Greetings

A handshake, coupled with a smile,  is generally the best form of greeting, introduction and farewell. It is not likely to be taken amiss even if not common in a particular culture. However
  •  it should not be too hearty or prolonged
  • an older man should be the first to offer his hand to a younger man
  •  any man should wait for a woman to offer her hand.
Other forms of bodily contact - particularly backslapping or hugging - should not be initiated,  as will become apparent from the points made later on. On the other hand, do not go into paralysis, if you are hugged, kissed on one or more cheeks, have your hand held, etc. You are playing on someone else's ball ground, so stick with their rules.

Public displays of affection between the sexes - even between family members - should be avoided.

Names and titles are very important to greetings in general and to first encounters in particular, so this section should be read in conjunction with the notes on this subject ( follow the link at the beginning of  this paragraph).
 

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