intro: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge were given a traditional welcome on a family trip to New Zealand this week that included an intense warrior ritual, primal wailing and haka powhiri dancing. But first the prince and princess had to rub noses with New Zealand leaders, in keeping with the Maori custom for greeting friends.
Pressing noses together is just one of many ways to say hello throughout the world. The following list of countries will shed light on when to kiss, hug, shake or bow while traveling.
quicklist: 1 title: France text: Whether you're planning a trip to the City of Lights or the Loire valley, get ready to pucker up in France. The French greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. Don't know whether to go left or right first? When in doubt, let the other person lead. media: 23223686
quicklist: 2 title: Japan text: When meeting others in Japan, the preferred greeting for men and women is to bow to one another, as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries president Hideaki Omiya and Hitachi president Hiroaki Nakanishi do in this photo from 2012. media: 23223616
quicklist: 3 title: Turkey text: The Turks go all in when welcoming one another. Men embrace men in a hug, and women also give women they know a light hug upon greeting. Physical contact between the sexes in public is rare and considered obscene by some. It may also be prohibited by one's religion, so proceed with caution. media: 23223913
quicklist: 4 title: Russia text: In Russia, a firm handshake is the standard way to greet one another in public. media: 23223962
quicklist: 5 title: America text: First appearing in America in the 1940s, fist bumping was originally a way for riders on motorcycles to greet one another on the road. Since then, the practice has been adopted by many as a friendly way to say hello while also helping to prevent spreading germs. media: 23223771
quicklist: 6 title: Everywhere text: In many countries, waving one's hand from side to side is considered an informal way to say hello to strangers. And if all of this hugging, kissing, bowing and nose rubbing has worn you out, a wave works just as well for goodbyes. media: 23223455