Taiwan Travel Taboos 2026 – Cultural Rules You Must Know Before You Go

Hi everyone, I’m Phan The Anh, and I’ve lived and worked in Taiwan for over 5 years. I love traveling across Taiwan and sharing stories about this incredible island. If you’re planning to visit Taiwan, let me walk you through the important cultural taboos and customs you need to be aware of before arriving. Taiwan is a diverse destination with stunning natural beauty and unique culture — but to avoid causing offense or misunderstanding, it’s essential to respect the local way of life and spiritual beliefs.

🕰 Taboo #1: Never Gift a Clock

One of the most important taboos in Taiwan is giving a clock as a gift. Taiwanese people don’t focus much on the monetary value of a present — they care deeply about its meaning. So if you want to give someone a gift in Taiwan, research it carefully. Never, under any circumstances, give a clock. In Taiwanese culture, a clock symbolizes time running out, which carries the connotation of death approaching. It might sound unusual, but this belief is deeply held — don’t try to change it.

👞 Taboo #2: Don’t Gift Shoes to Elderly People

Gifting shoes to an elderly person implies you’re not wishing them a long life. Additionally, the word for “shoes” in the Taiwanese dialect sounds similar to the word for “evil,” which means gifting shoes to someone outside your immediate family can send negative energy and harm the relationship. Suitable gift alternatives include fruit, pastries, or wine. Always show respect and courtesy when presenting gifts to make the gesture truly meaningful.

🥢 Taboo #3: Don’t Stick Chopsticks Upright in a Rice Bowl

Sticking chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice is considered taboo in nearly every culture across Asia, including Taiwan. The act resembles placing incense sticks into an offering bowl for the deceased. Whether intentional or accidental, doing this will leave a very bad impression on Taiwanese people. When dining in Taiwan — especially if invited to someone’s home — be mindful to avoid this. Also, don’t tap your chopsticks against your bowl, as this is associated with begging.

💋 Taboo #4: Never Write Someone’s Name in Red Ink

In Taiwan, people believe red represents authority and power — but it’s also the color of blood, associated with death. Taiwanese people are very superstitious about having their name written in red ink, as it’s believed to bring bad luck, misfortune, and is linked to death. Keep this in mind when you’re in Taiwan — it’s a seemingly small thing that carries significant cultural weight.

🚪 Taboo #5: Don’t Open an Umbrella Indoors

According to Taiwanese spiritual beliefs and culture, opening an umbrella indoors is also considered taboo. The belief is that doing so may allow you to see spirits — ghosts or demons that weren’t invited. While there’s no scientific evidence to support this, the saying goes: “Respect the sacred and avoid the forbidden.” So avoid doing this if you don’t want unnecessary trouble during your visit.

🗣 Taboo #6: Don’t Discuss Politics

The relationship between Taiwan and China is quite tense and complex, so when visiting, you should avoid discussing sensitive political topics. Any assumptions, rumors, or unfounded speculation about politics, culture, or religion will cause offense and potentially create difficult situations. Be respectful and keep political opinions to yourself during your stay.

I hope these tips help you prepare for a truly enjoyable and meaningful Taiwan travel experience — one that’s filled with respect, connection, and unforgettable memories! 🌟🌍

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✍️ Phan The Anh – one of Vietnam’s most popular travel bloggers. Follow on YouTube @ThayGiaoAnh, Instagram @lecturer.anh & TikTok @phantheanh88.

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🔢 Taboo #7: Avoid the Numbers 4 and 14

The number 4 (四, sì) sounds similar to the word for death (死, sǐ) in Mandarin and Taiwanese, making it deeply unlucky. Many Taiwanese buildings skip the 4th floor entirely — going from 3 to 5 — and you’ll rarely see a room numbered 4, 14, or 44 in traditional hotels. Don’t be surprised if a gift quantity of 4 is poorly received. The safest gift quantities are 6 (luck), 8 (prosperity), or 9 (longevity).

👻 Taboo #8: Be Respectful During Ghost Month

The seventh lunar month (typically falling in August) is Ghost Month (鬼月) in Taiwan, when spirits are believed to roam the earth. Many Taiwanese avoid major decisions during this period — starting businesses, getting married, moving house, or going swimming (swimming in the sea is considered especially dangerous). As a visitor, you’ll notice more temple ceremonies and roadside offerings. Show respect by not disturbing the offerings and avoid photographing religious ceremonies without permission.

🛕 Taboo #9: Temple Etiquette

Taiwan’s temples are active places of worship, not tourist attractions. Key rules to follow:

• Enter through the side doors, not the central door (reserved for deities and senior monks)
• Do not step on the raised threshold at the temple entrance — step over it
• Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees; avoid wearing shoes with heels that make loud noises
• Do not point at statues or deities with a single finger — use an open hand instead
• Photography inside the main hall should only be done if signage permits it

💰 Taboo #10: Tipping Is Not Expected

Unlike many Western countries, tipping is not a cultural practice in Taiwan and can sometimes cause confusion or mild offence. Restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically (you’ll see it on the bill) — this replaces the tip. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides don’t expect tips, though a small tip for exceptional service is accepted graciously. At convenience stores, night markets, and food stalls, no tip is expected under any circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it rude to refuse food in Taiwan?

Declining food politely is acceptable, but being too blunt can cause loss of face for your host. The graceful approach is to accept a small amount and eat some of it, or say you’re full (吃飽了, chī bǎo le). If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, explaining them in advance is always appreciated.

What should I know about giving gifts in Taiwan?

Gifts are appreciated but should be presented with two hands. Avoid clocks (associated with death), shoes (implies telling someone to leave), and anything in sets of 4. Wrap gifts neatly — the presentation matters. Gifts are typically not opened immediately in front of the giver, which is normal in Taiwanese culture.

Are there dress code taboos in Taiwan?

Taiwan is generally relaxed about clothing, but visiting temples requires modest dress (covered shoulders and knees). Wearing all-white clothing to a wedding or all-black to a celebration can seem inappropriate, as white and black are traditional mourning colours in Taiwanese culture.