Plastic bags. Always take plastic bags with you which the Russians call a "paket". Most products are sold without packaging (especially on the street and in the markets). Some stores still don't have plastic bags, so always take along a good supply of plastic bags, an egg container, and jars for honey, cream, etc. Most Russians keep a couple of bags in their handbag or briefcase.

"Buy it when you see it". If you see something you like, or might need in the future, buy it now. The supply of many products is variable and you may not be able to find it when you want it.

"Small bills and coins". Have small bills and coins with you.

"Three times in line." In many stores, the collection of cash is still centralized with separate cashiers called "kassa", rather than in the individual departments. This "three times in line" system is still used in many stores, especially food stores.

First, stand in line to select and weigh the goods (e.g. butter, meat, cheese) you want to buy; the clerk often adds up your selections on an abacus and hands you a piece of paper with the total amount. In some stores, like bread stores, you have to remember the price of each item you want to buy.

Second, stand in line at the cashier (kassa) to pay. Give the slip with the amount or tell her the price of each item and the department (otdel) it comes from. You will get a cash register receipt.

Three, you go back to the line at the sales counter, hand over the receipts, and pick up your purchases. Hint. Two people shopping together is faster; one stands in the cashier's line and the other selects the goods.

Check in -Check out. Most newer self service stores have a "check-out line" to pay for all your purchases at one time. Be prepared to leave any shopping bags and large purses at the lockers on the way in, under the watchful eye of security (okhrana).

Prices for food are given in cost per 100 grams (about a quarter pound) or kilograms (2.2 pounds). A half kilogram is called a polkilo. See WEIGHTS & MEASURES.

Prices in dollars, payable in rubles. Dollars formerly circulated as a second currency and very few establishments still have the legal right to sell (imported) goods for non-cash dollars (mainly credit cards). On the street, vendors often ask foreigners for outrageous sums in dollars compared to what they are willing to sell to Russians in rubles. Haggle!

Recently, a new pricing practice has emerged. Because of inflation (and, until recently, the continual decline in the ruble) some prices may be stated in dollars, but payable only in rubles at the current rate of exchange. This is especially true in shops selling imported goods.

When to shop. State stores are most crowded in early mornings, lunch hour and late evenings when people are shopping before or after work. Many older establishments close for a one hour lunch break (pereryv na obed): stores from 1-2 or 2-3, restaurants in late afternoon. One day per month, food shops close for a "sanitary day". Many modern shops and large department stores work without a break. See HOURS, SHOPS, WORK.

How to find the shops. Many nice small shops, cafes, and restaurants are located in strange places, in courtyards of apartment buildings, behind plain strong wooden doors, or up or down a flight of dark stairs and with minimal advertising. If you are given directions to a shop or restaurant on the second floor of a factory and it seems to be in an unlikely place, you are probably at the right place. Hotel restaurants and bars are often on the upper floors.

Department store = Univermag

Supermarket = Universam

Market = Rynok

Shop = Magazin

Trade House =Torgovyy dom

Department stores (Univermag) have a number of departments which sell a variety of manufactured goods such as clothing, linens, toys, housewares, shoes. Often they have separate boutiques selling selections of imported goods. See DEPARTMENT STORES.

Supermarkets (Universam) sell food and some housewares. They are Western-style, self-service (samoobsluzhi-vanie) and use the regular Western check-out system. The old Russian Universam (supermarkets) listed under FOOD STORES, however, carry a much more limited selection than the Western-type supermarkets listed in SUPERMARKETS.

Markets (Rynok) are true farmers' markets with fresh meats, vegetables, nuts, cheeses, etc. from all over Russia, Central Asia and the world. See MARKETS.

Shops of any kind are called Magazin and come in many different varieties and in the past they were simply given the name of the product sold and a number, like Meat No. 28 or Fabrics No. 12. These Russian names are usually given in the essays or heading. Many shops have adopted more sophisticated names.

Trade House (Torgovyy Dom) usually is a large shop with two or three large departments

Shops called "Magazin-Salon" were at one time supposed to be shops with higher quality, more fashionable goods, especially clothing and furs. The term is now overused. A store of any type called a "Dom" (which means "House") tends to be one of the best in the city with wider selection and better quality, such as the Dom Mod , the House of Fashion.

Food. The essay in FOOD STORES describes the many places to shop for food.