Local culture in Taiwan

The local culture in Taiwan may differ significantly from what you are used to, especially if you're moving from a North American or European country. Simple tasks and comforts that are taken for granted in your home country aren't as easy when you don't speak Mandarin or aren't familiar with local customs. As your understanding of Taiwanese culture and the local language deepens, day-to-day life gets much easier.

Language barrier in Taiwan

The most challenging thing to adjust to in Taiwan is the language barrier. Mandarin is the official language, while Taiwanese, Hakka and indigenous Formosan languages are also spoken.

The most crucial thing you can do to acclimatise is to start learning Mandarin as soon as possible. While it is challenging, learning the language can help you feel less isolated. Attending language classes is also a great way to meet fellow expats and make friends.

Cultural differences in Taiwan

Saving face

'Saving face' refers to maintaining personal and collective honour and integrity, and is central to Taiwanese social relations. This means that locals, when asked a question they don't know the answer to, are likely to give an answer anyway, as admitting a lack of knowledge causes one to lose face.

It is best to avoid losing your temper or embarrassing anybody, as this also causes loss of face for both parties. If it is absolutely necessary to criticise someone, be sure to do it in private. Self-control and subtlety are preferred Taiwanese strategies when dealing with conflict. This can be frustrating for expats accustomed to direct communication, but it's vital for smooth interactions, especially in the workplace.

Taking off shoes in Taiwan

It is customary for people to remove their shoes before entering homes, tea houses, and certain public areas. Slippers are usually available for people to wear once they have taken their shoes off.

Public bathrooms in Taiwan

Many new arrivals from the West have never used squat toilets, which are common in Taiwan. While some public spaces have both squat and Western-style toilets available, many only have squat toilets. Toilet paper may not be free in public bathrooms, but can be purchased from a vending machine. The paper isn't flushed and must be placed in the provided bin instead.

Dates in Taiwan

Although the Gregorian (Western) calendar is widely used in daily life, Taiwan also has the Republic of China (ROC) or so-called Minguo calendar, with the first year of the Taiwanese calendar beginning with the country's founding in 1911. Payslips, bank receipts, licences, and tax slips often show the year of both the Taiwanese and Western calendars. Fortunately, days and months are the same on both the Gregorian and Minguo calendars, negating the need to memorise both.

Many public holidays are also calculated according to the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year is the most important holiday and is at the end of January or the beginning of February.

Traffic in Taiwan

Taiwan's traffic can make the most experienced expat drivers nervous. Even crossing the street can be hazardous. The dominance of scooters and motorcycles, alongside cars, buses and bicycles, creates a unique dynamic.

Many expats may find Taiwan's traffic daunting initially. It's not uncommon to see scooters weaving through lanes or sometimes even driving on sidewalks. Pedestrians need to be cautious as they may encounter scooters in unexpected places, including pedestrian paths. The general rule for pedestrians and drivers alike is to always be aware of your surroundings.

Public transport in Taiwan is generally reliable, convenient, and often the preferred method of travel for many locals and expats alike. Taiwan boasts a well-developed network of buses, trains and a high-speed rail system, along with a highly efficient metro system in Taipei.

Transport and Driving in Taiwan

Friendships in Taiwan

Expect friends to cancel plans at the last minute for family affairs – this isn't considered rude, as family takes precedence in Taiwanese society. Unreliable RSVPs and uninvited guests, even when reservations are involved, are also common.

Local friends may also not tell you directly if they are upset with you. It can also be difficult to discern indirect cues from locals, especially since they will generally avoid saying "no" outright.

Even though Taiwanese people are less direct in some ways, they can be more direct in others. A Taiwanese person may not express open disagreement, but many will make remarks about their friends' complexion, changes in weight, or other things that wouldn't be mentioned in the West.

LGBTQ+ in Taiwan

Taiwan is at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights in the region. Same-sex marriage is legal and so is adoption, making the country an attractive destination for expats in the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the broadly progressive policies, some animosity towards gay, queer, or transgender individuals still exists, especially in rural or more traditional areas, but attitudes are slowly shifting. Be aware that public displays of affection, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, are frowned upon in Taiwan.

Some areas in Taiwan are particularly welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Taipei's Ximen District, in particular, hosts a number of gay clubs and LGBTQ+-friendly bars.

Women in Taiwan

Expat women can expect to be safe, treated with respect and earn equal wages in Taiwan. On the whole, Taiwanese laws protect women. 

Maternity leave is guaranteed to full-time employees, and most reproductive health needs are covered under national health insurance, except for birth control. It is more likely to find women who prefer an independent lifestyle and have chosen not to marry in Taiwan than in many other Asian countries.

Despite high levels of gender equality in Taiwan, some traditionally minded locals do wonder about women who are single, unmarried or don't have children. Some employers might also be overly familiar and offer unsolicited life advice, or have inappropriate notions about female employees' emotional or family needs.