Do and don't in Taiwan

Don't call everyone taiwanese..Lots of people may be offended thinking of themselves as Chinese first.

Don't point at the moon. It's bad luck. Don't give someone a clock, umbrella or fan as a gift: these are considered inauspicious.

Don't buy a pair of shoes to taiwanese people as a gift, because it indicates that you ask that person to walk away.

Taiwanese are extremely polite which the drawback is you don't often get a direct answer. They are also still very nepotistic and sexist, although there are a thousand exceptions to this rule every day.

I have covered most of the topics in my blog

www.betelnut-equation.blogspot.com

Do - pay a small compliment. Unlike most mainland Chinese, folks here in Taiwan do appreciate a small compliment, except on body parts.
Don't - discuss Taiwan politics, or any politics for that matter.

I just learn this recently. When they said "Cheers" I need to finish all the drink in my glass!

Huntersville wrote:

Don't call everyone taiwanese..Lots of people may be offended thinking of themselves as Chinese first.

I am a Taiwanese People. The concept you say may be applicable when you are talking to some elders. The new generation of Taiwanese do not usually think they are Chinese~~

charlize wrote:

I just learn this recently. When they said "Cheers" I need to finish all the drink in my glass!

This is definitely true!

1. Don't prop chopstick on a bowl of rice. (it resembles incense for the deceased.)
2. Don't say "see you later" in a funeral or in a hospital.
3. Don't write name in red ink. ( it resembles blood)
4. Don't whistle at night. (it's considered a call for evils. )
5. Almost always take off your shoes before you enter someone's house as a guest, even when you are told otherwise. Unless the host is wearing shoes in his own house, (Very important: If host is wearing slipers, chances are s/he will prepare in-house slipers for guests)
6. Never pat shoulder of a pregnant woman (it is believed that causes miscarriage.)