St Petersburg Economy

Formal business etiquette is very important in St Petersburg and both men and women should wear smart, restrained business suits. Business visitors should start each meeting with a handshake and exchange business cards, printed in both English and Russian. Visitors should always wait for the senior Russian present to start the meeting and participate only when invited to. Referring to colleagues by their first name and patronymic is a good way to show knowledge of Russian culture. Business is still largely a male pursuit in Russia, though Western businesswomen will be treated in the same way as male colleagues. If you have a meeting with a Russian businesswoman, only reach out to shake hands if she offers her hand first, as unsolicited physical contact is considered rude.

Normal office hours are Monday-Friday 1000-1800, with a lengthy lunch break, usually from 1200-1400, during which no work is done - even telephones are left unanswered. Although working outside business hours is frowned upon, a business colleague may offer an invitation for a night on the town or dinner at home. If you are invited to a Russian home, bring an odd number of flowers (even numbers are reserved for funerals) and wine, champagne, or chocolates as a gift. Always remove your shoes at the front door (generally the host will offer house slippers to wear inside), and try not to discuss business unless 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.

Russians may be outspoken about the negative aspects of life in Russia, but it is bad form for visitors to criticise the host nation; concentrate instead on the positive aspects of your trip. Be aware that the Russian media is state-controlled so locals may have a different take on international affairs to the accepted view in other countries.