Use Ciao to greet friends of the same age as you or younger. Greet older people with Buongiorno, good day. If you are unsure of what to say, Salve, 'hi', is a safe option for greeting anyone.

On first introductions Italians generally only ever shake hands, never kiss, and good eye contact is considered very important

In Italy, you are expected to salutare, greet, every person in the room  On entering a bar or shop, it is customary to greet people with a Buongiorno or Buonasera and again on leaving.