South Africa: Handshake — The Standard Greeting.
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Handshake — The Standard Greeting. A firm handshake is the standard greeting across South Africa's diverse population — some greetings include a longer handshake with a grip shift as a sign of friendliness.
South Africa: Handshake — The Standard Greeting. A firm handshake is the standard greeting across South Africa's diverse population — some greetings include a longer handshake with a grip shift as a sign of friendliness.
In South Africa, a handshake is the standard, expected greeting in both business and social settings.
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.