Russia business travel information

Doing business in the Russia

Today´s Russia is ethnically divided into two groups Northern and Southern. An ethnic Russians constitute about 80% of the population of Russia. With an almost total of 142 mil. people, Russia is also the largest country in the world in terms of area (more than 17 mil. square km) Russian covers 11 time zones and enjoys different climate.

Russia’s commercial power depends on natural resources - oil and gas. Russia is the major supplier of gas for western Europe. Probably more than an economic and political tool of the Kremlin is the energy giant Gazprom. Heavy industries still dominate Russia’s industrial sector combining for roughly 40% of industrial output.

The fuel and energy payments make up almost half of the federal budget’s revenues, therefore the Russian GDP has growth rate about 2,9%. The growth rate figure and other economic figures alike show the global economic crisis.

Some facts in a list:

Product tip: When you love to read, consider an e-reader! When you love to read, you should consider buying an e-reader. The main advantages of these devices are portability, readability of their screens in bright sunlight, and long battery life. An e-book can be purchased, downloaded and used immediately, whereas when one buys a book one has to go to a bookshop, or wait for a delivery.

In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , Russia you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

American Citizens Services (495 728 5577 after-hours emergency). English is not common in Moscow; it is usually only spoken by those in business or in the tourist trade.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

If your are planning a business trip to Russia it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in Russia. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in Russia to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Use formal names and academic titles.
  In Russia, people formaly use three names.
  Russian are direct, do not confuse this with rudeness. Their greeting is also firm with firm handshake and direct eye contact.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  Shoes can be strictly polished.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  Meetings should be made as far in advance as possible.
  When you come to the Russia, confirm your agreed meeting a day or more in advance.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Meetings might have some side conversations.
  Keep your presentation long and detailed, do not miss out a review of existing given case.
  They follow up a meeting with a protokol with summary of what was discussed.
  Nothing is definite until they sign the contract.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until the host invites you to start.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  They will offer you second portion of meal.
  After finishing your plate, do not get up until you are invited to leave the table.
  

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Some phrases in Russian

Russian language is related to Slavic subfamily of the Indo-European family of languages. It has expended as "second language" to many of the Soviet Union’s former territories and politically allied countries. More than 81% of Russian people speaks Russian, other minority languages include Chechen, Ukrain and others.

Although some Russian phrases can always come in hand....

Goodbye	Do svidanya
Hello	Zdrástvuitye
Thank you	Spassíba
Do you speak English?	Gavaritye pa anglisski?
I don’t understand	Ya ne panimayu
My name is	Minya zavoot
How are you?	Kak vi pazhivayetye?
I’m very well	U minya xarasho
How much does it cost?	Skolka stoyit?
Where is …	Gdye …?
Entrance	Vxot
Exit	Víxod
Open	Atkrity
Closed	Zakrity
Hotel	Gastínitsa
Restaurant	Ristorán