Should you tip in Taiwan?

Tipping is not part of the culture in Taiwan and is generally not expected or required. While a 10% service charge is often added to bills at2 restaurants, this goes to the business, not the staff. Tips may be refused, but small gratuities for exceptional service (especially for tour guides) are appreciated.

How do tourists pay in Taiwan?

What is the main payment method in Taiwan? The most popular digital payment method in Taiwan is the credit card, which is widely used for both online and offline retail. E-wallets like LINE Pay and JKOPAY are also extremely popular for in-store QR code payments, P2P transfers, and bill payments.

Is it better to use cash or card in Taiwan?

Cash is still king in 90% of the places. You can use credit cards in restaurants and convenient stores, but for night markets, taxi etc., most places still take cash.

What to be careful of in Taiwan?

There is a risk of natural disasters in Taiwan, including earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, flooding, and extreme heat.

Do you tip hotel maids in Taiwan?

Tipping Etiquette in Taiwan

For exceptional service, a higher amount is also appropriate. Porters: If a porter assists with your luggage, it is customary to give 50 NTD per bag. Housekeeping: Not mandatory, but a tip of 50 NTD per day is appreciated.

TAIWAN TRAVEL TIPS: 13 Things to Know Before You Go

What is tipping etiquette in Taiwan?

Tipping is also not common practice in Taiwan. Patrons don't need to add additional costs to a meal's base price. Servers in the country make a living wage and don't rely on tips. Some locals may consider efforts to tip as rude behavior.

Do you tip housekeeping on last day?

It's also acceptable to tip at the end of your stay, but leave a cash tip for the number of nights stayed, even if the housekeeping team was not able to clean your room due to hotel policy. The housekeepers should not be penalized because they are unable to provide service each day.

Is it okay to wear red in Taiwan?

Yes, you can absolutely wear red in Taiwan; it's a very auspicious color symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and celebration, used extensively in festivals, weddings, and temples, though you should avoid writing someone's name in red ink as it's considered bad luck and a sign of death. Red clothing is common and welcomed, especially during festive times, and generally, you can wear whatever you like, with few restrictions. 

What is considered rude in Taiwan?

Never use your feet to move an object or to point as feet are considered dirty. Place your hands in your lap when sitting. Men should not cross their legs, but rather place both feet on the floor. Putting an arm around someone's shoulder, winking, and pointing with your index finger are all considered rude gestures.

What is the 2/3/4 rule for credit cards?

The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself. 

Should I exchange money before I travel to Taiwan?

Don't change the currency in the U.S., not a good rate. At Taiwan airport or the local bank is not much difference. At the local bank, if you not have Taiwan passport, there will be some extra charge for currency exchange. So Debit card might be a good idea.

Is it rude not to finish food in Taiwan?

If you're eating with Taiwanese people they will probably insist that you eat more even if you say you're full. The etiquette here is to politely insist you're full. Your host is just being a good host by offering more food and making sure you're not just too shy to eat more.

What to do before arriving in Taiwan?

Taiwan Arrival Card

Before arriving in Taiwan, please go to the website of the National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior, and submit Online Arrival Card.

What is a taboo in Taiwan?

As it is with other auspicious occasions, the usage of bad language and talk of death is considered taboo as many Taiwanese people believe that any talk of inauspicious events would curse the speaker with bad luck. Serve fish during meals during these 15 days.

What does 87 mean in Taiwanese slang?

In Taiwanese Mandarin, 87 (ㄅㄚ ㄑㄧ- bā qī) sounds very similar to the slang term 白癡 (ㄅㄞˊ ㄔ – bái chī), which means “idiot” or “fool.” This phonetic similarity is the key to its usage as a playful, and sometimes sarcastic, way to call someone an idiot.

Do you shake hands in Taiwan?

Taiwanese people often greet foreigners with a handshake. However, a polite handshake in Taiwan is not as firm as in many other countries. Also, men should wait for women to initiate a handshake.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.

What is the coldest month in Taiwan?

January is the coldest month of the year in Taiwan.

Can you wear flip flops in Taiwan?

In summertime you'll see a lot of people in sandals or flip-flops, but they're unlikely to set foot in a high-class restaurant without putting on proper shoes. Speaking of footwear, we strongly advise you to bring shoes that are both breathable and comfortable when you're doing a good amount of walking.

Where to put a tip in a hotel room?

Make sure the tip is visible, like on the dresser or next to the bathroom sink. Avoid leaving your housekeeping tips on the bed or nightstand, as these areas risk your cash getting jostled around or lost when bed sheets are changed. Leave your tip on top of, or next to, a thank you note.

What percent of people tip hotel maids?

First, the good news: 39% of Americans say they usually tip hotel housekeepers, according to a 2023 survey done by The Vacationer website.