Intercultural Business Etiquette

Russia
Gestures
• Do not point with your finger. It is better to use the whole hand.
• Do not put your feet up on the furniture.
• Do not show the soles of your shoes, such as when crossing
your legs.
• Do not stand with your hands in your pockets. This is considered
rude.
• Do not make a circle with your thumb and forefinger.
• Do not make the “thumbs up” sign.
• Do not make a fist with your thumb between the index and
middle fingers.
• When beckoning someone, extend your arm palm down and
make a scratching motion with the fingers.
• It is common to take off your shoes when entering a home.
• Flicking the throat can mean “I want a drink” or “he/she is
drunk”.
• It is common for someone to fill your glass halfway. When it is
filled all the way, it is to give you a full glass to enjoy before
leaving, and is a polite, nonverbal way of ending the meal.