Greeting Etiquette

One of the first things you notice when you arrive on the island is how people greet one another. Seychelles people prefer to hug when greeting and saying goodbye, especially family, close friends, and acquaintances. A handshake is always required in the business world. With the way the world has been going lately, especially with social distancing, an increasing number of people (especially the younger generation) are holding out their fist for a fist bump (also known as a bro fist). It can also be interpreted as an approval or respect symbol.

The traditional greeting kiss, on the other hand, remains the norm and feels the most natural to the majority of people. A kiss on each cheek is elegantly intimate, but it lacks the intimacy of a kiss on the lips. On that note, men rarely greet in this manner, with the exception of women on women and men on women, but not many men on men. So, gentlemen, aim for a mature fist bump or handshake.