Greeting Styles by Country 2026

Preferred Greetings by Country is an insightful exploration into the rich variety of greeting customs across the globe. From cheek kisses in Argentina to the traditional bow in Japan, greetings reflect the cultural identity, history, and etiquette of each country. In today’s globalized world, understanding how to greet people appropriately is not only respectful but essential for building cross-cultural relationships in business, travel, and diplomacy.

Methodology Behind This Global Greeting DatasetTop 10 Countries with Unique Greeting Customs

This article compiles data on the most common physical gestures and verbal greetings in 195 countries, based on extensive qualitative research. Here’s how the dataset was developed:

• Official etiquette guides and cross-cultural communication handbooks were reviewed.
• Data was verified using government tourism websites, embassy advisories, and language learning resources.
• Trusted platforms like cultural databases and international travel forums were consulted for consistency.
• In cases where multiple greeting styles existed, the most widely practiced formal/public greeting was selected.
• The gestures included range from handshakes, cheek kisses, and bows, to unique styles like the Hongi (nose greeting) in New Zealand or the Wai in Thailand.
• Informal and regional variations are acknowledged but not deeply covered in this simplified dataset.

Explore Global Greeting Customs by Country

This full dataset reveals broader cultural patterns:

• Handshakes dominate globally, particularly in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. They vary from firm (e.g., Russia) to soft or light (e.g., Mauritania, Somalia).
• Islamic nations frequently pair handshakes with the phrase “As-salamu alaykum”, a greeting of peace found across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
• In Latin American and European cultures, cheek kissing is a norm, with the number of kisses varying—France (2–4x), Belgium (1–3x), Italy and Spain (2x).
• In East and Southeast Asia, non-contact gestures like bows, palms-pressed gestures (e.g., Sampeah, Wai, Nop), and Namaste dominate.
• Unique greetings like nose touches in Qatar, New Zealand, and Kiribati reflect indigenous or traditional rituals.

Regional Greeting Trends You Should Know

Cultural Sensitivity in Business and Travel: Whether shaking hands in Germany, bowing in Japan, or saying “Bula” in Fiji, adapting to local greeting customs builds trust and rapport. For instance, offering a hug in Sweden or Japan may be too forward, while not giving a kiss on the cheek in Argentina may feel distant.

Religious Influence on Greetings: Many verbal greetings reflect religious traditions. “As-salamu alaykum” is widespread in Muslim-majority countries, while “Shalom” is used in Israel. In Buddhist regions like Bhutan or Thailand, bows and palms-together gestures show reverence.

Understanding greetings is more than a formality—it’s a window into the soul of a country. By learning how people across continents say “hello,” we open doors to empathy, respect, and meaningful connection. Whether it’s through a bow, handshake, cheek kiss, or placing your hand over your heart, the universal gesture of greeting carries a local accent—one worth listening to.

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Source:

• Culture Crossing Guide – culturecrossing.net
• Wikipedia – Greeting & Kissing Traditions
• Commisceo Global Etiquette & Culture Guides – commisceo-global.com/resources/countryguides