Italy: Cheek Kiss — Common Between Acquaintances.
Want the full guide? Get a PDF with greeting tips for Italy — free.
Cheek Kiss — Common Between Acquaintances. Cheek kissing (usually on both cheeks) is standard between acquaintances, alongside warm, expressive body language — a handshake works for first business meetings.
Italy: Cheek Kiss — Common Between Acquaintances. Cheek kissing (usually on both cheeks) is standard between acquaintances, alongside warm, expressive body language — a handshake works for first business meetings.
In Italy, cheek kissing (or an air-kiss) between acquaintances is normal and expected in social settings, alongside or instead of a handshake.
A light handshake or friendly nod is a safe default almost anywhere in the world. Let the other person initiate anything closer, like a hug or cheek kiss — following their lead avoids any awkwardness.
This reflects the general, most common pattern for a destination, not a fixed rule — greeting style varies by region, generation, and setting, and it's always fine to follow the other person's lead or offer a simple handshake if you're unsure.