There is no standard for tipping in Russia. As elsewhere, the citizen on the street would be offended if offered a tip for helping you. 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. Tips expected from westerners are much higher than expected from Russians. e.g., porters at stations expect $1.00 per bag, $0.40 - $0.50 suffices.