{"id":53017,"date":"2019-09-01T20:50:50","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T00:50:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/?p=53017"},"modified":"2020-02-17T23:36:29","modified_gmt":"2020-02-18T04:36:29","slug":"things-you-should-never-do-in-taiwan-t2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/things-you-should-never-do-in-taiwan-t2\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Things You Should Never Do In Taiwan"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Source: http:\/\/itssharonho.files.wordpress.com<\/p><\/div>\n

If you get the chance to visit Taiwan, you might think that this Republic of China country is much like the mainland, but in fact, they are actually far from it. The Taiwanese also don\u2019t appreciate tourists making the assumptions that they are either. Of course, while many of their customs and traditions are indeed the same, Taiwan still prefers to be thought of as an autonomous region, and for good reason. They were also colonized by the Dutch for quite some time, and fought over by the Spanish, but eventually, they would find themselves as part of the ROC, but already influenced in many ways.<\/h6>\n
If you decide to go to Taiwan and you don\u2019t want to break any cultural rules, here are 30 things you should never do in Taiwan.<\/strong>
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Never Assume They Won\u2019t Understand You<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.agoda.com<\/p><\/div>\n

When in Taiwan, never assume they won\u2019t understand you when you speak in English, especially when you\u2019re in the bigger cities like Taipei. Most schools teach English as another language to learn, even though they don\u2019t speak it as often. But just because they happen to be speaking in their native tongue doesn\u2019t mean that they can\u2019t speak other languages, they just prefer to speak their own.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Go Ahead Of Others<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/tnimage.taiwannews.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The Taiwanese are sticklers for rules, and they expect that their visitors will follow these rules in order to show respect. No matter what you happen to be doing, whether it\u2019s lining up in a queue, waiting for the metro, buying something in a store, or even getting into an elevator, never go ahead of others but patiently wait for your turn. If you push your way to get ahead, they might not scream at you publicly, but they will still consider you to be an idiot nonetheless.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Go Out Without Cash<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com<\/p><\/div>\n

When in Taiwan, don\u2019t expect that you can use your credit card everywhere you go. In fact, you\u2019ll probably use cash way more than you will a credit card in more places than you\u2019d think. Many of their convenience stores, public transport systems, and even some restaurants are on a \u2018cash payment only\u2019 basis. Never go out without cash unless you want to find yourself washing dishes as payment for your meal, or searching for the nearest ATM or money changer.<\/h6>\n

Never Call Them Chinese<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.chinadailyhk.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Despite the fact that Taiwan is a part of the Republic of China, never call them Chinese. They will insist on their autonomy and be very insulted if you say otherwise. The Taiwanese are proud of their heritage and the fact that they have their own governing party is important to them. Plus they will also find it quite rude if you talk about Taiwan-Chinese political issues if you don\u2019t truly know their history or know the right facts. \u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Eat Or Drink On The Subway<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.antoniotajuelo.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Another major rule that they expect to be followed is to never eat or drink anything on the subway. The Taiwanese people will think that you are being very rude and once again, that you\u2019re acting just like another ignorant tourist. If you don\u2019t want to piss anybody off, especially when in such close proximity with others, which is usually the case on the subway, then do yourself a favor and eat after your trip.<\/h6>\n

Never Get Insulted When They Smile At Inappropriate Times<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.wellesley.edu<\/p><\/div>\n

If you find that you are in a strange situation that normally calls for anger or embarrassment, a Taiwanese person will probably just smile. No, they aren\u2019t being rude or trying to be disrespectful, but they just tend to smile when they are in an uncomfortable situation. Never get insulted in this type of situation and just know, that their smile is just them feeling awkward and not knowing how else to react.<\/h6>\n

Never Think The Food Is The Usual Chinese You\u2019re Used To<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/tripadvisor.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Taiwanese food is some of the best on the planet, but never think that it is the usual Chinese food you\u2019re used to like what you find in Panda Express and the like. While they happen to be the creators of the milk tea craze, the super yummy xiao long bao, and well, the incredibly stinky tofu, they have many other dishes that are truly Taiwan-created, which are unique and exclusive to them, and won\u2019t be found in mainland China. Not to mention, they are incredibly delicious too.<\/h6>\n

Never Go In For A Hug<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/o.aolcdn.com<\/p><\/div>\n

While Americans are huggers right off the bat, the Taiwanese don\u2019t believe in such close contact, especially if you don\u2019t know each other that well. For them, handshakes are more than acceptable when meeting someone, especially when meeting for the very first time. And even when they are the presence of good friends or acquaintances, they will slightly bow their heads or just wave their hands to greet hello, hardly ever touching or having any physical connection.
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Never Open A Gift In Front Of The Giver<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.moneycrashers.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The Taiwanese have a number of important customs, one in particular is about how to go about giving and receiving gifts. While it is customary to give a gift to your host, there are also rules if you are the recipient of a gift. When you hand over a gift or are offered one from someone, make sure to use both your hands to take it or give it, depending on which side of the gift giving you are on. But even more importantly, never open the gift if front of the giver, no matter how excited you are. It is just considered bad manners.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Get Annoyed At Their Greetings<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.ft.com<\/p><\/div>\n

