What is the etiquette for tourists in Taiwan?

Etiquette in Taiwan emphasizes respect, orderliness, and modesty, heavily influenced by Confucian values and, in some respects, Japanese culture. Key practices include queuing patiently, using two hands for transactions, removing shoes indoors, and showing respect to elders. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, and maintaining a quiet, polite demeanor is appreciated.

What are the etiquette rules in Taiwan?

Social Etiquette in Taiwan

• Names and titles are very important and it is customary to exchange business cards upon introduction. ...
• A nod or a slight bow is considered polite for the first meeting, while handshakes are generally only for males who are friends.
• Introductions are important.

How to not look like a tourist in Taiwan?

You can get away with casual clothes in all but the fanciest restaurants, and for women, short shorts, mini-skirts, and tank tops are all perfectly fine and common, even for walking around at night. Sandals are also common for much of the year, as are shorts for men. All of this even applies to visiting temples.

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. 

Is Taiwan friendly to foreigners?

Taiwanese have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to outsiders. Visitors are likely to receive random hellos on the street. People may want to practice their English with you (most people can speak at least some basic English).

Mindful Travel Series: Taiwan Etiquette Guide Part 1

What should I be careful of in Taiwan?

Taiwan is affected by frequent natural disasters

This includes earthquakes, typhoons, floods and landslides. Avoid mountainous areas after quakes and heavy rains. Strong winds often mess up sailing schedules to and from Taiwan's islands, and cross-island buses may stop running after a landslide.

What do Taiwanese call foreigners?

The term laowai, which originally meant “layman” or an unprofessional person in a particular field, is now widely used and can be translated as “non-Chinese,” “foreigner,” “outsider,” or “alien” in the Chinese Mandarin language in mainland China (Qi, 1998).

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 not allowed into Taiwan?

Travel. Heroin, morphine, opium, cocaine, coca leaves, poppy, poppy seeds, amphetamine, marijuana, marijuana seeds, marijuana derivatives containing over 10 ppm of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), derived products of the said materials, etc. are prohibited.

What is the coldest month in Taiwan?

January is the coldest month of the year in Taiwan.

Do you tip 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.

How to not dress like a tourist?

Watch What You Wear

Avoid bright-colored clothes and wear muted colors instead. Ditch the white sneakers, bulky cargo shorts, and yoga pants, and opt for comfortable shoes and casual pants like khakis. Forget the fanny pack and hulking backpacks. Carry only what you need.

When to avoid visiting Taiwan?

Worst Times to Visit Taiwan

July to September (Typhoon Season): The risk of extreme weather events can lead to disrupted travel plans. Public Holiday Rush: Prices can surge, and attractions crowd during months with national holidays, like the Lunar New Year (January/February).

What if a girl picks up a red envelope in Taiwan?

According to local folklore, picking up a red envelope could mean you're being tied to a ghost seeking a spouse—often someone who passed away without marrying. The consequences of rejecting this ghost marriage are serious, as it's believed to bring bad luck.

What to know before visiting Taipei?

15 things to know before going to Taipei

• Learn some very basic Mandarin. ...
• Pack flip-flops for the plum rain. ...
• Follow a Taipei foodie before you arrive. ...
• Hot-step it to a 7-Eleven for an EasyCard and a tea egg. ...
• Don't leave a tip. ...
• Drinking culture is also eating culture. ...
• There could be typhoons and earthquakes.

Do I need to bring toilet paper to Taiwan?

Yes. All major tourist attractions, transport hubs, most temples, and many convenience stores have public bathrooms. There's never a need to pay but you should always carry some toilet paper or tissue paper with you, as it's not always provided.

Should I bring cash to Taiwan?

The use and acceptance of credit cards in Taiwan is widespread, especially in urban areas, and many outlets accept major credit cards. However, smaller market stalls may not accept credit cards, so it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you.

Do travelers get sick in Taiwan?

There has been a significant increase in cases of dengue fever in the south of Taiwan (including the cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan). Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. See key updates from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Taiwan.

What is the 70/30 wardrobe rule?

The 70/30 rule in fashion is a wardrobe strategy suggesting 70% of your closet consists of timeless, versatile basics (jeans, neutral tops, blazers) and 30% is for trendy or statement pieces (bold colors, unique patterns, statement accessories) to add personality and keep looks fresh without chasing every trend. It balances longevity with current style, ensuring most of your wardrobe remains relevant while still allowing for fun, expressive items that elevate your everyday staples. 

What is the 3 finger rule dress code?

Ever wondered what the 3 Finger Rule Dress Code is all about? It's a straightforward concept that's super handy when it comes to choosing the right outfit, especially in India. Simply put, this rule helps you determine the ideal sleeve length by measuring three fingers from your shoulder.

What is white in Taiwanese?

白色 [pe̍h-sik] white.

What does 66666 mean in Chinese slang?

The Chinese internet slang 666 (liù liù liù) basically means “awesome” because the number six in Chinese sounds like “溜” (liù), meaning “smooth”. 666 started as gaming slang to praise a skilled player, like “GG” in English, but is now used generally to praise someone for doing something very impressively or “smoothly”.

What does Lao Wai mean?

Laowai is the Pinyin pronunciation/transliteration of 老外 (pinyin: lǎowài, lit. "old foreign"), an informal term or slang for "foreigner" and/or non-Chinese national, usually neutral but possibly impolite or loose in some circumstances.