Moscow is a city where people are judged on appearances, so first impressions count. Muscovite men tend to be very conservative in the way they dress, even in their own free time, so expect a similar level of formality at meetings. Dark suits, the more expensively tailored the better, are essential, as are polished shoes. Arriving at a meeting with dirty shoes after walking through the winter slush is a faux pas easily avoided by making use of a shoe polishing machine - they are often found in the lobbies of most large office blocks or hotels.

Foreigners are expected to be on time to all business appointments. However late your Russian counterpart might be, do not expect an apology. It is good form to check in overcoats before the meeting where possible. Shaking hands is expected of men and women but men should wait until a woman extends her hand before reaching for it. Between women, the older woman extends her hand first.

Business cards should ideally be printed in English, with Russian translation on the reverse. Directness that can verge on rudeness and evasiveness that parades as politeness are part of the Russian style of negotiation, so be persistent if you need specific answers to your questions. Be sure to get firm and positive answers from the people with the right authority, preferably in writing - Russia is still an extremely bureaucratic country. Always be aware of the official regulations. Ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse if you break the rules, and the penalties can be severe.