Taiwan has a culture steeped in tradition and one in which age-old Chinese superstitions are ever-present.

Numbers are of particular significance in Taiwanese culture. According to locals, four is unlucky because it sounds like the Mandarin word for death. With negative connotations surrounding the number, hospitals don’t have a fourth floor in Taiwan, and apartments on the fourth floor often have lower rent than other units.

Alternatively, the numbers six and eight are considered lucky. Six sounds like a common saying in Mandarin wishing for everything to go smoothly, and eight is similar to the Chinese word for prosperity. Taiwanese locals will even pay additional money for license plates or phone numbers that include six and eight.

The seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, known as Ghost Month, is mired in superstitions. There is a long list of things to avoid so that ghosts, commonly referred to as “good brothers,” stay away from you. Taiwanese locals avoid swimming, whistling at night, buying a new car or house, getting married, and opening umbrellas inside during Ghost Month.

Many Taiwanese traditions revolve around eating. When enjoying a meal, for example, it’s rude to finish all the food on the table. This means the host didn’t prepare enough and left guests hungry. When eating with chopsticks, never place them upright in a bowl of rice. This gesture means you are cursing the person sitting across from you. It also mocks the praying ritual for the deceased, where it is customary to stick chopsticks upright in the bowl as an offering.

Another local tradition is the exchange of business cards, even when there aren’t any business intentions between individuals. It’s customary to present business cards with both hands, and when receiving a business card, you should read the name and title aloud as a sign of respect. Avoid putting the card in your pocket or wallet too quickly, since this shows you’re uninterested.

There are also certain customs surrounding gift-giving. Don’t give clocks as presents. The Mandarin word for clock sounds like the word that describes handling the funeral affairs of a family member. If you’re giving your significant other a gift, avoid giving them a pair of shoes as this symbolizes sending a person away. However, there is a workaround for this taboo. The recipient can provide one Taiwanese dollar turning the gift into a purchase instead. 

Learn More:
Six Traditions Only Locals in Taiwan Can Understand 
Ten Common Superstitions in Taiwan
Culture and Etiquette in Taiwan