when two men meet it is common for men to shake hands, usually holding for a bit longer, while maintaining steady eye contact - between friends it is most usual for men to use one hand to shake hands, while using the other to grab their friend by the shoulder and pat him on the back, a manly hug or 'abraço'.

between men and women it is customary to exchange the light kiss on the cheeks with each other, and if a woman wishes to shake hands with a man this is acceptable, however, she should extend her hand first - these greetings are used between family and friends and even between business colleagues and people being introduced for the first time.