There is no standard for tipping in Russia. Service people, however, expect tips for helping with luggage, for service in restaurants or any other substantial help. Hotels and restaurants occasionally add a 5-15% service charge to your bill as well as a 20% value added tax. Porters should be content with about $1/bag, but porters at stations expect outrageous tips in dollars from "rich foreigners" in part because they have to share them with the "dispatcher-thug".

The citizen on the street, however, would be offended if offered a tip for helping you. But a memento or something for their children would be treasured.