In Taiwan, it is considered customary to ask someone \u201cHave you eaten?\u201d even if you just met, and they will ask you this over and over again. But whatever you do, don\u2019t get annoyed at this constant questioning. In Taiwan, it is considered good manners to offer food to one another especially since food is such a huge part of their culture. Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s okay to decline an invite to eat, especially if you really aren\u2019t hungry.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Wear Your Shoes Inside The House<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/toddandmelissainjapan.files.wordpress.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Like many other Asian countries, wearing your shoes inside someone else\u2019s house is considered very impolite. And even if they say that it\u2019s okay to wear your shoes inside, you still shouldn\u2019t, even if they insist that it\u2019s okay. They will most probably have an extra pair of slippers that they will offer you in exchange, so just use those even if they are too small. This custom is just considered polite and at least you know you aren\u2019t bringing any unwanted dirt from the outside into their home.<\/h6>\n

Never Stick Your Chopsticks Vertically In Your Bowl<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/kenh14cdn.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The customary utensils in Taiwan are chopsticks, which are very tricky to use if you never have before. Whatever you do, never stick them vertically into your bowl, whether it\u2019s a cup of rice, noodles, soup or anything else, as it is considered to be very insulting. And if you don\u2019t know how to use chopsticks, ask for utensils instead. They would rather see you using a fork and knife properly than see you floundering with chopsticks.
\n<\/h6>\n

Never Bother To Tip<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.usnews.com<\/p><\/div>\n

In Taiwan, never bother to tip when you\u2019re in hotels, restaurants, taxis and the like. They believe that tipping is quite insulting, especially since most of them earn a very good living regardless of what they do for a living. But there are a few places that are an exception to that rule like at bars, probably because tipping is just incredibly common in such establishments almost everywhere else in the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Refuse Food Placed On Your Plate<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.verywellfit.com<\/p><\/div>\n

If you get invited to dinner, don\u2019t be surprised when your host puts food on your plate. Not only is this customary for the Taiwanese to serve you, but to them, this is also seen as a sign of respect to their guests. And whatever you do, don\u2019t refuse the food they offer or argue that you will just get food for yourself. They will think that you are not appreciative and that you are just ill-mannered.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Disrespect The Elderly<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/topics.amcham.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The Taiwanese are very respectful of the elderly, as well as pregnant women. If you happen to be riding the bus, train or MRT and you notice an older lady or gentleman, or perhaps a pregnant person that does not have a seat, always offer yours to them when able. And honestly if you think about it, this this should really be a type of common courtesy that people should follow no matter where they are in the world. \u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Step On The Extra Step In The Temple Entrance<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org<\/p><\/div>\n

When visiting a temple in Taiwan, there are a number of rules that need to be followed. But one particular rule that may seem a tad bit stranger than the others is to never step on the extra step when entering or leaving the temple. Although there isn\u2019t really much of an explanation as to way, it\u2019s just a rule that they follow. This step is the one that is visible from the outside, separating the inside and the outside of the temple from one another.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Stand On The Left Of The Escalator<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/adobochroniclesdotcom.files.wordpress.com<\/p><\/div>\n

If you don\u2019t want to get a bunch of bad looks from others, then never stand on the left side of any escalator if you can help it. Regardless of whether you\u2019re taking the MRT or are walking around a mall, if you aren\u2019t going to walk up or down while using the escalator, then stay to the right and save yourself from all the nasty looks. People tend to be in a hurry a lot of the time in Taiwan, and the left side of the escalator allows the people that need to rush from one place to the next without having to slow down their pace.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Be Late<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/www.thewomensroomblog.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The Taiwanese consider time as very important and precious commodity. So if you happen to have an appointment, never be late, no matter what you are doing whether it\u2019s getting together with someone for a meal, or an outing, or more importantly, a business meeting. The Taiwanese believe that this is proper etiquette and rest assured that they will always also give you the same respect.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Say No To The Street Food<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/i.pinimg.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Taiwan is known for their street food, especially since they have tons of night markets all over. Some of the most famous night markets are precisely food based, with a variety of food at every corner. From incredibly sweet candied strawberries, to giant chicken fillets on a stick, to blow-torched cubes of beef, they have something for everyone. So do yourself a favor and live a little by trying something you\u2019ve never had before. You might love or it hate it, but you surely won\u2019t forget it.
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Never Fear Public Transport<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com<\/p><\/div>\n

While traveling around Taiwan can be difficult since most of the street names and map directions are in Mandarin, never fear public transport because it\u2019s normally cheap, quick and very safe. Whether you choose to use a cab, ride the metro or even the bus, public transport is a very efficient way to get around. Just make sure that you ask someone to write down where you\u2019re going in Chinese, as well as the address of the place you are staying. That way, you\u2019ll always be able to find your way home.
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Never Scoff At Their Inquisitiveness<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/socialventurechallenge.asia<\/p><\/div>\n

