“Have you eaten yet?”
It caught me off guard the first time I heard it from a Taiwanese colleague. I thought she was offering me lunch—but turns out, it was just her way of saying hello. These little cultural moments are part of what makes living and working in Taiwan a rich, eye-opening experience. But for OFWs, especially during the first few weeks, these differences can also feel confusing if we’re not prepared.
If you’re an Overseas Filipino Worker planning to work in Taiwan, understanding their cultural and workplace etiquette isn’t just polite—it’s a highly desired skill. It helps you avoid awkward moments, build better relationships, and settle in faster.
General Cultural Etiquette in Taiwan
Taiwanese culture is a blend of traditional Chinese values, local Taiwanese customs, and modern global influences. Here’s what stands out most for OFWs:
Respect for Hierarchy
Age and position matter in Taiwanese society. Always use polite titles (like Lǎo Bǎn for boss) and defer to elders or higher-ups when speaking or entering a room.
Gift-Giving Traditions
If you’re invited to someone’s home or meeting a supervisor for the first time, bring a small token—like local delicacies from the Philippines or a souvenir. Avoid clocks, umbrellas, or anything in sets of four, as these are linked to bad luck.
Table Manners
- Never stick chopsticks vertically in rice—it’s linked to funeral offerings.
- Wait for the host to start eating.
- Try a bit of everything offered to you—it’s a sign of appreciation.
Greetings with Meaning
Instead of “hello,” a casual and caring Taiwanese greeting might be chī bǎo le ma? (Have you eaten?). A nod, slight bow, or handshake is common—but wait for the other person to initiate.
Public Behavior & “Face”
Taiwanese culture values harmony. Public displays of anger or confrontation are seen as a loss of face for both parties. It’s better to stay composed and resolve issues privately.
Workplace Etiquette for OFWs
Your work life in Taiwan will likely revolve around structure, respect, and indirect communication. Here’s how to adapt:
Punctuality Is a Must
Arriving even a few minutes late is seen as disrespectful. Always come early to meetings and appointments.
Conservative Dress Code
Stick to neat, professional attire. Business settings often require collared shirts or blouses, slacks, and closed shoes. Avoid flashy accessories or revealing clothes.
Polite and Indirect Communication
If your boss disagrees with you, they might not say it outright. Likewise, you’re expected to use polite language and avoid sounding too blunt. Use phrases like “I understand your point, but may I suggest…” instead of directly saying “That’s wrong.”
Workplace Hierarchy
Taiwanese companies are often hierarchical. Respect senior staff and follow processes—don’t skip levels of authority. Even casual decisions might require approval from several people.
Group Mindset Over Individualism
Team harmony is more important than individual recognition. Give credit to the team and avoid standing out too much unless invited to share your personal achievements.
Adapting with Ease: Tips for OFWs
- Observe quietly at first: Watch how your coworkers behave and mirror what feels appropriate.
- Join company activities: Participating in shared meals or celebrations helps you connect with others.
- Learn key Mandarin phrases: Even simple greetings like nǐ hǎo (hello) and xièxiè (thank you) go a long way.
- Ask politely: If unsure, ask a local colleague respectfully. Most Taiwanese are friendly and happy to help.
Situational Example: A Day at Work
Let’s say it’s your first week. You show up 10 minutes early, greet your team with a smile and a light bow, then wait to be introduced to the supervisor. During lunch, you join your team, thank the person who invited you, and wait for them to start eating. Later in the day, you finish your task and send a message saying, “I’ve completed the task. Please let me know if you have any feedback.” Your boss responds with a thumbs up—success!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to speak Mandarin to work in Taiwan?
Not necessarily. Many factory and caregiving jobs provide translators or team leads who speak both languages. But learning basic Mandarin helps build rapport. - Can I call my boss by their first name?
Not recommended. Use “Boss,” “Sir/Ma’am,” or their title followed by their surname. Using first names without permission may seem too casual or disrespectful. - What if I accidentally offend someone?
Apologize sincerely and politely. Taiwanese people are generally understanding of foreigners who are trying to adjust. - Are there holidays I should be aware of?
Yes—Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival are major holidays. Respect traditions during these times and greet coworkers with well wishes.
Final Thoughts
Blending into Taiwanese culture isn’t about losing your identity—it’s about building bridges. As OFWs, we carry our values and warmth wherever we go. By embracing Taiwanese customs, we open doors to deeper friendships, professional growth, and personal peace.
Learning the unspoken rules helped me go from feeling like a stranger to being part of a team. You’ll get there too—one gesture, one nod, one shared meal at a time.