Greetings Around the World
Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster Staff 
Some people shake hands, some kiss and hug. Others just say hello. These exchanges are common in the U.S., but how do people in other countries greet each other? In most of Europe, a handshake will do.
A Few of the Ways to Say Hello in Asia
| Country | Gesture |
|---|---|
| China | a nod or bow |
| Hong Kong (older Chinese) | clasp hands together at throat level and nod |
| India | palms together as though praying and bend or nod, called namaste |
| Indonesia | say selamat, which means peace |
| Japan | bow from the waist, palms on thighs, heels together |
| Korea | a slight bow and handshake (right hand in one or both hands) |
| Malaysia | both hands touch other person's hands, then are brought back to the breast, called salame gesture |
| Philippines | a limp handshake |
| Sri Lanka | place palms together under chin and bow slightly |
| Thailand | place palms together, elbows down, and bow head slightly, called wai |
In Malaysia people greet each other by saying “Where are you going?” Because it is not really a question, the polite response is “Just for a walk.”
