17 Hilarious Ways Locals Say Hello Around the World

One thing I’ve learned from traveling solo through nearly every corner of the world is that hellos can get weird.

I’ve bowed. I’ve bumped noses. I’ve been headbutted — gently, but still. And in one village in Vanuatu, I literally had to laugh at a stranger to greet them properly.

It’s the kind of thing that makes you pause, smile, and instantly feel like you’re stepping into a different universe.

That’s why I wrote this article. Because saying hello isn’t just a formality. It’s culture, personality, and sometimes pure comedy.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to greet someone without using words — or with a chicken — you’re in for a treat. Here’s what locals do instead of a simple handshake or wave.

1. New Zealand — The Hongi (Nose Pressing)

In Māori tradition, greetings are done by pressing your nose and forehead to someone else’s.

It’s called a hongi, and it’s supposed to share the “breath of life.”

The first time I tried it, I almost sneezed. But it felt way more personal than a handshake.

2. Tibet — Sticking Out Your Tongue

Yes, you read that right.

Tibetans greet people by sticking out their tongue. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries to show you’re not an evil reincarnated king with a black tongue.

It sounds bizarre, but honestly? It’s kind of fun once you get used to it.

3. Greenland — Sniffing Faces

In some Inuit cultures, greeting someone involves getting real close… and sniffing their cheek or forehead.

It’s called a “kunik,” and it’s especially common among close friends or family.

I was both flattered and deeply confused the first time it happened to me.

4. Botswana — Clapping

In Botswana, a polite hello is often done through a series of claps.

Men usually clap three times; women might clap four, with a subtle rhythm.

No words, just palms slapping gently. It’s oddly musical — and really satisfying.

5. Philippines — Blessing the Hand (Mano Po)

Young people greet elders by taking their hand and gently pressing it to their own forehead.

It’s a sign of deep respect and is called “Mano Po.”

It feels sacred, and when someone offered me their hand, I suddenly felt 20 years older.

6. Niger — Asking About the Cows

In some rural areas, greetings are full conversations.

People don’t just say hi — they ask about your cows, your crops, your health, your family, and your neighbor’s cousin.

Once, I spent five minutes just saying hello before anyone asked my name.

7. France — Double, Triple, Even Quadruple Kisses

The “bise” is serious business in France.

Depending on where you are, it’s two, three, or four cheek kisses — and you better know the local rules.

One time I went for two and they went for three. Let’s just say our faces collided mid-greeting.

8. Thailand — The Wai (Praying Hands + Bow)

Image credit: Flickr

Put your hands together like a prayer and give a slight bow. That’s the wai.

It’s elegant, respectful, and makes you feel like a peaceful monk every time.

But the height of your hands matters — and I still mess it up sometimes.

9. Argentina — A Single Kiss… Even Between Men

In Argentina, greetings are often done with a single cheek kiss, even between men. No awkwardness — it’s just how it’s done.

I froze the first time a guy leaned in. Then I leaned in too… and now I barely flinch.

10. Kenya — Saying Hello for a Full Minute

In Kenya, greetings are long and meaningful.

People can go on for a full minute with things like “How are you?” “How’s your family?” “How’s your health?” even before starting the actual conversation.

It’s not small talk. It’s a ritual. And it feels genuinely warm.

11. India — Namaste with a Head Bobble

“Namaste” with hands in prayer is common, but add a head bobble, and you’ve got the full Indian hello.

The head bob can mean yes, hello, good, or maybe. I still don’t know exactly.

But the mix of grace and wiggly enthusiasm is unbeatable.

12. Ethiopia — Shoulder Bumping

Among close friends in Ethiopia, you don’t hug — you bump shoulders.

It’s like a slow-motion chest bump that says, “You’re my person.”

I accidentally headbutted someone the first time. Now I’ve mastered the lean-and-bump.

13. Malaysia — Hand to Heart

Locals greet each other by shaking hands, then placing the right hand over the heart.

It’s soft, sincere, and makes even strangers feel seen.

I left Malaysia wanting to adopt it permanently. It just feels… good.

14. Tuvalu — Squeezing Hands and Smelling

In Tuvalu, some traditional greetings involve grabbing a person’s hands and sniffing them.

It’s intimate and totally unexpected. I didn’t know whether to hold my breath or smile politely.

Turns out, they mean no offense — it’s just a traditional way to say “you’re welcome here.”

15. Nigeria — Snapping Fingers After a Handshake

Some Nigerian greetings involve a cool snap at the end of a handshake.

You grip hands, then slide your fingers off and snap together at the end. It’s slick.

I failed miserably at first. Now I teach it to friends back home.

16. Laos — Quiet Bow + Smile

Laotians tend to greet with a quiet nop — a slight bow with hands pressed together.

No loud words. No big gestures. Just stillness and a genuine smile.

It’s one of the most peaceful hellos I’ve experienced.

17. Vanuatu — Laughing

In some remote villages in Vanuatu, the greeting tradition is to laugh when you meet someone new.

It’s not mocking — it’s a way to show friendliness and lower tension.

I thought they were making fun of me at first… until I laughed too, and we became instant friends.

Final Thoughts

Hello isn’t just a word — it’s a dance, a ritual, sometimes even a comedy routine.

Whether it’s a kiss, a bow, a sniff, or a full-blown conversation about livestock, each culture has found its own way to say, I see you.

And as funny or strange as some of them sound, trying them is the fastest way to connect — and collect unforgettable stories.

Next time you travel, don’t just say hi. Learn how they do it.

Trust me, it’s worth the awkwardness.