Taipei City Guide - Business Etiquette

Office hours in Taipei are Mon-Fri 0900-1700 and Sat 0900-1200. Taiwan is traditionally Chinese whilst at the same time, westernised. A strong Japanese influence is evident. Taiwan is a functional society, used to dealing with Westerners. A lightweight suit is suitable business wear, shaking hands the usual form of greeting and business cards printed in both Chinese and English should be given and received with two hands. When addressing people, the family or surname comes first. The bureaucracy has improved and the business culture is about being open and accessible. People are lively, friendly and very relaxed, although punctuality is important and appointments need to be made in advance. Taiwanese are fast-paced, hard working and highly educated. However, even if business is being conducted in English, a translator may be necessary. As in all Asian countries, face is important. Flexibility, imagination and going with the flow are the key to success.