How do people greet each other?

Fraserpan wrote:

In western culture, especially in North America, people hug each other some times and shake hands or just say hello other times when they meet up. My question is in what situation I should do each of them? Thanks!

If you're are not sure how to greet someone, I think it is best to do least! Say hello in a polite and friendly way, but don't hug someone who you aren't sure wants to be hugged. Hugs usually are reserved for family members and close friends. Some people don't like to hug or be hugged in public.

Handshakes are very common when people introduce themselves or are introduced by someone else. Some people like to shake hands when they meet acquaintances or friends, but other people prefer verbal greetings without the handshake. In general, I think women are less fond of handshakes than men are. (I could be wrong about this.) You can watch and try to take your cue from the person you're with. If you know someone fairly well, you can ask his or her opinion on how he/she likes to greet people and to be greeted. 

Hi every body

my friend I know that if I want to greet someone who is not my friend or I met him for the first time I can just say hi or any verbal greeting, but if this person will my partner at work or I have to do business with him or something special it is good to shake hands. but with my family and close friends hugs are nice and mean good relationships.

but here in Saudi Arabia we do not hug each other unless between the man and his wife or kids, sometimes brothers and sisters do. also a strange man do not shake hands with a strange women, sometime shake hands with my aunts but not with my aunts' daughters.

thank you.

so what about you in your country?