Appreciating Efficiency in Taiwan

While I understand why everyone is so focused on the tariffs being tossed around in this Trade War between China and the US, I believe more people should be noting the news that Taiwan is standing by America’s side. It’s a big story and deserves more attention, though this wouldn’t be the first time the world was watching somewhere else. I’m reminded of when the reopening of the American Institute of Taiwan was largely ignored, as everyone looked instead to the meeting of President Trump and Kim Jong Un.

 

Well, in the interest of providing Taiwan more recognition, I’d like to share my experiences in the country with you all.

 

I hope these stories help prepare you should you do business in the country, I for one wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Online sources warned me that the country wouldn’t be easy on the wallet, though this didn’t turn out to be true. Prices were more or less the same there as back home in the West, in fact, there was quite a bit of western similarities to be found.

 

Despite clearly having its own distinct culture, there is still wide acceptance of Western business rules, manners, and procedures. This gives the island a very international atmosphere, allowing industrialists and entrepreneurs from around the world to feel comfortable when making deals and doing business. The locals themselves are very comfortable people, I suppose the ever-changing weather instills a sense of adaptability. I had an outdoor meeting with some representatives get interrupted by the weather changing from sunny to rainy and back again three times, yet the people I was meeting with took it in stride like nothing was out of the ordinary.

 

At one point, my family and I were stuck in the rain for nearly an hour as we waited for our ride, yet we were entertained the entire time by a high school dancing team training under a roof nearby. Their performances were most impressive, as was the changing of the guards at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. Tourists from all around came to see both the incredible statue and the precise marching of the guards around it, their rotation every few hours was a show all its own.

 

Mind you, Taiwan is no fairytale land, there are still things you need to watch out for while you’re there. For one thing, don’t bring up China, relations between the two countries are very tense and only growing more so. For another, avoid ordering Uber drivers, I had seven drivers cancel after accepting my request, and when a driver finally did decide to pick me up his vehicle was far too small to transport my large party. Taxis are far better, though be prepared, as English is not yet widely spoken on the island, so a translator will be a very worthwhile investment.

 

However, these are minor complaints that should not scare you away from visiting such an incredible place. The food alone is well worth the trip, though I’ll tell you more about their menus in another blog.

 

Sweet Tips from Ally:

 

Research the local weather and dress accordingly, having the wrong wardrobe for a climate can make your trip miserable and make you look unprofessional.

 

Be sure to recognize international rivalries so as to avoid accidentally offending your hosts, be especially careful if doing business with multiple countries who have animosity between one another.

 

Understand that the quality of rideshare apps will be different from country to country, and that some areas provide more reliable service than others.