Kissing Strangers in Italy: Cultural Norms Explained

No, it is not customary to kiss a stranger in Italy.

The Real Custom: Il Bacio (Cheek Kissing)

• Who: Friends, family, close acquaintances, colleagues with established rapport.
• When: Greeting and parting.
• How: Light touch of cheeks (right then left, or left then right – varies by region), often with a kissing sound near the ear. Lips do not touch the cheek.
• Number: Usually two kisses (one per cheek). In some areas (e.g., parts of South), three or four.

With Strangers / New Acquaintances

• Handshake is standard (firm, brief, eye contact).
• Verbal greeting: "Buongiorno" (day), "Buonasera" (evening), "Ciao" (informal, only if invited).
• Titles matter: "Signore/Signora" + surname until invited to use first name.

Regional & Generational Nuance

Southern Italians (Naples, Sicily, Calabria) kiss more readily and with more kisses. Northerners (Milan, Turin) are more reserved—handshakes prevail longer. Younger generations kiss more freely across regions.

Bottom line: Wait for the Italian to initiate the cheek kiss. Offering it to a stranger is seen as overly familiar or invasive.