At this time, you are setting out for Taiwan, ready to absorb its great culture and taste any delicious street snacks. Oh, we tell you, before you take your suitcase off the shelf, I think there are still a few matters which may lead to blunders in here and there. Trust me, coolie caps and side-satchels reek of “tourist” and can easily alienate the local people.
In Taiwan, the small and unobtrusive cultural sin may become a fiasco. Did you ever wonder that writing someone’s name in red can strike terror in their heart? It’s like passing them the visiting card of death. And, let alone the fact that if you stick chopsticks upright in your rice, you’ll be asking for spirits to come to dinner.
1: Avoid Touchy Subjects
Talking with Taiwanese people is a minefield. Politics and cross-strait relations are best kept out of your mouth unless you want to open a really smelly can of worms. Religion is another area where angels fear to tread, and you might find yourself in a hole if you’re not careful. Lastly, unless you’re good at ducking out of things, you might want to avoid criticising local superstitions.
2: Transportation Missteps
Getting around on Taiwan’s public transportation system can be as much fun as trying to figure out what that mysterious unnamable object is– and if it’s edible. There are common travel mistakes, but with careful planning, you can avoid them as you float smoothly downstream on public transportation.
3: Using Public Transit Efficiently
Public transit in Taiwan is like a steed in the service of its master, and all unmounted riders get to go along for free. Maximize your efficiency by learning about local city buses, long-distance buses, trains, subways, and even elevated rail. Remember, being polite is an art the Taiwanese excel at, so expect negotiations over the priority seats. If caught in a deadlock, be gracious to those who deserve it: the elderly, disabled, or anyone nursing a naginata mood.
4: Hailing a Taxi and Safety with Ride-Share Apps
A taxi ride could be like some mad game of tag. In that case, it just takes a little stratagem to hail a cab. You may need to wave your hands around wildly until one comes before flagging down the chauffeur. Passengers should always ask that the driver put the meter on; if this is not done, then pretend to be extremely surprised when your fare is announced. While ride-sharing apps are convenient, just hope a driver singing onka- thepillsand vatoo f starts entering into his or her work. It is best to ensure the destination unless your love of spontaneity outweighs punctuality. In summary, and enlists a Ghasnet trip to a Taiwan rental car gharry–Louis if it provides such superb service!
Staying in Tune with the Local
How one uses chopsticks is imbued with rules and order. Regarding this point, you should always use your chopsticks with proper care. Never stick them upright in a bowl of rice, as such an act has anyone thinking about funerals. When eating noodle soup, it is acceptable to slurp; this honors both the cook for his labor and your food by serving it well. When sharing dishes, use either the serving spoon or turn the non-eating portion of the chopsticks to do so. There is a taboo on handing food directly with your chopsticks from one set to another, as this reminds people of serving at funerals.
Correct Dress for a Temple Visit
Go into a Taiwanese temple wearing tight shorts or a muscle shirt, and it’s like taking a llama to a cattle show. Appropriate clothing when visiting a temple covers the shoulders and knees. Remember: temples are to be respected, and people expect you not as lights but for your attire at the entrance. A light scarf can be used as a cover-up and a fashion statement in one, giving you more latitude when dressing every day of your life!
Balance the Weather Considerations
Navigating Taiwan’s weather can be like trying to predict the antics of a cat on caffeine–it’s hard to know what will happen next. Bring enough layers to deal with cool mornings and warm afternoons. An umbrella is a must-have in Taiwan, where scattered showers are all too common and the sun-scorched pavement nearby may require only brief shelter for recovery. As a traveler to the island without fail, slather yourself with sunscreen, or you will emerge looking like an overripe tomato stewed to perfection. Visitors in summer should bring a plastic poncho, which can help keep off the rain that has come as I write these words.
8: Getting By in Another Tongue
Going through the obstacles of language in Taiwan is a little like trying to learn a new dance—it’s frustrating but somehow blends its own music. Just as customers are happy and servers enjoy their work so that the service flows smoothly, people will find communication much easier if they have some phrases memorized and can use technology.
9: Key Words and Phrases
Mastering a few key Mandarin phrases will make your interaction with local people much easier. “ Nihao Newcomer” won’t find himself knocking down a gate because “Nihao Hello” got him in. “ Xie xie, Thanks.” In that timeless phrase, gratitude is always fresh. “ Bu yong xie. You’re welcome” keeps the good vibes rolling. Be polite, and use “Qing Please”. And when you start to feel like enjoying the next dishes, “ Wo xiang yao…” followed by your Song of Praise, “Wo de…And with “ Qing ”… and “Xie xie” (enformativereply), you will have avoided all those embarrassing scenes in mime where many head of Demand!
10: Making the Most Of Translation Apps
A translation app is like having a communication “wand ” in your pocket. Google Translate, Pleco, and others make it easy to handle your travelling problems. Do everything by voice or by text. You can let your phone do the hard part. These apps can scan menus or signboards, or they can translate entire dialogues. Just be careful not to ask for anything like “Can I have your duck-flavored kite?” _ And let the technology take you through a labyrinth of languages without being lost in translation, but better.
