The Cultural Struggle Every Expat In Taiwan Goes Through

The expat community in Taiwan is growing year after year, as people from around the world start to realize just how great the place is. But moving to Taiwan is not without its hiccups, and many expats go through something of a cultural struggle in their first few months on the island. We take a look at some of the potential problems.

The language

An unfamiliar language is by far and away the biggest obstacle in adapting to life in any new place and Taiwan is no different. Mandarin is a difficult language to learn, mostly due to the tones that give different meanings to words that may, to the untrained ear, sound exactly the same.

These days a lot of the bigger restaurants and stores will have English translations for their signage and menus. However, the smaller businesses are where the struggle lies for those with no reading ability. It’s not uncommon for newly arrived expats to do their shopping or dining out using hand gestures or pictures to identify exactly what it is they are trying to buy.

The food

However, when it comes to dining with locals, manners are everything. Never discuss business at dinner even if it’s a business dinner, unless the boss starts the conversation. Guests should never finish all the food on the table or the host will feel that they didn’t prepare enough. And never ever play with chopsticks no matter how much they may look like ideal miniature drumsticks.

Etiquette

Taiwanese people are extremely open and honest which can make for a bit of a culture shock to expats that usually play their cards close to their chest. It’s not uncommon for locals to remark on appearance in a negative way although no offense is intended. It’s also perfectly acceptable to ask someone how much they earn or even what their last tax bill was, which is difficult for many expats to get their heads around.

Then there are a number of local customs and traditions that only the locals seem to understand, but it’s the saving of face that is the most difficult to adapt to. Saving face can get tricky and easily cause misunderstandings. It’s a complex thing involving dignity and self respect, and in truth, understanding only comes with experience.

The traffic

The sheer volume of traffic in the cities is unimaginable for some expats and a little intimidating. At times there seem to be no rules and navigating traffic as either a pedestrian or a motorist is confusing. Traffic lights often seem to act as mere suggestions as opposed to steadfast rules while pedestrians and cyclists, in particular, can and will cross traffic at any given moment.

However, once expats understand that most people on the road are looking out for number one (themselves), then it’s quite easy to adapt to. Taking a slow and steady approach is, in this case, the best course of action.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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