Don’t even think about arriving in Taiwan without arming yourself with some know-how. I’ve been there enough times to make every rookie blunder—and trust me, you wouldn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb, would you? Nothing says “I’m a tourist!” quite like accidentally insulting someone by writing their name in red ink or standing awkwardly in the wrong spot on the MRT escalator.
So buckle up, grab your Google Translate or Pleco, and let’s dive into the top Taiwan tourist mistakes you want to steer clear of on your first trip. These first time in Taiwan tips will save you from some serious Taiwan travel blunders, whether you’re navigating local transportation, dining like a pro, or mastering the subtle art of cultural etiquette.
Understanding Taiwanese Cultural Etiquette
Taiwanese culture is polite, quiet, and respectful—think refined but friendly. But some customs aren’t written on the tourist brochures and can easily trip you up:
1. Writing Someone’s Name in Red Ink
This one’s a doozy. In Taiwan, writing someone’s name in red ink is a major no-no—it’s traditionally associated with death and bad luck. Picture it this way: handing someone a card with their name in blood-red letters is like showing up to a party wearing toilet paper stuck to your shoe. Awkward, disrespectful, and something you want to avoid at all costs.
So if you jot down a name or address, stick to blue You can find out more or black ink to keep things safe and friendly.
2. Greeting and Gift-Giving Customs
- Keep your voice down: Loud, boisterous behavior is generally frowned upon. Taiwanese pride themselves on being polite and humble. Gift etiquette matters: If you bring gifts to a hostess, don’t expect them to open them immediately—that’s actually considered rude. Handshake and bow: A subtle nod or light handshake works. Over-the-top greetings come off as insincere.
Navigating Public and Private Transportation
Getting around Taiwan is mostly a breeze, thanks to efficient public transit and reliable ride-sharing apps. But if you want to avoid looking like a total newbie—or worse, slowing everyone down—watch out for these pitfalls.
3. Blocking the MRT Escalator
Nothing throws locals into a rage faster than tourists standing on the left side of escalators instead of the right. Stand right, walk left—is the unspoken rule here. It’s like showing up to a baseball game and trying to play cricket. You’ll jam up the flow and earn some dirty looks.
4. Driving Without the Proper Info
Thinking of renting a car? Good call for exploring remote spots, but don’t jump behind the wheel without knowing the rules. And don't just grab any rental—the Taiwan rental car gharry service is a great option if you want English-speaking staff and well-maintained vehicles.
Beware: Taiwan drives on the right side of the road, but traffic can be aggressive. Make sure you have a valid international driving permit, familiarize yourself with local signs, and maybe download a map or GPS app that works offline.
5. Ignoring Ride-sharing Apps
Taxis in Taiwan don’t always accept cards or foreign payment apps, but ride-sharing apps like Uber and Taiwan-specific options are a lifesaver. They’ll save you from awkward price negotiations and help you navigate to the right spot without language barriers.
Avoiding Dining Faux Pas
No one wants to kill the vibe at a Taiwanese banquet or night market—not least because the food is amazing and the atmosphere is part of the charm. Here’s how not to mess it up:
6. Ordering Without Research
The night markets are a playground for food lovers. Sampling everything is tempting but going in blind might leave you with some unwelcome surprises. Use translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco to check ingredients if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Pro tip: watching locals order first will clue you in on popular dishes and how to eat them.
7. Playing Chopstick Faux Pas
Master those chopsticks or risk serious side-eye. Here's the quick rundown:
- Don’t stick your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice: This mimics incense sticks used at funerals, so it’s considered very bad luck—like flashing the devil your number. Don't point with chopsticks: It’s rude, like wagging a finger at someone. Use the communal chopsticks: Many meals come with a separate pair for serving—don’t use your personal chopsticks to grab communal food.
Mastering Chopstick Etiquette
Ask yourself this: since i brought it up, let's double down on chopsticks because this mistake costs many travelers the “local cred” quickly.
What Not to Do Why It’s Off Limits How to Get It Right Stick chopsticks straight up in rice Looks like incense sticks at funerals, symbolizing death Lay them on the chopstick rest or across your bowl Tap chopsticks on the bowl Seen as begging or making noise at the table Keep your chopsticks still when not in use Use personal chopsticks to grab shared food Considered unsanitary and disrespectful Use communal serving chopsticks when provided Point or gesture with chopsticks Rude and aggressive Use hands or place chopsticks down before gesturing
Bonus: Language Tools You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without
If you think you can wing it with just smiles and nods, you’ll hit a wall—especially outside Taipei. Google Translate and Pleco aren’t just for beginners; they’re your cultural lifejackets.
- Google Translate: Great for quick translations and photo mode to understand menus or signs instantly. Pleco: For those who want a deeper dive, especially for complex characters and looking up nuanced meanings.
Side note: Download offline dictionaries and the latest updates before your trip, because nothing says “lost in translation” quite like having no internet signal in the middle of nowhere.
Wrapping It Up: Don’t Be *That* Tourist in Taiwan
In the end, Taiwan is incredibly welcoming, and locals appreciate travelers who try to respect their culture—even if you slip up here and there. But avoiding the big mistakes—like the red ink faux pas, transportation missteps, and dining etiquette blunders—will have you blending in smoothly and enjoying your trip a whole lot more.
So pack your easy-going attitude, your trusty portable fan (yes, I never travel without one), top up your Taiwan rental car gharry reservation if you’re driving, and keep those translation apps handy. Taiwan’s ready to wow you, just make sure you don’t accidentally scare off the locals!
Got your own embarrassing Taiwan travel blunders? Drop them in the comments. Misery loves company, and I’ve got a bubble tea waiting to toast to your eventual mastery of chopsticks.