Moscow is a city where people really 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 de rigeur and polished shoes are essential. 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 also ideally be printed in English, with Russian translation on the reverse. Expect a fair amount of directness, which may come across as rudeness, and sometimes evasiveness that masquerades as politeness. You might find your counterpart appears to agree with you, but is just being polite. Be sure to get firm and positive answers from the people with the right authority - Russia is still an extremely bureaucratic country.

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