Final state nim distributions are studied for electron capture from orientated circular Rydberg atoms. Strong orientation effects are found for all quantum numbers at collision speeds comparable to the electron orbital speed. Predominant population of large m states is observed when the plane of the circular orbit is nearly perpendicular to the incident direction of the projectile. The Ini distributions show structures due to quasi-Thomas scattering even at low relative collision velocities. © 1993 IOP Publishing Ltd.