In informal settings and relationships, women always give and receive a “fake” kiss on each cheek whenever they see each other and when parting ways. By “fake” I mean that you don’t actually kiss on the cheek. Instead, you just put your cheeks together and kiss the air. Start with the left cheek, followed by the right. It’s OK to gently place your right hand on the other’s upper arm. To clarify, in informal settings, women always do the two kisses regardless of whether they’re meeting a man or a woman. In formal settings or relationships, women shake hands with both men and women.

Men, on the other hand, have it a little more complicated. Because women always receive kisses, the man gives the woman one “fake” kiss on each cheek as I described earlier. When two men meet, however, the greeting will depend greatly on the type of relationship they have. If they’re merely acquaintances (e.g. they don’t call each other up to hang out on the weekends), they’ll shake hands. If they’re close friends or extended family, they’ll give each other a hug. And if they’re close family or really close friends who haven’t seen each other in a long time they’ll give each other the two “fake” kisses.

Spaniards love to say hello and good-bye to people. When they go into bars or restaurants they greet the bartender or waiter the first time they order something. Even when they go shopping, they’ll say hello to the salesperson if they cross paths with her. And no matter where they are, they never walk out of an establishment without saying “Gracias. Hasta luego.” to the bartender, waiter or salesperson – even if they didn’t buy anything!