St Petersburg City Guide - Business Etiquette

Formal business etiquette is very important in St Petersburg and both men and women should wear smart, sombre business suits. Business visitors should start each meeting with a handshake and exchange business cards, printed in both English and Russian. Appropriate gifts are pens, key rings and lighters bearing the company logo. Visitors should always wait for the senior Russian present to start the meeting and participate only when invited to. They should also do some research and know a little about everyone at the meeting. Referring to colleagues by their first name and patronymic is a reliable way to show some knowledge of Russian culture. There are not very many women in Russian business but Western businesswomen will not be treated much differently, they will simply be regarded as honorary males. When shaking hands, foreign businessman should never extend their hands to a Russian businesswoman, unless hers is already outstretched, as such a gesture is considered very rude.

Normal office hours are Monday-Friday 1000-1800, with a lengthy lunch break, usually 1200-1400, during which no work is done - even telephones are left unanswered. Although working outside business hours may be frowned upon, a business colleague may offer an invitation for a night on the town or dinner at home. If invited to a Russian businessperson's home, visitors should bring an odd number of flowers and wine, champagne, or chocolates as a gift, take off their shoes (generally the host will offer house slippers to wear inside), and try not to discuss business until the host initiates it. One should never refuse to drink a toast but beware of the effects of Russian vodka and learn when it is allowed to say no. Dining in a Russian home is a generous affair and portions are usually ample - of both alcohol and food. Visitors should avoid agreeing with their host if criticising Russia but concentrate instead on the positive aspects.