Greeting Etiquette in Norway

Norwegian greetings reflect egalitarian informality:

Core Principles

• First-name basis immediately — titles (Herr/Fru) are rare; last-name-only feels stiff/rude.
• Eye contact + smile — signals sincerity.
• Handshake — standard for all genders in formal/new settings; firm, brief.

Gender-Specific Norms

• Women ↔ Women / Women ↔ Men: Light **cheek kiss ×2** (right-left) common, even at work. Not romantic.
• Men ↔ Men: Handshake standard. Close friends may hug or shoulder-clap.

Verbal Greetings

• Hei / Heisann — universal, casual.
• God dag — polite, daytime.
• Hallo — phone, or surprised.

No elaborate honorifics. Equality > hierarchy. When in doubt: smile, eye contact, "Hei," handshake.