Russia

Greetings

Man greeting Man – Men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. A relatively firm handshake is the way to go. Hugs are common between good friends and family. Note: It is expected that you always take your gloves off when greeting someone, no matter how cold it is out.

Woman greeting Woman – Women generally shake hands when meeting one another for the first time. In some instances a slight nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. A light hug accompanied by three alternating kisses on the cheek (usually starting with the left) is common if two women know each other well.

Greetings between Men & Women – A light handshake is common. In some instances a slight nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. Three alternating kisses on the cheek (usually starting with the left) is common between friends and family.

Communication Style

• Russians tend to be somewhat guarded and closed until a relationship is formed. They usually prefer to take their time to get to know someone.
• In some instances you many find that Russians will dance around a subject, especially if it’s a difficult or uncomfortable topic. In other instances they can be quite direct.

Personal Space & Touch

• During conversations, an arm's length of personal space tends to be the norm.
• There is not that much touching during conversations, especially at first meetings. Friends and family tend to touch more.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is expected and seen as a sign of respect and trustworthiness.

Gestures

• When gesturing or beckoning for someone to come, it's best to face your palm downwards and make a scratching motion with the fingers.
• Whistling at a performance or sporting event signifies dislike or disapproval.
• It is common to take off your shoes when entering a home.

• Flicking the throat with the index finger can mean, “I want a drink” or “he/she is drunk”.

Views of Time

• Punctuality is becoming more and more of a value. That being said, many services still run late.

Gender Roles

• While work opportunities in the cities are becoming more varied for women, men still have a distinct advantage over women in terms of promotion and pay.

• Chivalry is still valued in Russia. Men are expected to hold the door, offer their seat, offer their coat, etc.

Taboos

• Avoid shaking hands and giving things across a threshold of a house, room, or office. It is best to cross the threshold completely before shaking a host's hand when arriving and leaving.
• It is considered rude to point with your finger. It’s better to use the whole hand.
• Putting one’s feet up on the furniture is considered extremely bad form, as is showing the soles of your shoes to someone.
• The American “Ok” sign and thumbs up sign are rude gestures.
• Putting your thumb in between your middle and index finger while making a fist is an obscene gesture.

Law & Order

• The drinking age is 18 and rarely enforced. It is common to see preteens, and even younger children, drinking alcoholic drinks. Alcoholism is prevalent throughout the country.
• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Dress

• Russians value being well dressed and nicely groomed.
• For men: Formal suits are the norm. Dark colors are the way to go.
• For women: Standard business attire. Stylish, yet conservative.
• Jeans and business casual attire are usually not appropriate for initial meetings.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are important and it is best to address people directly by using Mr." Gaspodin", Mrs./Miss " Gaspazhah", followed by the surname.
• One should always wait to be invited to use first names before doing so yourself.
• There is no specific protocol surrounding the giving and receiving of business cards, although it is a good idea to have one side of your business card translated into Russian.

Meetings

• It is best to arrive on time for a meeting even though you may be kept waiting.
• Business meetings may have an agenda but frequent interruptions are common and somewhat expected.
• Meetings usually begin and end with small talk.
• Initial meetings are usually used to establish credibility and determine if a relationship is worth forging.
• Some meetings will end with your Russian counterpart asking you to sign off on a “protokol” which is similar to minutes. It is usually read and after everyone agrees to it, it is signed.

Negotiations

• Avoid hard selling tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation.
• Important decisions usually take a while but simple decisions are sometimes made on the spot.
• Contracts should be clear and to the point, and translated into both Russian and English.
• Going out for a drink together is highly recommended as it shows interest in strengthening the relationship and promoting good will.

Gift Giving

• Bringing a gift to an initial business meeting is common. Something with your company logo or representative of your country is always a good idea.
• If invited to Russian home, appropriate gifts include high quality chocolates/sweets or fine wine or liquor (avoid Vodka).

In the Classroom

• The school year usually begins in September and ends in the end of May. Exams are in June and vacations generally start at the end of June or even in July. Vacation rum for 2-3 months in the summer and for 2-3 weeks in the winter.
• Dress at most universities is casual, while some universities require formal attire.

• Grades are given on a 2-5 scale with 2 being a failing grade. 3 is satisfactory, however most students consider it as a bad grade as it is the lowest you can get. 4 is good and 5 is excellent.

• Lectures are the most common form of teaching where the professor talks and students have to write down everything.