Some people find it very intrusive when someone begins to ask them tons of personal questions. In Taiwan, never scoff at just how inquisitive the people are. They might ask simple questions about your age, your schooling, your work and even how much you earn. While many other countries find these questions to be nobody else\u2019s business, for people in Taiwan, it\u2019s completely normal. Don\u2019t worry, you can always say that you\u2019re not comfortable sharing so much personal information with people you hardly know.
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Never Just Stay In The City<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/primer.com.ph<\/p><\/div>\n

The capital of Taiwan is Taipei, home to Taipei 101, the Michelin-star xiao long bao restaurant Din Tai Fung, and a gazillion night markets, there\u2019s more to Taiwan than meets the eye. There are a ton of parks, lakes and waterfalls to visit outside of the city. Be sure to book a tour guide that can speak English so that when you go on tour, conversation won\u2019t be too difficult or frustrating.
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Never Miss Out On The Night Markets<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/backpackerlee.files.wordpress.com<\/p><\/div>\n

We know we\u2019ve mentioned the night markets a few times, but honestly, Taiwan is infamous for exactly this. Never miss out on visiting their numerous night markets, especially if you want to get an authentic taste of Taiwan. Not only will you find all varieties of food lined up in booths sitting one after another, there is also quite a bit of shopping for trinkets and other such items for you to bring home as souvenirs.
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Never Cross The Road Without Looking<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/www.urbancapture.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Because Taiwan is a much more organized country than China, they tend to follow their rules to a tee. One rule that they always adhere to is to cross the road only when it\u2019s their turn, and to never walk without looking at both sides of the street. That\u2019s because cars, trucks, buses or any other vehicle won\u2019t stop for you if it\u2019s their turn to go, even if you happen to be on an authorized pedestrian crossing.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Go Without Checking The Weather<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/tnimage.taiwannews.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Taiwan enjoys all four seasons with the January and February months being the coldest of all and July typically being the hottest. So when planning out your trip to Taiwan, be sure to check out what the weather will be like during the time you are planning to go. And remember, Christmas months are really very cold while the summer months are hot, so be sure choose your trip dates wisely.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n
<\/h6>\n

Never Write Someone\u2019s Name In Red<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Another strange but very important rule that the Taiwanese follow is to never write someone else\u2019s name down in red. Despite red being one of the favored colors of Taiwanese, it\u2019s actually considered bad luck. Back in the day, red pigment was used to paint the names of people that had died on their gravestones, which is why people\u2019s names in red are associated with death.<\/h6>\n

Never Forget To Compliment Your Host<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/academic.ksu.edu<\/p><\/div>\n

More often than not, Taiwanese prefer to invite people out to restaurants than they do to their homes. But if you do receive an invitation to someone\u2019s home, don\u2019t decline it, nor go without bringing a gift for your host. Also, never forget to compliment your host either, whether it\u2019s about their home or the meal you had. Just make sure to genuinely thank them and say something nice, they will appreciate it as much as they will expect it.
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Never Offer Your Business Card With One Hand<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.thebalancesmb.com<\/p><\/div>\n

If you happen to be meeting with someone for business, never offer your business card by using just one hand. It is important that you hold your card using both hands while you present it to the one you are giving it to, as this is seen as a sign or respect and proper business etiquette. And when you receive a card from someone, always make sure that you at least peek at the card when it is given before tucking it away somewhere safe.<\/h6>\n

Never Spit On The Street<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/res.heraldm.com<\/p><\/div>\n

When in Taiwan, it is normal to see men eating beetle nuts and spitting out their saliva because of it. It may not be exactly the nicest thing to witness, but it\u2019s just one of the many habits that men have been indulging in for years. But when it comes to anything else, it is actually considered rude to spit. Never spit on the street, or anywhere else in public for that matter. And if you must, use something to do it and try to be as discreet as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

Never Lose Your Temper<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/i2.wp.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Never lose your temper no matter how difficult a situation you are in. Unlike China, where everyone seemingly screams at each other, in Taiwan, they look down upon this type of behavior. Be sure that you are always respectful, kind and genuine with your compliments, and be polite at all times. If you follow all these tips, then you will undoubtedly have one of the most interesting and fun trips that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you get the chance to visit Taiwan, you might think that this Republic of China country is much like the mainland, but in fact, they are actually far from it. The Taiwanese also don\u2019t appreciate tourists making the assumptions that they are either. Of course, while many of their customs and traditions are indeed the same, Taiwan still prefers to be thought of as an autonomous region, and for good reason. They were also colonized by the Dutch for quite some time, and fought over by the Spanish, but eventually, they would find themselves as part of the ROC, <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":52986,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6596],"tags":[8465,8463,201,7989,8464],"yst_prominent_words":[9972,12731,12733,12735,12736,12726,12732,12742,12725,12729,8864,12740,12738,8811,12737,12743,12730,12727,12739,12728],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53017"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53017"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53017\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56159,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53017\/revisions\/56159"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53017"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=53017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}