Love this topic and of course i hate this question, how are you if it is just to be "nice" haha!!.. I try to make it a point to be more creative with my questions unless i have no time, then i just say hi haha!!! I always thougth it was rude not asking how someone is, but i don't like to be fake.

Here in colombia they say que tal or que pasa, or buena onda.. like whats up, whats happening.. usually its not a question its just a hey dude whats up.. not a Hola Como estas.. that is more hi how are you..

here que pasa and a hug or greeting with hands.. i love it.. no expectations of answering haha.. i say buenas.. or hola. and then they dig it and start questioning because they are curious Which i love, my boyfriends say because colombians like to talk but not just talk, they like to "know you" not just fine and walk away. That would be just a buenas when passinig.