When a business email is written how do we begin it i.e. Do I address Hi Ms.XYZ or Dear Ms. XYZ?

Becuase I see some mails being written where the Dear is used and some where a Hi is used. Are there any etiquette guidelines or websites availabel for this. My company conducts business with people across the globe and we find it difficult and sometimes counter productive to use the wrong one. Is there a global standard on this?
When a business email is written how do we begin it i.e. Do I address Hi Ms.XYZ or Dear Ms. XYZ?
The answer to your specific question is as follows:





"How do you address your new contacts? I would suggest initially that you assume the highest level of courtesy: Hello, Mr. Anderson, Dear Ms. Jones, Dr. Osborne, etc. Until your new contact states, "call me Andy" or "you can call me Diane". Keep it formal until it is clear the relationship dictates otherwise. You will also be able pick up clues by how your contacts approach you and their tone. Most business people do not mind being called by their first name, however, in a global economy that can be perceived as taking premature liberties in the relationship if used too soon."





The above paragraph comes from a very good document, "Business Email Etiquette Basics." You can download it by clicking on the link, below.
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