Taiwanese people are famously warm and welcoming — even if you make a cultural mistake, you’ll likely be met with smiles and patience. But if you want to show respect and travel with more confidence, learning a few local customs goes a long way.
This guide shares friendly, practical etiquette tips — from temple visits to dining tables to riding the MRT — to help you connect more meaningfully with the people and culture of Taiwan.
🧍♂️ General Social Etiquette
- Be polite but humble: Modesty is valued. Speaking gently and showing consideration is key.
- Smile and say “thank you” (謝謝 xiè xiè): A simple bow of the head or a warm tone goes a long way.
- Use both hands: Whether handing someone a gift, money, or receiving something (like a drink or receipt), using two hands shows respect.
- Avoid overly loud or expressive behavior in public: Excitement is great, but shouting or being overly assertive can feel awkward in quieter settings.
- Take off your shoes at home: When entering someone’s home, or even some traditional guesthouses or temples, remove your shoes at the door. Slippers are often provided.
🍽️ Dining Etiquette
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright into rice: This resembles incense offerings at funerals and is considered very bad luck.
- Wait before eating: If you’re dining with others, wait until the host says to begin — especially with elders or during formal meals.
- Sharing is normal: Dishes are often served family-style. Use the shared serving spoon (or flip your chopsticks to the clean end) when taking food from shared plates.
- Slurping is okay: Especially when eating noodles or soup — it shows enjoyment.
- Don’t blow your nose at the table: If you must, excuse yourself politely.
- Finish what you can: It’s polite to finish your food, though leaving a small amount is acceptable if you’re full.
🛕 Temple Etiquette
Temples are everywhere in Taiwan — beautiful, colorful, and very much alive in daily life. When visiting:
- Dress modestly: Avoid tank tops, low-cut tops, or short shorts — especially if entering inner halls.
- Stay quiet and respectful: Don’t run, shout, or treat the temple like a playground.
- Don’t point at the statues of deities: Use an open hand if you want to gesture toward something.
- Follow incense offering order:
- Heaven God (天公) – usually an outdoor altar
- Main deity of the temple
- Other side deities
- Ask before taking photos: Many temples allow photos, but always check for “no photo” signs or follow others’ lead. Never take flash photos of altars during rituals.
🚇 Public Behavior & Everyday Courtesy
Taiwan is incredibly clean and orderly — here’s how to fit right in:
- Keep your voice down on the MRT or buses: Public transportation is a quiet space. Even couples and friends often whisper.
- Priority seating: Don’t sit in the blue “priority” seats unless you’re elderly, pregnant, disabled, or with young children — even if the train is empty.
- No eating or drinking on the MRT: This includes water and gum. Fines may apply!
- Stand on the right, walk on the left (in Taipei): Escalator etiquette is taken seriously in the MRT system.
- Sort your trash and recycle: Taiwan has a very strong recycling culture. Look for bins that separate general waste, plastics, and food scraps. If unsure, ask or follow others.
💬 Phrases & Behaviors Locals Appreciate
Even a few words in Mandarin or Taiwanese can brighten someone’s day. Here are a few useful gestures:
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo): Hello
- 謝謝 (xiè xiè): Thank you
- 不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si): Excuse me / Sorry / Pardon
- 再見 (zài jiàn): Goodbye
- 請問 (qǐng wèn): “Excuse me, may I ask…” — polite way to start a question
- 點這個 (diǎn zhè ge): “I’ll order this one” (when pointing at a menu)
Also appreciated:
- A smile and warm body language
- Being patient — many locals will try to help you even if they aren’t fluent in English
- Joining in — whether lighting incense, writing on a temple plaque, or trying a new snack, showing interest is the best way to connect
Showing respect in a new culture isn’t about perfection — it’s about curiosity and kindness. Taiwan is one of the friendliest places in Asia, and the more you learn about its customs, the more confident and connected you’ll feel.
With just a few small efforts — a thank-you here, a quiet moment there — your experience in Taiwan becomes not just a trip, but a deeper cultural exchange.