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A Gringo's Culture Guide to Chile

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Home » How to Greet a Chilean

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.

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The Gringo’s Culture Guide to Chile is designed to help you understand Chileans, their culture, food, language, and daily life so you can enjoy your time in this beautiful country and not be blindsided by culture shock.

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