How to Greet People in a Business Setting in Taiwan: The Insider’s Guide

Let’s talk about something that can trip up even the most seasoned traveler in Taiwan: business etiquette. Specifically, how to greet people in a professional setting without sticking out like a sore thumb. Because—let’s be honest—nothing says “I’m a tourist!” quite like botching a handshake or fumbling your way through exchanging cards.

Having been through the ringer—accidentally writing a Taiwanese contact’s name in red ink (which might as well have been a slap in the face)—I’m here to save you from those cringe-worthy moments. We’ll cover everything you need to navigate what not to do in Taiwan Taiwan business etiquette, from greetings, business card exchanges, to travel tips for getting around and making a good impression without breaking a sweat.

Understanding Taiwanese Cultural Etiquette in Business

If you’ve read enough travel guides, you know “bowing” is part of East Asian culture. But Taiwan’s style is a bit of a blend—more casual than Japan, a bit more formal than some Western countries. Here’s the rundown:

Greetings: A polite nod or a slight bow paired with a firm (but not bone-crushing) handshake is standard. Eye contact is polite but don’t overdo it—it’s about respect, not intimidation. Professional Address: Always address people by their title (e.g., Manager Chen) unless given explicit permission otherwise. Using just first names can come off as overly familiar. Respect for Hierarchy: Age and rank matter. You wouldn’t start chatting with the junior intern before greeting the senior exec—that's just bad manners.

Remember: take your cues from your Taiwanese hosts. If they bow more than shake hands, follow suit. This isn’t the place to crank up your volume or toss around slang. Keep it calm, collected, and respectful.

The Walkthrough: Exchanging Business Cards in Taiwan

This is where many Westerners trip up. In Taiwan, your business card isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s your professional identity. Here’s how to do it right:

Present your card with both hands, holding it so the recipient can read it immediately—no flipping required. It shows respect and attention to detail. Receive cards with both hands and take a moment to look at the card before putting it away carefully. Don’t stuff it into your pocket immediately like a football. Avoid writing on cards unless invited. And here’s a red flag: never use red ink to write on someone’s business card. In Taiwan, red ink implies doom or death, so you’d be unintentionally insulting your new contact. Trust me on this one—I learned the hard way.

Pro tip: Keep your business cards in a sleek cardholder. Nothing screams “I’m not serious” louder than cards stuffed in a crumpled pocket.

Professional Greetings Taiwan Style: The Do’s and Don’ts

Starting a meeting on the right foot counts for everything. Here are some tips to help you master the business meeting culture in Taiwan:

Arrive Early: Punctuality matters. Showing up more than 10 minutes early can actually make your hosts uncomfortable, so aim for “on time” or just slightly early. Use Formal Language: Even if your Mandarin is shaky, stick to polite phrases. Learning simple greetings like “Nín hǎo” (您好) for “Hello” can win you brownie points. Don’t Rush Introductions: Taiwanese business culture values relationship-building before diving into deals. Small talk about family, the weather, or recent events isn’t wasted time—it’s the grease for your professional wheels. Gift Giving: Not mandatory, but appreciated. If you want to impress, bring a small, high-quality gift that reflects your home country or company, but avoid anything overly expensive.

Getting Around: Navigating Public and Private Transportation

Taiwan’s public transportation is efficient, but knowing the ropes can avoid embarrassment:

Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Uber and Taiwan’s local services are widely used in Taipei and major cities. They’re convenient when you want a ride on your schedule. Public Transit Etiquette: Stand on the right side of escalators (yes, really—blocking the left lane is a major pet peeve) and let people off the MRT before you get on. Nothing kills your cool factor like a rude move here. Taiwan Rental Car Gharry: If you’re feeling adventurous and want flexibility, renting a car from providers like Taiwan Rental Car Gharry can be a great option—especially for meetings outside city centers. Just remember traffic can be hectic, and parking is tight. Google Translate and Pleco: Translation apps are your best friends when hailing rides or reading signs. Pleco is a stellar dictionary for Mandarin, while Google Translate’s camera feature helps decipher menus and signs on the fly.

Avoiding Dining Faux Pas in Business Situations

So your meeting moves to a dinner? Food in Taiwan is a serious business (pun intended)—showing respect at the table goes a long way:

Wait to be seated: The host usually leads. Don’t just park yourself anywhere you please. Don’t start eating before the host: It’s polite to wait for a toast or invitation before digging in. Use Chopsticks Properly: Sticking chopsticks upright in rice is taboo—it’s reminiscent of incense sticks used at funerals. Also, avoid pointing with chopsticks or tapping them on the bowl. Try the Local Dishes: Passing on what’s offered can be seen as rude. Even if you’re hesitant about street food, give the small stuff a shot. Remember, tasting Taiwan’s flavors can be a business icebreaker.

Mastering Chopstick Etiquette in a Nutshell

Do Don’t Place chopsticks neatly on the holder or bowl when not in use. Stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral ritual association). Use chopsticks to serve yourself from communal dishes carefully. Use chopsticks to point or gesture. Hold chopsticks toward the thicker end. Cross chopsticks on the table, it’s considered rude.

Wrapping It Up: The Key to Taiwan Business Etiquette

So there you have it. Want to fit in seamlessly and score respect in Taiwan business etiquette? Focus on sincerity, respect for hierarchy, and a little minding of the small details—like how you shake hands, present your cards, or handle chopsticks. Throw in a ride via a ride-sharing app, and keep Google Translate and Pleco handy for quick saves. And if you’re venturing outside the city, consider booking a ride with Taiwan Rental Car Gharry for that extra convenience.

Just remember, the goal is to blend in without losing yourself. So no red ink, no blocking the escalator, and no refusing that mysterious but delicious-looking street snack. Your Taiwanese business partners will appreciate your effort—and you might just pick up some new tricks along the way.

Cheers to smooth greetings and successful meetings in Taiwan!