Taiwan Business Etiquette: A Guide for Interns

Quick answer: Taiwan business etiquette is polite, relationship-focused and respectful of seniority. Greet people with a light handshake, use titles and family names, hand over business cards with both hands, arrive on time and avoid public disagreement. You do not need to be perfect. Colleagues in Taiwan are usually warm and forgiving when they see you are making an effort.

Greetings and names

A light handshake and a small nod are standard in offices. Handshakes are usually gentle, not firm and long. Wait for a more senior person to offer their hand first.

Taiwanese names put the family name first. Chen Mei-ling is Ms Chen, not Ms Mei-ling. In the first weeks, use a title plus family name, such as Manager Chen or Director Lin. Follow your colleagues' lead.

Business cards

• Give and receive cards with both hands.
• Read the card for a moment before you put it away. It shows respect.
• Do not write on a card, fold it or shove it in a back pocket.
• Keep received cards in a card holder or on the table during the meeting.

Hierarchy and seniority

Seniority matters. The most senior person usually speaks first, sits in the main seat and makes the final decision. Greet senior colleagues first, and let them start the discussion or the meal.

You can still share ideas. Do it politely, and often in a private chat or after the meeting rather than in front of the whole room. Ask 'Could I check one point?' instead of saying someone is wrong.

Face and indirect communication

Mianzi means face: reputation, dignity and respect. Embarrassing someone in public, even by accident, can damage trust. Give feedback privately, and praise people in front of others.

Communication is often indirect. A pause, a vague 'maybe' or 'we will consider it' can mean no. Listen for what is not said. If you are unsure, check gently afterwards: 'Just to confirm, would you like me to do it this way?'

Be careful with humor and sarcasm at first. If language is a worry, see our guide to overcoming language barriers.

Meetings and punctuality

Arrive on time or a few minutes early. Being late looks careless, so message your supervisor early if you are delayed. Meetings can be formal, and decisions are sometimes made before the meeting through quiet conversations. Take notes and follow up in writing.

Guanxi: relationships

Guanxi means the network of trust you build with people. Work in Taiwan often runs on relationships as much as on tasks. Say hello, join team lunches, remember small details about colleagues and thank people often. Trust grows slowly, and it is worth the time.

Dining etiquette

• Never stand chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. It looks like incense offered to the dead.
• Wait for the host or most senior person to start eating.
• Food is often shared from the middle of the table. Use the serving chopsticks if there are any.
• Expect toasts. 'Ganbei' means 'bottoms up', but you can sip, or use tea if you do not drink alcohol. Say so politely.
• Who pays: the host or the most senior person usually pays. Offer once, then accept graciously. Do not fight over the bill.

Gift giving

Gifts are not expected from interns, but a small food treat from your home country is a nice gesture. A few traditional tips:

• Avoid clocks, because the phrase for giving a clock sounds like attending a funeral.
• Avoid sets of four. The number four sounds like the word for death.
• Avoid white or black wrapping. Red and gold feel more festive.
• Expect a polite refusal first. The receiver may decline once or twice before accepting, and that is normal.
• Present and receive gifts with both hands.

Customs differ by family and generation, so if you are unsure, ask a colleague.

Working hours and LINE

Typical office hours are around 9 am to 6 pm, but they differ by company, and some teams stay late. Ask your supervisor what is expected, including lunch time and when you can leave.

LINE is the most widely used messaging app in Taiwan, and many teams use it for work chats and quick updates. You may be added to a group chat on your first day. Keep messages polite and professional, and reply promptly during work hours. Some companies use Slack, Teams or email as well, so ask which one is official.

Dress code

Dress neat, clean and modest. Many offices are smart casual: collared shirt or blouse, trousers or a knee-length skirt, closed shoes. Finance, law and client-facing roles can be more formal, and tech start-ups more relaxed. Taipei is hot and humid for much of the year, so pick light fabrics. If in doubt, dress slightly smarter on day one and adjust.

Holidays to know

Taiwan has a few big holidays. Their dates follow the lunar calendar, so they change each year. Check the current year's dates on the official government calendar.

• Lunar New Year: the biggest holiday, with several days off. Many businesses close, and families travel and gather.
• Dragon Boat Festival: usually in early summer. People eat rice dumplings (zongzi), and there are boat races.
• Mid-Autumn Festival: usually in September or early October. Families share mooncakes and many people barbecue outdoors with friends.

What not to do

• Do not point out mistakes in front of others.
• Do not be late without warning.
• Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or point with them.
• Do not push to discuss politics. Taiwan's political situation is a sensitive topic. Let colleagues bring it up, listen more than you speak, and stay neutral and respectful.

For a wider view of how workplaces differ across the region, read our guide to work cultures in Asia.

Interning in Taiwan with AIP

Asia Internship Program (AIP) places interns in Taipei across fields such as business development, software engineering, engineering, supply chain, renewables and environmental science. Host companies work in English, so Mandarin is useful but not needed. Every program includes visa assistance and 24/7 emergency support. For some passports, the Working Holiday visa may be the simplest route, and AIP can help you check your options.

Explorer, Traveler and Pioneer programs are available in Taiwan, with vetted housing within about an hour of the office by public transport. Programs run from 6 to 24 weeks. Finding your placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit, so apply with a start date at least 12 weeks away. If your start date is less than 12 weeks away, you need AIPx Fast Track. Most international internships are unpaid, and if we accept you but can't place you, you get your full deposit back. You can see costs on our pricing page.

FAQs

Do I need to speak Mandarin to intern in Taiwan?

No. Many host companies placed through AIP work in English, so Mandarin is not required. Learning a few phrases such as nǐ hǎo (hello) and xièxiè (thank you) is polite and helps you settle in, and it makes daily life in Taipei easier.

How should I greet people at a Taiwanese workplace?

A light handshake and a small nod are normal. Use titles and family names at first, for example Manager Chen, and wait for your colleagues to suggest a more casual style. Taiwanese names usually put the family name first.

What gifts should I avoid in Taiwan?

Avoid clocks, because the phrase for giving a clock sounds like attending a funeral. Also avoid sets of four, since four sounds like the word for death, and avoid white or black wrapping. Small food gifts from your home country are a safe choice. Customs vary by person, so ask a colleague if you are unsure.

Is LINE used for work in Taiwan?

Yes. LINE is the most popular messaging app in Taiwan and many teams use it for work chats. Some companies also use Slack, Teams or email, so ask your supervisor on day one which tool the team uses.

What should I wear to an internship in Taiwan?

Dress neat and modest. Many offices are smart casual, while finance, law and client-facing roles lean more formal. Taipei is warm and humid for much of the year, so choose light fabrics, and check the dress code with your supervisor before your first day.

Ready to experience Taiwan's work culture first-hand? Explore our Taiwan internship program.