In big cities shops are open daily and many open 24 hours a day. The following is a selection of the major festivals and other special events celebrated in Belarus in 2001. Oct International Music Festival 'Golden Hit' , Minsk. Dec International Guitar Festival , Gomel. Handshaking is the usual form of greeting.
Hospitality is part of the tradition and people are welcoming and friendly.
Company or business gifts are well received. Smoking is acceptable unless stated otherwise. In some hotels in Minsk and other cities a 10-15 per cent service charge is added to the bill.