As a foreigner, we should especially aware about everything that we do because some things might be offending to other culture. Even if many things you might do wrong will for sure be forgiven by Taiwanese, you might find yourself in awkward situations that could be avoided by reading this article.

• Do greetings. The usual handshake is frequently used to greet foreigners. A simple hello, a wave of the hand or a “Ni hao!” will suffice.
• Do dress appropriately. It is very humid in Taiwan and depending on the time of year it can be very hot or very cold. Don’t be misguided by the fact that the coldest temperatures in Taiwan are around 10°C (50°F). The humidity seems to intensify the impression of cold or warmth on your skin as well.
• Do take off your shoes when entering someone’s home
• Do present money, a gift, a package or a document with both hands. It is polite to do so. It symbolizes that what you give is an extension of your person.
• Do your best to pick up a few words in Chinese. People love it and will be that much friendlier (though they’re already a friendly people).
• Do cover your mouth with your hands when using a toothpick in public.
• Do finish your food. Don’t waste. Don’t buy or take a serving like your eyes are bigger than your stomach then waste it all. It’s disrespectful.
• Do compliment the food a lot. Taiwanese love to eat and are really proud of their cuisine.  “Hen Hao Che” means delicious to eat in Mandarin, use it as often as you can.
• Do be super careful when crossing a road. As a pedestrian pay attention you have no right, even if a car should let you the way, they usually don’t do it.
• Do queue nicely for the subway. In fact, queue up nicely for anything that has a queue.
• Do get a copy of the local MRT guide. You can download the guide from the Metro Taipei website or pick it up at almost any MRT station, you’ll discover that many of the local tourist attractions are best accessible by the MRT, which will also save you a pretty penny on transportation expenses.
• Do stay on the right side of the escalator to leave the left side clear for those who wish to run down or up.
• Do leave the dark blue seat in the MRT unoccupied. They are reserved for people in need (elderly, pregnant women, people with toddlers, etc.)

• Do not eat, chew gum or even drink water in the MRT.
• Do not greet a foreigner with hug or give little kisses on the cheek, unless you know that’s the way they do it. Sometimes handshake is even awkward.
• Do not speak about ‘death’ or the number ‘4’ (which has the same pronunciation as death in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Japanese) in place like hospitals. Taiwanese are quite superstitious and would be offended by your saying. Most buildings don’t have a fourth floor for the same reason.
• Do not open a present in front of the person who gave it to you
  A list of things NOT to give:
  1. A handkerchief.You are implying that they may soon have a reason to cry.
  2. Shoes for elderly.It represents them walking to heaven.
  3. A clock.Giving a timepiece is said the same as attending a funeral.
  4. An umbrella.Don’t give an umbrella to your Taiwanese girlfriend or boyfriend unless you want to break up.
  5. Knives or scissors.Another symbol of a break-up or cutting ties.
  6. White flowers.They are used at funerals.
  7. Don’t give items of four.Four is an unlucky number so don’t give four items. If the thing you want to give is packaged in fours, then give two packets.
• Do not feel obligated to tip for every kinds of service, tax is included in the price. Don’t pay any extra dollar unless its specifically specified.If you still want to tip go ahead, maybe you want to leave something for the maids that clean your hotel room then 100 NT$ placed on the pillow of an unmade bed should suffice.Just like Asia in general, there is no requirement to give tips in Taiwan. In rare circumstances, there may be a service charge, but this should be clearly displayed on the menu.
• Don’t talk about the Taiwan-China political issue unless you know your friend well. Some will get offended if you imply that Taiwan is China, while others will get offended if you say that Taiwan is an independent country
• Do not stick a business card you just received in your hip pocket (nor in your wallet then in your hip pocket). The person who gave it to you might be offended by your act meaning you want to sit on them. Putting it in the front pocket is however not offending. It is also best to read it, showing interest in what the person does, before sticking it to your wallet.
• Do not wave at someone to come to you with your fingers turned up, wave with down turned fingers.
• Do not leave your chopsticks upright in a bowl with left overs. This is offensive as this symbolizes offerings to the dead. You’ll often see sticks sticked into bowls when visiting temples. But doing so in a restaurant is a terrible curse on the proprietor.