Know before you go - different greeting customs

photo by Kiva Dang

When meeting associates in the U.S., a firm handshake is preferred, but when traveling abroad, it's a different story. Here are a few ways you might be greeted by others when doing business abroad:

China
While the western handshake is accepted, it is performed with a lighter grip and a pumping motion. Chinese also lower their eyes slightly as a sign of respect when meeting someone. Staring into their eyes can be perceived as a sign of disrespect.

Japan
Both handshaking and bowing are accepted forms of greeting in international business circles, so take your lead from the person you are meeting. If shaking hands, do so lightly. If you are greeted with a bow, respond by bowing in kind.

Russia
Russians usually use a firm (sometimes very firm) handshake when meeting a guest. If you've met the person before don't be surprised if the greeting includes a hug. Russian men customarily kiss their guest's cheeks (men and women alike) while women reserve such intimacies for other Russians and simply shake hands with foreigners.

France
Shake hands with one brisk stroke upon arrival and departure and make sure to shake hands with everyone.
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Latin America
Latin Americans use a light, lingering handshake (about twice as long as an American handshake) and pulling away too soon is interpreted as rejection. A man may offer his hand to a woman, and he may "kiss" the top of a woman's hand.

Europeans
While their handshake is the western style, eastern and western Europeans re-shake hands whenever they are apart for a period of time. For example, it is considered polite to shake hands when you leave for lunch and when you return.

Arab countries
Male friends may embrace and kiss each other on both cheeks following a light and lingering handshake. They also stand very close to one another when talking. If you are a non-Arab woman traveling to an Arab country, let the man offer his hand first because some Muslim men do not shake hands with women. Many Arab business women who often travel to Western countries shake hands with men and women. Let her offer her hand first.

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