Taiwan Cultural Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

This photo copyright by K. Dickson from LookThroughTheLens.com

Why should we care about Taiwan Cultural Etiquette?

Well, it’s all about understanding and relating to Taiwanese friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Navigating social norms in Taiwan can be both enriching and nuanced. Whether you’re building friendships, working with local colleagues, or simply trying to be a respectful guest, understanding cultural expectations will help you connect more meaningfully. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you engage with sincerity, humility, and contextual awareness.

Eating Etiquette

Dining in Taiwan is often casual yet respectful. Here are some key behaviors to keep in mind:

• Eat while it’s hot: It’s perfectly acceptable to begin eating without waiting for others. Warm food is meant to be enjoyed immediately.
• Avoid loud slurping: Unlike in Japan, slurping noodles loudly is not considered polite in Taiwan.
• Rice bowl manners: Hold your rice bowl with one hand and bring it close to your lips. Avoid leaning down to eat.
• Don’t use personal chopsticks or spoons to dig through shared dishes, as it spreads saliva. Use communal chopsticks or spoons and serve from the nearest side. (thanks to Diane!)
• Don’t put chopsticks in your bowl. It symbolizes an offering in a temple and is considered unlucky.
• Serving others: It’s customary to help others at your table by giving them items they need, helping them with food (esp. at banquets). Adults often help those who have difficulties.
• No tipping required: Many restaurants include a 10% service charge. However, tipping is appreciated in upscale hotels, especially for valets, bellboys, and parking staff.
• After eating, many restaurants have toothpicks for use. Don’t expose your mouth; cover it whilst cleaning your teeth.
• Quite often, not clearing one’s plate/bowl would be seen as wasting food, especially if it’s a buffet situation.

Gestures and Body Language

Non-verbal communication in Taiwan carries subtle meaning. Here’s how to interpret and respond appropriately:

• No hugs, no problem: Hugging is uncommon, but physical closeness in crowded spaces like buses is normal.
• Eye contact: Avoiding eye contact doesn’t signal dislike, it’s a gesture of respect or modesty.
• Beckoning: Use your whole hand with the palm facing downward when calling someone over.
• Nodding: A nod usually means “I hear you,” not necessarily “I agree with you.”
• Holding hands: You’ll often see people holding hands in the street.

Talking and Public Interaction

Speech and tone matter greatly in Taiwanese social settings. Consider these tips:

• Sneezing in public: People won’t say “bless you.” Instead, they’ll pretend not to notice, as a way to avoid embarrassing you.
• Watch your language: Don’t complain in a foreign language in public or in taxis, many locals understand more than you might expect.
• Keep it quiet: Speaking loudly doesn’t help you get understood. It may actually alienate others.

Visiting Someone’s Home

Being invited into a Taiwanese home is a gesture of trust. Show your appreciation with these practices:

• Bring a small gift: Fruit, sweets, or liquor are thoughtful and appreciated.
• Greet everyone: Make an effort to say hello and goodbye to all family members present.
• Take off your shoes: It’s customary not to wear shoes indoors though you may swap to indoor shoes or slippers, this may extend to other places, too.

Gift-Giving Customs

Gift-giving is a delicate art in Taiwan, rooted in symbolism and modesty:

• Keep it simple: Modest gifts are best. It’s the thought that counts, not the price.
• Avoid taboo items: Steer clear of clocks, umbrellas, knives, handkerchiefs, white envelopes, and anything associated with the number “4” (which sounds like “death” in Mandarin).
• Use two hands: Always present and receive gifts (and business cards) with both hands.
• Don’t open gifts immediately: Wait until later to unwrap a gift: it shows respect.
• Expect polite refusals: People may initially decline a gift out of courtesy. Learn to sense when they truly mean it.
• Share your travels: Bringing back food or souvenirs from trips is a warm way to show thoughtfulness.

Treatment of Older People

In Taiwan society, older people are often treated more respectfully. You may experience some of this yourself and find it perplexing.

• Privacy expectations differ: it’s not uncommon for others to discuss an elder’s condition openly, which may feel intrusive to foreigners but is often meant with concern.
• Deference in conversation: Interrupting or contradicting elders is generally avoided. Listening attentively is a sign of respect. It does not denote agreement!
• Public behavior: People often offer seats to older adults on public transport, and service staff may address them with extra courtesy.

Cultural Don’ts for Taiwanese Transport

• Don’t eat, drink, or chew anything in MRT stations or trains. You can be fined. This is the most famous and strictly enforced rule on the MRT (Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan Airport MRT). It includes all food, gum, betel nut, and even water or other beverages (though exceptions for seniors/medication may exist; it’s safest not to). The rule also applies to the station’s paid-access area.
• Don’t speak loudly. All Transport (MRT, Bus, HSR) Don’t talk on your phone
• You can find more helpful advice on navigating the city’s travel systems and customs in this video: Ultimate Guide to Taiwan’s Public Transportation: Travel Like a Local!.

General Social Tips

Taiwanese culture values harmony, sincerity, and contextual sensitivity. Here’s how to embody those values:

• Be flexible and kind: A gentle demeanor will take you further than assertiveness.
• Understand privacy norms: Locals may ask deeply personal questions (about your salary, rent, or health) but may not answer similar questions themselves. Respect their boundaries. Give vague answers if you feel uncomfortable or redirect to the topic about how little you make, how expensive things are, etc.
• Flattery and humility: Frequent apologies and compliments are common. Don’t always take them literally, they’re often meant to maintain harmony.
• Ask for help: It’s a great way to build rapport and show humility.
• Be sincere, not submissive: Authenticity is valued, but don’t over-accommodate.
• Learn some Mandarin and/or Taiwanese: Even basic phrases show effort and respect.
• Context is everything: Taiwanese people are diverse. Observe and adapt to individual styles, there’s no one-size-fits-all.

Final Thought

Relating well in Taiwan means tuning into subtle cues, showing genuine interest, and embracing cultural differences with grace. Whether you’re sharing a meal, exchanging gifts, or navigating a conversation, your openness and respect will be remembered far more than perfection.

We’ll be adding to this list of do’s and don’ts along the way. If you notice something, and would like to share, drop us a line!