Current Time in Hsinchu
Taiwanese culture regarding time
Taiwanese culture regarding time
People in urban areas tend to be punctual
In urban areas such as Taipei, punctuality is the norm in meetings and business situations. In particular, foreign-affiliated companies and workplaces that conduct international transactions manage time in a manner similar to that of Japan.
Flexible aspects in daily life
On the other hand, many people think that it is okay to be a little late for private gatherings or plans with friends, and strict time management is not very common. Being 10 to 15 minutes late is sometimes tolerated.
Schools and public institutions keep to the schedule
Schools and classes start on time, and government offices open on time, so a certain awareness of time is deeply rooted in social life in general.
Taiwanese values regarding time
The sense of time differs between business and private life
Efficiency and punctuality are emphasized in the workplace, but in private life, a culture of acting with a margin of time and being considerate of others also coexists.
Strong interest in schedules for annual events
It is important to adjust schedules to traditional events such as the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it is common to set aside a few days in advance to spend time with family and prepare for them.
Commuting rush hour is concentrated in the early morning
In urban areas, commuting time is very important, and trains and buses are crowded in the early morning. There is a deep-rooted awareness that being punctual is a given as a member of society.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or moving to Taiwan
Punctuality is the basis of business
It is considered good manners to always arrive on time or a little early for business negotiations, interviews, and meetings with clients, and being late can damage your credibility.
A relaxed sense of time in rural areas
Compared to urban areas, rural areas have a slightly relaxed sense of time, and events may not start as scheduled. You need to be flexible in responding to the atmosphere and the person you are talking to.
Be careful about your schedule around the Lunar New Year and public holidays
On the last day of long holidays, transportation is crowded and government offices and banks may finish work early, so it is wise to plan your trip and procedures with plenty of time.
Public transportation is generally on time
Although not as often as in Japan, trains and bullet trains (shinkansen) run relatively on time, and the transportation environment is easy for travelers to use.
Interesting trivia about time in Taiwan
New Year's cards are sent on the lunar New Year as well
In Taiwan, there is a culture of celebrating the New Year on both the Gregorian calendar (January 1st) and the lunar New Year (Spring Festival), and New Year's cards and congratulatory greetings are sent at each time.
Deciding important plans using the "Hours of the Dragon"
For life's turning points such as moving, getting married, and starting a business, there is a culture of having a fortune teller look at the "auspicious days and times," and it is deeply rooted in the practice of choosing the best time based on the calendar and time.
Many stores are open 24 hours a day
In urban areas, it is not uncommon for convenience stores and restaurants to be open 24 hours a day, and a lifestyle of being active late into the night has taken root. It can be said that a "night-owl" lifestyle is more prevalent than in other countries.