Etiquette A traditional Chinese greeting would be to bow and clasp both hands. However, predomination of the Western culture has replaced the traditional bow with a simple handshake. At business meetings, an introduction also includes the exchanging of name cards. Chinese have always been more reserved and conservative. Although we may now see a development in the Chinese people, most often than not, there are still some who prefer to shy away from clamorous greetings in the public like hugging and kissing. The art of toasting is a significant trademark of the Chinese that is always practiced at dinner parties. Usually, everyone is required to participate, and the correct way of toasting would be to raise your wine cup with both hands, one holding it and the other touching the base. Another thing to remember is that the Chinese are always polite, even if they do not mean to be. At a dinner, when tea is served it usually means that the party is over and it is time for guests to leave. Out of courtesy, a host may gently entice you to stay longer, but an experienced traveler would immediately pick up the hints and bid the host farewell. Therefore, a traveler once quoted "the rule of thumb is to do the exact opposite that your Chinese friend suggests". Time Difference Standard time in Taiwan is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8). Daylight savings time does not apply here. Visa Information Travelers can obtain their tourist visa from ROC embassies, consulates, and specified representative offices in foreign countries. Visitor visas are applicable for 60 days and may be extended twice for another 60 days. Foreigners using the visitor's visa are not permitted to work without permission. Citizens of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, and the US, with passports valid for six months may not need to apply for a visitor's visa to travel into Taiwan's major international ports and harbors for 14 days (non-extendable).
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