5 must know taboos for Taiwan tourism! Don't step on these red lines

1： Destruction of natural landscapes, with a maximum fine of NT $15000 for violations

Taiwan's natural landscapes are fragile and strictly protected, especially well-known attractions such as Yehliu Geological Park and Kenting Coast, where any destructive behavior is strictly prohibited. According to the local Tourism Development Regulations, activities such as engraving characters, graffiti, picking plants, and collecting strange stones at tourist attractions will result in a minimum fine of NT $3000 and a maximum fine of NT $15000. Many tourists are accustomed to "visiting here for a while", which is a serious violation in Taiwan. Not only will they face fines, but it will also affect their personal travel credit, and must be eliminated. ​

2： Eating inside the MRT, violators will be fined up to NT $7500

The Taipei Metro (subway) implements strict regulations on "fasting and no water in all carriages", covering all carriages, including behaviors such as drinking water, beverages, snacking, chewing gum, etc., all of which are prohibited. There are not only clear signs and reminders on site, but also undercover inspectors patrolling. Once a violation is found, a fine of 1500 to 7500 New Taiwan Dollars will be imposed. It is recommended that tourists finish their food and drinks before boarding, carry garbage bags with them, and work together to maintain the cleanliness of the carriage. ​

3： Smoking is prohibited in public places, and violators will be fined NT $10000 directly

Taiwan has extremely strict control over smoking behavior, with a complete ban on smoking in all covered public places, including restaurants, hotel lobbies, subway stations, buses, night market stalls, etc. Even if smoking on the roadside, it is necessary to comply with the rule of "being at least 10 meters away from the entrance of public places". Violators will be fined NT $10000 directly without warning, and the punishment is extremely severe. Smoking tourists must strictly abide by it. ​

4： Folk gift taboos, 9 types of items must not be given as gifts

Taiwanese folk customs have a profound cultural heritage, and gift giving has strict taboos. If the wrong gift is given, it can greatly offend the recipient and even affect interpersonal relationships. The following 9 types of items must not be given as gifts: first, fans, which symbolize "chasing away customers" and imply driving away the other party; The second is scissors, symbolizing "one knife, two broken", representing the breakdown of a relationship; The third is the umbrella, which sounds like "scattered" and symbolizes separation; The fourth is the mirror, which symbolizes both the saying "a broken mirror is difficult to round" and the idea of finding people ugly; The fifth is the clock, which sounds like "sending off the end" and is the biggest taboo; Sixth, Zongzi, a funeral custom item, has a bad implication; Seven is the duck, which belongs to the cold nature and is considered an ominous thing; The eighth is a towel, which means "sending a towel and cutting off the roots", implying the idea of cutting off communication; Nine is sweet fruit, which is usually not eaten by bereaved families and is considered a taboo item. ​

5： Carrying tobacco into the country in violation of regulations, with a maximum fine of NT $5 million

In recent years, Taiwan has continuously tightened its control over the entry of tobacco products, especially heated tobacco products. According to the latest regulations, heating tobacco products that have not been approved by relevant departments in Taiwan are strictly prohibited from being brought into the country. Violators will face a huge fine of NT $50000 to NT $5 million, and the items involved will be confiscated and destroyed (approximately HK $12000 to HK $140000). Compliance Guide: Only limited edition heated tobacco products purchased from Taiwan duty-free shops can be carried upon entry. Carrying any unapproved tobacco products from overseas is illegal and should not be taken lightly.