Do and don't in Taiwan

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8393POSTS

17 years ago

Are you living in Taiwan? We need you to share your experience of the local customs

Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in Taiwan?

Could you please share with us a list of the do's and don't's in Taiwan?

Thanks!

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Huntersville Member

23POSTS

17 years ago

Don't call everyone taiwanese..Lots of people may be offended thinking of themselves as Chinese first.

Charlierp Member

3POSTS

16 years ago

Don't point at the moon. It's bad luck. Don't give someone a clock, umbrella or fan as a gift: these are considered inauspicious.

Ted Lien Active member

46POSTS

16 years ago

Don't buy a pair of shoes to taiwanese people as a gift, because it indicates that you ask that person to walk away.

danchapman New member

4POSTS

16 years ago

Taiwanese are extremely polite which the drawback is you don't often get a direct answer. They are also still very nepotistic and sexist, although there are a thousand exceptions to this rule every day.

I have covered most of the topics in my blog

www.betelnut-equation.blogspot.com

Retired in Hualien Member

23POSTS

16 years ago

Do - pay a small compliment. Unlike most mainland Chinese, folks here in Taiwan do appreciate a small compliment, except on body parts.
Don't - discuss Taiwan politics, or any politics for that matter.

charlize New member

9POSTS

16 years ago

I just learn this recently. When they said "Cheers" I need to finish all the drink in my glass!

josh1359 New member

9POSTS

16 years ago

Huntersville wrote:
Don't call everyone taiwanese..Lots of people may be offended thinking of themselves as Chinese first.

I am a Taiwanese People. The concept you say may be applicable when you are talking to some elders. The new generation of Taiwanese do not usually think they are Chinese~~

josh1359 New member

9POSTS

16 years ago

charlize wrote:
I just learn this recently. When they said "Cheers" I need to finish all the drink in my glass!

This is definitely true!

yawenchang Member

12POSTS

16 years ago

#10

1. Don't prop chopstick on a bowl of rice. (it resembles incense for the deceased.)
2. Don't say "see you later" in a funeral or in a hospital.
3. Don't write name in red ink. ( it resembles blood)
4. Don't whistle at night. (it's considered a call for evils. )
5. Almost always take off your shoes before you enter someone's house as a guest, even when you are told otherwise. Unless the host is wearing shoes in his own house, (Very important: If host is wearing slipers, chances are s/he will prepare in-house slipers for guests)
6. Never pat shoulder of a pregnant woman (it is believed that causes miscarriage.)