Intercultural Business Etiquette

Russia
Greetings, titles, business cards
• Titles are important and it is best to address people directly by
using Mr., “Gaspodin” or Mrs./Miss, “Gaspazah”, followed by
the surname.
• Men and women shake hands when greeting and maintain
direct eye contact. In some instances a slight nod of
acknowledgment will usually suffice.
– Note: You must take your gloves off when greeting
someone, no matter how cold it is out.
• Three alternating kisses on the cheeks is common between
friends and family.
• Avoid shaking hands and giving things across a threshold of a
house or room. It is best to cross the threshold completely
before shaking a host's hand when arriving and leaving.
• Chivalry is still valued. Men are expected to hold the door,
offer their seat, offer their coat, etc.
• There is no specific protocol surrounding business cards,
although it is a good idea to have one side of your business
card translated into Russian.