How to Greet a Chilean

Don’t be embarrassed or unsure of yourself when greeting a Chilean. Here’s what you need to know…

Men greeting each other for the first time will do so with a firm handshake. You’re safe to use a handshake in almost any setting, business or casual, especially as a foreigner meeting new people.

If a man is friends with another man, they will exchange an abrazo which is like a big bear hug with a pat on the back. Sometimes this abrazo follows a three step process: shake hands, give a hug, shake hands again.

Women will greet other women with a kiss on the cheek. Likewise, men greet women (even if they have never met before) with a kiss on the cheek.

This kiss on the cheek isn’t really a kiss as much as it is kissing the air. Lightly touch right cheeks and blow a soft kiss into the air. Beware that old women (think grandmas) will probably plant a big juicy kiss on your cheek.

As a general rule of thumb, when meeting people for the first time:

Women always greet others with a kiss.

Men greet other men with handshakes.

Posted March 23rd, 2011 in Culture.