Greetings
- A nod and slight bow is appropriate for a first meeting with senior Taiwanese.
- Younger, foreign educated Taiwanese commonly shake hands – with a longer, less forceful grip than in the U.S.
- Taiwanese women might refrain from shaking hands.
Introductions
- Titles are important and names are listed in a different order than in the West, for example, Chang Wu Jiang, Ph.D. = Doctor Chang.
- Taiwanese wives might not use their husband's surnames. If Li Chu Chin married Chang Wu Jiang, she would be Madame Li, not Mrs. Chang.
Appointments
- Be punctual, but do not get upset if your counterpart is late.
- Traditionally, many people nap between 1:30 and 2 p.m.
Negotiating
- Include an older person in your negotiating team. The Taiwanese respect age and knowledge.
- Brutal honesty is not appreciated.
- Humility is a virtue.
Entertaining
- Hospitality is very important. Expect to be invited out every night.
- Eat lightly at the beginning of a meal. There may be up to 20 courses!
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