If you’re unsure, lean your head slightly to your right first, so your right cheek is the one that (almost) touches theirs, this is the most common default across Western Europe. If the other person leans the other way, follow their lead instead of correcting them.
One kiss is standard across most of Latin America and Portugal. Two kisses is the norm in France (most regions), Spain, Italy, and much of the rest of Europe. Three is common in the Netherlands, and some regions of France and Switzerland go to three or even four, there’s real regional variation even within a single country.
This greeting is typically between women, or between a man and a woman who already know each other, two men greeting this way is uncommon outside a few specific cultures. In most of Asia, the Middle East, and North America, it isn’t the default greeting at all, a handshake or nod is the safer choice unless you already know the local norm or the other person initiates.
- It’s a cheek-to-cheek touch or an air kiss, not a kiss on the actual cheek — an audible “mwah” with little or no lip contact is standard, not a mistake.
- When in doubt, hang back half a second — letting the other person start the motion tells you both the side and the count before you have to guess.