October 06, 2020

Tips, Please!


Tips, Please!
It can be difficult to know how much to tip when traveling. Image by zoetnet via Flickr

The Russian government is working to protect consumer rights when it comes to eating out. Recently, new rules were approved that ban the inclusion of tips and other service charges, such as commissions and surcharges, in a customer’s check total.

According to a statement by Rospotrebnadzor (the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing – quite a mouthful), “this approach should eliminate the practice of misleading consumers about the real costs of providing these services.”

The rules also specify that restaurants and such institutions must disclose to the customer which services are free and which come at a cost, such as music for example. The new regulations will take effect starting on January first.

It’s difficult to say how much these new regulations will affect the restaurant sector. According to the Vice-President of the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers, Vadim Prasov, the new rules will not change anything for the majority of businesses: “This will not affect most establishments, because after all, the bulk of cafes and a la carte restaurants always say that the tip is left at the discretion of the guest.”

According to an analysis by Sberbank and the Foodtech platform SberFood, on average Russians leave 7.5% of the check total for a tip at cafes and restaurants of all types.

You Might Also Like

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955