C
Clarity News Hub

Do and don'ts in Taiwan?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 22, 2026

Do's and Don'ts in Taiwan

  • Do greetings. ...
  • Do dress appropriately. ...
  • Do take off your shoes when entering someone's home.
  • Do present money, a gift, a package or a document with both hands. ...
  • Do your best to pick up a few words in Chinese. ...
  • Do cover your mouth with your hands when using a toothpick in public.
  • Do finish your food.

What should not do in Taiwan?

5 Things You Should Never Ever Do in Taiwan

  • Tell somebody to “'F-word' off” and/or flip the bird (the universal offensive gesture) ...
  • Cause someone to lose face. ...
  • Get in a fight. ...
  • Cross the street without looking both ways. ...
  • Talk about your income.

What is considered rude in Taiwan?

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 another's shoulder, winking and pointing with your index finger are all considered rude gestures.

What do I need to know before going to Taiwan?

9 Things to Know Before You go to Taiwan

  • There is Still a Language Barrier.
  • The People are Incredibly Helpful.
  • Signage Can be Confusing.
  • Taiwan has Everything a Visitor Needs.
  • An EasyCard is Essential.
  • Convenience Stores are More Than Just Convenient.
  • Staying for a Short Time Doesn't Really Happen.
  • Chinese is Difficult.

Is tipping rude in Taiwan?

Please take this into account when making your travel plans. Except for bellhops and service personnel in International Hotels, tipping in Taiwan is generally not expected. For restaurants (especially in large hotels), if there is a tip to be taken, they will just add 10-15% to your check.

38 related questions found

Do you tip taxi drivers in Taiwan?

Tipping taxi drivers is neither common nor expected in Taiwan. If you would like, you could let the taxi driver keep the change, but they will not expect this. Generally, they will readily give you back any change they owe you.

Is it OK to wear shorts in Taiwan?

It is perfectly acceptable to wear shorts, but keep in mind when visiting religious temples you will need to be more modest and cover up your legs. The local people appreciate it if you dress up when visiting restaurants and evening venues.

Is food expensive in Taiwan?

While meal prices in Taiwan can vary, the average cost of food in Taiwan is NT$433 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Taiwan should cost around NT$173 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.

Can I drink the tap water in Taiwan?

The water supplied by TWD is definitely safe for drinking. The quality of TWD's water supply is as good (if not better) than that in advanced countries.

What is dating like in Taiwan?

Taiwanese people prefer to be introduced to a potential date by someone they know and trust. If you have friends, classmates, or co-workers who are friends with some pretty (and single, duh) people, ask if they'd introduce you. Just don't be too pushy about it as Taiwanese people are notorious for their shyness.

Is it rude to burp in Taiwan?

In China and Taiwan, burping is the highest form of flattery—it means you like the food! “The host considers the noise a compliment,” says Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick, founder and president of the Etiquette School of New York.

How do Taiwan people dress?

The Taiwanese place an emphasis on dressing neatly and conservatively. Men tend to wear suits. Women wear conservative business attire, such as a loose skirt and blouse. Making a good first impression is vital.

Are people in Taiwan poor?

Poverty in Taiwan has almost been eradicated, with less than 1 percent of the population (129,968 people or 56,720 households) considered as poor or belonging to the low-income bracket.

Is Taiwan cheap?

Taiwan is an incredibly affordable destination . To me, it's on par with some destinations in Southeast Asia since the food was cheap and so many activities were free. You get a lot of value here. So, if you're looking for an uncrowded and affordable place to visit, Taiwan is it.

Is Taiwan safe?

The crime rate is low in Taiwan. Violent crime is rare. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Is Taiwan cheap to live?

Is Taiwan expensive to live in? Taiwan is surprisingly very affordable to live in, especially compared to other parts of Asia like Singapore and Hong Kong. Rent is significantly cheaper, as well as labor services and utility costs.

Can you smoke in Taiwan?

Smoking in Taiwan is regulated by the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (Taiwan). Tobacco advertising is banned, and smoking is banned in all indoor public places. Taiwan was the second Asian country to institute an indoor smoking ban, after Bhutan.

What is the coldest month in Taiwan?

The cool season lasts for 3.3 months, from December 5 to March 15, with an average daily high temperature below 71°F. The coldest month of the year in Taipei is January, with an average low of 57°F and high of 66°F.

What religion is Taiwan?

For the most part, the traditional religions practiced in Taiwan are Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions; except for a small number of purely Buddhist temples, however, most of the island's traditional places of worship combine all three traditions.

Which is the best month to visit Taiwan?

Weather-wise, September to November is considered the best time of the year to visit Taiwan. This season offers the perfect combination of cool and dry weather. During most of September, the south stays warm, but temperatures begin to cool down in northern Taiwan, although they're still pleasant.

Is Taipei English friendly?

They recall that Taipei is the most English-friendly Taiwanese city. The Taiwanese will at least usually try to help regardless of their English proficiency.

Is English widely spoken in Taiwan?

In general, not many people speak English in Taiwan overall, but the capital Taipei has a greater number of English speakers than elsewhere in the country. Estimates indicate that around a quarter of the population can speak English to some extent, but fluent English speakers are quite rare.

How do you say hello in Taiwan?

Taiwanese: Basic Survival

Let's start at the very beginning: Hello. You can greet the Taiwanese like a local by saying lí-hó (for one person) or lín-hó for more than one.