10. This One Raises an Eyebrow
In the Marshall Islands of Micronesia, a typical greeting is to simply raise an eyebrow at each other. It’s just a casual way of acknowledging each person’s presence.
11. Some Take Backslapping a Little Far
It’s not uncommon for men to slap each other on the back when there’s a good joke or they’re praising a friend for example, and some countries take this a bit further for greetings. Expect lots of talking, handshaking, and backslapping in South Africa, while Portuguese men embrace and slap each other’s backs with great enthusiasm. It’s a little more demure in the Philippines, where a simple back-pat works. In Nicaragua good friends hug with a pat, while women will hug with cheek kisses.
12. Too Close for Comfort
Thinking that you’re all up in someone’s personal space? Western culture frowns upon standing too close to others, especially when you don’t know them very well, or have just met. The opposite is true in places like Brazil, Hong Kong, and Arab countries, where it’s seen as rude if you don’t stand close to the person you’re speaking with.
