DOs

DONT's

DO exchange business cards after introductions.

DON'T sit until invited to sit down.

DO expect a Lithuanian to try to protest if you give them a gift. Explain that it's just a little something and offer it again until they accept.

DON'T try to schedule meetings in July and August, which are common
vacation months.

DO bring a gift for your hosts, such as chocolates, liquor, flowers, or fruit.

DON'T start eating until the host begins or until you are invited to do so.

DO be aware that you might have to remove your shoes before entering Lithuanian home.

DON'T put your hands in your pockets or sit with an ankle resting on the
other knee. Both are considered poor etiquette.

DO not be late more then 15 minutes.

DON'T give yellow chrysanthemums, as they are used for funerals.

DO wait for a woman to extend her hand first.

DON'T put your elbows on the table.

DO open your gift upon receipt.

DON'T move to a first name basis until invited to do so.

DO finish all the food on your plate.

DO indicate that you are done eating by putting the fork and knife
parallel across the right side of the plate.

DON'T make jokes about Lithuanian culture. Lithuanians are very proud of
their culture, so to make a joke about it would be in poor taste.

DO compliment the host and finish everything served to you.

DON'T ask personal questions. It may seem intrusive.

DO tip about 10% of the bill. That is customary, but not obligatory.

DON'T give a baby gift before a baby is born; it's bad luck.

DO give flowers in odd numbers, not even. Even numbers of flowers are for funeral.

DON'T smile unless you mean it. In Lithuania, smiling a lot can be seen
as insincere.

DO dress conservatively for business occasions. A suit is acceptable for men, and women should wear fashionable yet conservative clothes.

DON'T shake hands or greet someone over a threshold. Go into the room first, and then exchange handshakes.

DO arrive on time. Lateness might indicate that you don't respect your hosts.

DO greet people with a handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile.

DON'T speak too loudly in public.

DO arrive on time for appointments. Punctuality is important.

DON'T wear t-shirts, shorts, sneakers, or sweats during business meetings.

DO accept offers of hospitality and do reciprocate.

DON'T show the bottoms of your feet. It's impolite.

DO open doors for women, if you are male.

DO not pick your nose in public.

DO maintain eye contact at business meetings.

DO not ask a lady her age.

DON'T try to bring personal relationships into business. They are kept separate.

DO remove gum, pencils, cigarettes or anything else from your mouth while talking on the phone.

DON'T confuse a Lithuanian with being Russian. Lithuanians hate it when foreigners, unaware of the troublesome history of their country, confuse
them with Russians. Praising Communism and the Soviet times would also be a major mistake in this country