[Taiwan Survival Guide] A Must-Read for Foreigners! Taiwan's Traffic Etiquette and Those 'Unspoken' Rules 🇹🇼

Welcome to Taiwan! Here, you'll find world-class cuisine and warm-hearted people. But honestly, Taiwan's traffic situation might be a 'culture shock' for first-time foreign visitors.

To help you navigate like a local and avoid getting eye-rolls (or even fines) for not knowing the unwritten rules, this guide compiles all the traffic survival tips that might not be in textbooks, but you absolutely need to know.

1. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The Ironclad Rules Behind Its Impeccable Cleanliness

Taiwan's MRT is globally renowned for its cleanliness and punctuality, thanks to very strict regulations. This is the first major pitfall foreigners often encounter.

⚠️ Major Pitfall: No Eating or Drinking (Including Water!)

While it's common to sip coffee or chew gum on subways abroad, it is strictly prohibited in Taiwan's MRT past the yellow warning line (fare gates).

• Prohibited Area: From the moment you tap in until you tap out, including the platform area.
• Absolutely No: Drinking water, chewing gum, eating candy.
• Consequence: Fines can go up to NT$7,500 (approx. US$230). This is no joke; station staff will enforce it.

Local Tip: If you have a bubble tea (hand-shaken drink), make sure it's sealed or in a bag. Don't carry it around with a straw inserted, as this might cause misunderstandings.

2. Escalators: The Mysterious 'Stand on the Right' Creed

While the MRT company officially advises 'hold the handrail, stand firmly on the steps,' there's a deeply ingrained unwritten rule in Taipei's commuting culture.

• Stand on the Right: If you're not in a hurry, automatically stand on the right side.
• Pass on the Left: The left side is reserved for those who are 'walking' and in a rush (though this isn't safe, it's a social understanding).

⚠️ Pitfall Warning

If you stand on the left side of an escalator during peak hours and block people behind you, you might hear hurried footsteps or a soft "Excuse me" (借過). To avoid awkwardness, just follow the queue in front of you.

3. Priority Seats: The Mystery of the Chair Colors

On the MRT and buses, you'll notice a distinction between dark blue (regular seats) and lighter blue or different colored seats (Priority Seats).

• Unwritten Rule: Even when the carriage is packed, young Taiwanese sometimes prefer to stand rather than sit in a Priority Seat, fearing criticism from elders.
• Foreigner's Perspective: If you have an invisible need (e.g., injury, discomfort), you can certainly sit. However, if you appear strong and healthy while scrolling on your phone in a Priority Seat, you might feel 'intense stares' from those around you when an elder boards.

Recommendation: When you see seniors, pregnant women, children, or people with mobility issues, you must offer your seat. This is considered a very important virtue in Taiwan.

4. Buses: Not an Automatic Stop

In many countries, buses stop at every station. But in Taiwan, there's a 'waving understanding' between bus drivers and passengers.

⚠️ Major Pitfall: No Wave, No Stop

• When Boarding: When you see your bus approaching, be sure to raise your hand and wave to signal the driver to stop. If you just stand idly at the bus stop looking at your phone, the driver will usually drive right past.
• When Alighting: Before reaching your stop, be sure to press the red 'stop request bell'.
• Tapping Your Card: In most counties and cities now (e.g., Taipei, Taichung), you need to 'tap your card when boarding AND alighting'.

5. Pedestrians Crossing the Road: A Survival Game and the 'Emperor's Clause'

Taiwan was once dubbed a 'pedestrian hell' by foreign media. Although the government recently amended laws to increase penalties (vehicles must yield to pedestrians), habits haven't fully changed yet.

• Traffic Light Unwritten Rule: Even if you're crossing on a green light in a crosswalk, turning vehicles might sometimes come very close.
• Eye Contact: When crossing the road, it's best to make eye contact with the driver of turning vehicles to confirm they've really seen you.

⚠️ Pitfall Warning

Don't assume you can cross with your eyes closed just because the light is green. When crossing the road in Taiwan, maintain 'defensive walking' and always watch out for scooters that might dart out from anywhere.

6. Scooters: The Ubiquitous Two-Wheeled Army

Taiwan is the 'Kingdom of Scooters,' with an extremely high scooter density.

• Filtering: Scooter riders are accustomed to weaving through traffic or riding on the shoulder. When getting out of a taxi or opening a car door on the roadside, always look back to check for oncoming scooters.
• Exhaust Pipe Burns (The Taiwanese Tattoo): When walking on the roadside in shorts or navigating through parked scooters, be careful not to touch a recently turned-off scooter exhaust pipe with your calf. Such burns are humorously nicknamed 'The Taiwanese Tattoo' here.

Summary: Stay Smiling and Observant

While Taiwan's traffic might seem chaotic, there's actually a rhythm of 'order within chaos.' Just remember: no eating on the MRT, wave for the bus, and watch for vehicles when walking, and you'll enjoy a pleasant and safe trip in Taiwan!