Expats should expect some degree of culture shock in Taiwan. Simple tasks and comforts that are taken for granted in an expat's home country aren't as easy when a person doesn't speak or read the local language.
Once expats start learning, speaking and understanding Mandarin, their understanding of Taiwanese culture will deepen, making day-to-day life 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 expats can do to acclimatise is to start learning Mandarin as soon as possible. While it is challenging, learning Mandarin can help expats feel less isolated. Attending local language classes is also a great way to meet fellow expats.
Saving face in Taiwan
'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. Expats should avoid losing their temper or embarrassing anybody, as this too 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 foreigners 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.
Dates in Taiwan
Although the Gregorian (Western) calendar is widely used in daily life, Taiwan also has its own 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.
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.
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 but must be placed in the provided bin.
Traffic in Taiwan
Taiwan's traffic makes even 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 on the streets.
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.
Friendships in Taiwan
Expect friends to cancel plans at the last minute for family affairs – family takes precedence in Taiwanese society, and this isn't considered rude. Unreliable RSVPs and uninvited guests, even when reservations are involved, are also common.
Local friends may also not directly tell an expat when they are upset with them. It can be difficult for foreigners to discern indirect cues from locals, especially as locals will 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 tell someone that they are upset or 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.
Gender 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 sexist notions about female employees' emotional or family needs.
