In Japan, we have turned the day-to-day bow into a quick, almost curt little nod. The neck and shoulder move just enough to separate it from a nod in agreement. It is barely even noticeable, but you find yourself doing it unconsciously when exiting an elevator before somebody else does or when the person at the register in a convenience store thanks you for your purchase (which does not merit a verbal response). I even do it when talking on the phone. We have a word for it: 会釈 (eshaku).
I really like how Koreans turn their head to the side when drinking with somebody who is older or higher status. I always make an effort to do that when I visit Korea, and my friends there find it hilarious.
