---
title: What’s local etiquette for greetings?
description: "[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Practical Tips](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/practical-tips/) Understanding [**local etiquette**](https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/argentine-culture/argentine-culture-etiquette) helps you fit in and avoid awkward situations in Buenos Aires. ## 👋 Greetings in Buenos Aires ### 1. Common Forms of Greeting - **Kiss on the cheek (un besito)** -…"
url: "https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/whats-local-etiquette-for-greetings/"
updated: "2025-09-07"
category: Practical Tips
tags:
  - Local Customs
---

# What’s local etiquette for greetings?

[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Practical Tips](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/practical-tips/)

Understanding [**local etiquette**](https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/argentine-culture/argentine-culture-etiquette) helps you fit in and avoid awkward situations in Buenos Aires.

## 👋 Greetings in Buenos Aires

### 1. Common Forms of Greeting

- **Kiss on the cheek (un besito)**

  - Most common for both men and women when meeting friends, acquaintances, or colleagues.
  - Usually **one light kiss on the right cheek**.
  - Even first-time meetings in social settings often use this, especially among women or between a man and a woman.
- **Handshake**

  - More common in **formal or business settings**.
  - Usually a **firm, brief handshake**, sometimes paired with a slight nod.
- **Hug**

  - Only with close friends or family; not typical for first-time meetings.

### 2. Addressing People

- **“Señor / Señora / Señorita”** → polite, formal way to address strangers, especially in shops, restaurants, or official interactions.
- First names → common once the relationship is established.

### 3. Introductions & Small Talk

- A brief, polite **“¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?)** is common.
- Argentines enjoy a little **friendly conversation**, so asking about family or work is normal.
- **Eye contact** → expected during greetings; shows respect and attentiveness.

### 4. Tips for Tourists

- **Don’t overdo physical contact** → stick to the cheek or handshake depending on context.
- **Smile and be polite** → appreciated everywhere.
- **Business context** → handshake + formal address; casual settings → besito is fine.
- **Group greetings** → greet everyone individually, if possible.

### ✅ Quick Summary

| Situation | Greeting | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Casual/social | One cheek kiss | Men-women, women-women; men-men usually handshake |
| Business/formal | Handshake | Firm, brief, eye contact |
| Friends/family | Hug & kiss | Only for close relationships |