15 key insights before visiting Taipei

Taiwanese culture is a fascinating blend of traditional Chinese practices and Japanese influences, infused with a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.

Taipei, the heart of Taiwan, is remarkably safe; you'd do better to be cautious about the weather than your belongings. You might leave your laptop at a café and find it untouched, but don’t be surprised if your umbrella goes missing.

Discover more about the capital's unique characteristics (for instance: wearing flip-flops during a downpour is surprisingly practical). Here’s everything you need to know about health, safety, and local etiquette before your Taipei adventure.

1. Master a few basic Mandarin phrases

Fortunately for those who don’t speak Mandarin, Taiwanese communication is quite direct. Instead of saying “please” when making a purchase, it’s common to offer a polite bow and express gratitude after receiving your items.

If you can greet someone with a simple “hello” (pīnyīn: nǐ hǎo) and say “thank you” (xièxie), along with ordering bubble tea (yī bēi nǎi chá), you may even receive compliments on your excellent Chinese from friendly sellers.

Often, locals in Taiwan are eager to practice their high-school English with you. However, attempting to converse in Mandarin can really enhance your interactions.

2. Don’t forget to bring flip-flops for the rainy season

When it rains in Taipei, it really pours. The city experiences significant rainfall, totaling around 98 inches (2500mm) annually, with the heaviest showers occurring during the hot months from June to September, also known as the monsoon or “plum rain” season.

To protect your favorite sneakers from getting soaked, opt for flip-flops on wet days (steering clear of slippery tiles) and remember to pack a raincoat and umbrella. Rain typically arrives in the late afternoon, so starting your day early (between 6am and 8am) is wise, when temperatures are cooler and skies are clearer.

3. Connect with a Taipei food blogger before your trip

In addition to the Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung and the overly touristy Shilin Night Market, Taipei boasts an incredible food scene. Explore local favorites and hidden gems through the insights of local bloggers (we recommend Hungry in Taipei and Taipei Foodie) and social media platforms.

A great shortcut for discovering local gems is to search Instagram for your desired area (like Ximen; 西門) followed by “beautiful food” (美食). This will showcase all the latest hashtagged delights for your enjoyment.

4. Dash over to a 7-Eleven for an EasyCard and a tea egg

As the ultimate convenience store in Taiwan, 7-Eleven offers a variety of snacks, food, and drinks familiar to the West, along with unique Asian treats like onigiri (Japanese rice balls) and tea-stained eggs.

Moreover, 7-Eleven is your go-to spot for purchasing (and recharging) your MRT EasyCard, printing documents, sending packages, and withdrawing cash. The most upscale locations even feature restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and tables with charging stations.

A word of caution: while convenience stores are enticing, relying on them too much may cost you the chance for genuine food experiences and local connections, so use them sparingly.

6. Skip the tip

Similar to Japanese customs, tipping is not a common practice in Taiwan; in fact, it may even be seen as disrespectful. While Western influences have made tipping a bit more frequent, especially in international hotels and bars, it is still generally not anticipated.

7. Drinking culture intertwines with dining culture

Affordable and lively, a re chao (熱炒) is akin to a Japanese izakaya or a traditional English pub, serving up delicious wok-fried dishes for around 100NTD each, accompanied by Taiwan Beer and unlimited rice. Check out the tanks filled with live fish, lobsters, and other seafood to find what's fresh.

Taiwan's drinking culture thrives around the dinner table, making re chao spots often more vibrant than bars. For those seeking nightlife, the rooftop venues in the Xinyi district are worth exploring after dinner.

8. Be prepared for typhoons and earthquakes

In late summer, some of the world's most powerful tropical cyclones can sweep through Taipei, tearing shop signs from buildings and leaving mailboxes askew. Stay alert for updates from the Central Weather Bureau and venture outside only for necessities during a typhoon.

Earthquakes are also quite frequent in Taipei (though the epicenter is usually farther south). If you feel the ground shake and your phone issues a warning, remain calm. A “Presidential Alert” will be sent out advising people to head outdoors while the shaking occurs.

9. Maintain silence and politeness on public transport

Taipei’s metro system (MRT) features sleek lines and gleaming plastic seats, all kept in pristine condition. To preserve this cleanliness, eating and drinking (even water) is prohibited on public transportation.

Loud noises are also discouraged on the MRT, so conversations rarely exceed a soft murmur. Avoid speaking loudly unless you’re prepared for some disapproving glances.

Another mistake to avoid on the MRT is occupying the dark-blue priority seats. These seats are designated for those who need them, such as the elderly, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities—an etiquette well-respected by local commuters.

10. Always give and receive with both hands

This practice primarily applies to financial exchanges, but it can also extend to giving gifts and even passing your passport at immigration. Using both hands is a gesture of respect, even if it requires setting your shopping down to do so.

11. Use head bows instead of handshakes to greet Taiwanese

A practical custom in a post-Covid world, bowing is the favored form of greeting in Taiwan, with handshakes typically reserved for professional settings. While locals take a more casual approach to bowing compared to Korea or Japan, a polite head dip to show appreciation for a fresh bubble tea is always appreciated.

12. Purchase bottled water

In the sweltering heat, most locals prefer bottled water. A more sustainable option is to refill your bottle at various water stations throughout the city, which can be located using the Feng Cha App (奉茶行動).

13. Mastering chopstick use is a subtle skill

As if using chopsticks isn’t challenging enough for some, Taiwan has a lengthy list of rules on how not to use them. The most important: never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles an incense offering, and avoid pointing at anything other than your food with them.

Other missteps include crossing your chopsticks and using your own set for communal dishes. Fortunately, the Taiwanese are quite forgiving and may even offer you a fork instead.

14. Prepare for curious glances

Is Taipei welcoming to tourists? Absolutely. However, the Taiwanese can be a bit reserved.

The friendly nature of the Taiwanese people is a key part of the island’s appeal. Locals often exhibit curiosity when they see a foreigner, leading to a few curious stares. But expect to find a shy smile behind those looks. If you notice someone quietly observing, try smiling back or starting a conversation; you might just make a new friend.

15. Taiwan and China seem like different worlds

Democratic and LGBTIQ-friendly, Taiwan offers a distinctly different experience compared to China, and locals might wince at references to the “motherland.”

Younger Taiwanese are often staunchly pro-independence, while older generations may adopt a more accommodating stance towards China, influenced by economic factors. As a result, political discussions are typically avoided in polite conversation.

In addition to its history with China, Taiwan’s national culture has been shaped by Japanese colonialism and Indigenous peoples, who inhabited the island up to 14,000 years before the arrival of the Han Chinese. Discover more about the island’s aboriginal heritage at the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in Shilin.