greeting people in other countries

In Japan, you greet people much different than you would here in the US. When you first meet someone, you bow to them. The deeper the bow the more respectful it is. Right after the bow is when you would exchange business cards with the other person. Also, gifts are very common in the Japanese business world. Gifts are exchanged near the end of the visit; gifts are also perceived different than they are here. Some gifts that may be perceived as a bribe here are just considered polite there because it isn't so much what the gift is, just the fact that you're giving a gift. When saying goodbye you would also bow as you do when you greet the person.

When meeting a new person in France, a quick handshake will suffice, but if you are family or friends with the person then one to two cheek kisses is formality depending on how well you know the person. When giving business cards, make sure it is in both french and english and it has the correct academic title on it as well. Saying goodbye is much like the greetings, a quick handshake or cheek kisses. 

In Russia, you greet someone with a strong and firm handshake with maintaining direct eye contact with that person. First and last names are exchanged as well as business cards. The only time you would give a business partner a gift other than a holiday or special day would be if you are invited over for dinner, in which case give a small gift when you arrive. When saying goodbye, a firm handshake and eye contact also works for this. 

When in South Africa, you may greet someone with a firm handshake and eye contact, as well as a joke to break the ice. It's a more relaxed business environment so business cards are not exchanged as much. When doing business with South Africans do not be aggressive, rather, be patient and take business slow, do not rush it. Gifts are not common but when having dinner with a partner, make sure to bring a gift of wine, chocolate or flowers. Goodbyes are just like greetings, a firm handshake and eye contact. 

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