Local Customs & Etiquette in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
1. Greetings and Bowing
Taiwanese people often greet each other with a slight bow and a smile. The angle of the bow depends on the situation, but it's generally shallower than in Japan.
- Respectful Gesture: Shows politeness and respect when meeting new people or entering someone's home
- Cultural Difference: Differentiates from Western handshakes, common in many countries
- Subtle Communication: Avoids direct confrontation or showing anger, a key aspect of Taiwanese culture
2. Dining Etiquette
It's considered rude to start eating before everyone at the table has their food. Also, don't stick your chopsticks vertically into your rice bowl, as this resembles incense sticks used in funerals.
- Patience: Encourages a slow pace and respect for others' timing
- Respectful Customs: Reflects cultural beliefs and customs related to death and funerals
- Politeness: Promotes a courteous dining atmosphere, fostering good relationships
3. Street Food Manners
If you're eating street food, always use the provided utensils and avoid touching the food with your fingers. Also, remember to say 'xie xie' (thank you) when you receive your food.
- Cleanliness: Promotes hygiene and reduces the risk of illness
- Courtesy: Shows appreciation for the food vendor's efforts
- Social Integration: Encourages interaction with locals and experiencing their culture
4. Temple Behavior
Visitors should dress modestly when visiting temples. Also, it's important to remove your shoes before entering the temple hall and bow slightly when you enter.
- Respect: Shows respect for Taiwanese religious beliefs
- Cultural Awareness: Promotes understanding and appreciation of Taiwanese culture and traditions
- Modesty: Encourages a sense of humility and reverence when visiting sacred places
5. Public Transport Manners
Stand on the right side of escalators on public transport to let people pass on the left. Also, avoid talking loudly on phones during rush hour.
- Courtesy: Promotes a considerate and orderly environment on public transport
- Efficiency: Speeds up the process of people using the escalators
- Respect for Others: Shows consideration for others' need to get to their destination quickly
6. Gift-Giving Etiquette
When giving gifts, avoid choosing red envelopes or clocks as they are associated with funerals and bad luck respectively.
- Respect for the Dead: Avoids offending those who have lost loved ones
- Superstition: Reflects cultural superstitions and taboos
- Gratitude: Shows appreciation and encourages reciprocity
7. Shopping Etiquette
Always check the price before purchasing an item. Also, bargaining is common in some markets, but not all stores.
- Transparency: Encourages honesty and trust between buyer and seller
- Negotiation Skills: Helps visitors improve their bargaining skills
- Value for Money: Ensures that buyers are paying a fair price for the item
8. Drinking Etiquette
When offered a drink, always accept it with both hands and avoid pouring your own drinks. Also, never leave your glass empty.
- Respect: Shows respect for the host and their hospitality
- Hospitality: Encourages a warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Cultural Integration: Promotes social bonding and shared experiences
9. Punctuality
Taiwanese people value punctuality and it's considered rude to be late. If you cannot make it on time, inform the host or organizer as soon as possible.
- Respect: Shows respect for others' time and schedules
- Reliability: Promotes trust and dependability among individuals
- Efficiency: Ensures that events start and end on time, reducing wasted effort and resources
10. Tipping in Restaurants
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, if you wish to leave a tip, 10% is considered generous.
- Inclusive Pricing: Service charges are already incorporated into the bill
- Generosity: Offers an opportunity to reward exceptional service
- Simplicity: Reduces confusion and complexity of the dining experience
11. Addressing People
Taiwanese people usually address each other using their last name followed by 'xian' (先) for men and 'xiang' (香) for women. Use this format when addressing someone you don't know well.
- Respect: Shows respect for the person being addressed
- Cultural Awareness: Promotes understanding and adherence to local customs
- Politeness: Encourages a courteous and respectful environment
12. Queuing in Lines
Queuing is expected in situations such as boarding buses or buying tickets. Pushing or cutting the line is considered rude.
- Orderliness: Promotes a structured and efficient system
- Fairness: Ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to access services or goods
- Respect for Rules: Encourages adherence to societal norms and expectations
13. Smile and Nod Communication
In Taiwan, it's common for people to communicate without words by smiling and nodding. This shows agreement or understanding.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Reduces reliance on spoken language
- Cross-Cultural Understanding: Promotes empathy and rapport between people of different cultures
- Politeness: Encourages a friendly and approachable atmosphere
14. Using Chopsticks
Hold chopsticks with your thumb and index finger, not the whole hand. Also, try to keep them parallel to each other.
- Cultural Awareness: Promotes understanding and adherence to local customs
- Gracefulness: Enhances the dining experience by promoting elegance and skill
- Preventing Spills: Reduces the risk of spilling food or drink during mealtime
15. Public Space Consideration
Respect public spaces by not littering and keeping noise levels low. Also, be mindful of others when taking photographs in crowded areas.
- Cleanliness: Promotes a clean and hygienic environment for everyone
- Respect: Shows consideration for others using the same space
- Safety: Reduces the risk of accidents or incidents in crowded spaces