1
International Etiquette
Contents
1. Preface ................................................................................................. 3
1.1. Significance of international etiquette .............................................. 4
1.2. Importance of international etiquette ............................................... 4
2. Dining ................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Hosting banquets .............................................................................. 6
2.2. Seating arrangements ...................................................................... 12
2.3. Tableware setting ............................................................................ 28
2.4. Table manners................................................................................. 35
2.5. Types of banquets and parties ........................................................ 41
2.6. Buffet etiquette ............................................................................... 41
3. Dress ................................................................................................... 43
3.1. Importance of appropriate dress ..................................................... 44
3.2. For men ........................................................................................... 44
3.3. For women ...................................................................................... 46
4. Accommodation ................................................................................ 49
4.1. At home .......................................................................................... 50
4.2. As a house guest ............................................................................. 50
4.3. At a hotel ........................................................................................ 50
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5. Travel ................................................................................................. 54
5.1. On foot ............................................................................................ 55
5.2. By car .............................................................................................. 57
5.3. In an elevator .................................................................................. 66
5.4. On the stairs .................................................................................... 66
5.5. By airplane ...................................................................................... 68
5.6. By public transport ......................................................................... 68
6. Interaction ......................................................................................... 70
6.1. Introductions ................................................................................... 71
6.2. Handshakes ..................................................................................... 73
6.3. Visits ............................................................................................... 75
6.4. Gifts ................................................................................................ 75
6.5. Flags ................................................................................................ 77
6.6. Seating arrangements for meetings ................................................ 80
6.7. Small talk ........................................................................................ 83
6.8. Cell phones ..................................................................................... 83
6.9. Email ............................................................................................... 83
6.10. Social media ................................................................................... 84
7. Entertainment ................................................................................... 85
7.1. Receptions and garden parties ........................................................ 86
7.2. Concerts .......................................................................................... 86
7.3. Dances ............................................................................................ 88
7.4. Golf ................................................................................................. 89
Contents
3
1. Preface
International Etiquette
4
1.1. Significance of international etiquette
International etiquette provides a set of rules for everyday life and social
interactions in the international community. Although based on traditional
Western manners, norms, and experiences that have gradually evolved over
time, international etiquette does not exclude local traditions and protocols.
When visiting another place, it is important to follow the customs of its
people.
1.2. Importance of international etiquette
With the ever-increasing ease of travel, the chance of needing to understand
and use international etiquette will continue to grow. It can help avoid
unnecessary misunderstandings and awkward situations that could make
you look bad personally and, in the worst-case scenario, tarnish the
reputation of your nation. The Chinese classic Book of Rites (Liji 禮記)
says, “When entering a border, ask about matters forbidden; when entering
a country, ask about its customs; before entering a home, ask about taboos
to be avoided.” You should also keep in mind the famous Western proverb,
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Preface
5
2. Dining
International Etiquette
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2.1. Hosting banquets
Banquets offer good opportunities for socializing and can help foster new
friendships or enhance old ones. Improper arrangements may upset
guests or even lead to friction between countries, so great care should be
taken on such occasions.
⚫ Guest list
To host a successful banquet, you should carefully plan the guest list
in advance. In principle, you should try to achieve a balance in the
numbers, genders, and statuses of guests. No one present should have
a higher rank than the guest of honor.
⚫ Timing
Invitations should be sent out two weeks in advance. Whenever
possible, formal banquets should not be held on weekends, public
holidays, or traditional festivals for family gatherings.
⚫ Venue
Hosting a banquet at your residence shows sincerity and warmth. If
another venue is chosen, you should take into consideration its
facilities, suitability, and convenience.
⚫ Invitations
Examples of invitations can be found on pages 5-8. The RSVP in the
lower left corner of a Western-style invitation comes from the French
expression répondez s'il vous plaît, which means “please reply” in
English.
⚫ Menu and guest list
Menu design and selection should keep in mind the guests’ preferences
and religious or dietary restrictions. For example, Buddhist guests
might wish to avoid all meat products, while Muslim and Jewish guests
will want to avoid pork, and Hindu guests beef. In the West, dessert
should be served after the main course. For a more formal occasion,
the menu and guest list may be provided to guests for their convenience.
⚫ Important matters for hosts
Once invitations have been sent, a banquet should not be rescheduled
or canceled unless there is a very good reason.
◼ The time, place, and dress code should be clearly written on the
invitation.
◼ For an important banquet, the host should remind the guests
beforehand who will be attending.
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⚫ Important matters for guests
Guests should arrive on time. (Please see figure 1 on page 13.)
When attending a banquet abroad held at the host’s residence,
guests may present the host with a token gift representative of
their country to show appreciation.
◼ Guests should not take uninvited guests to the banquet.
◼ Guests should dress appropriately as stated on the invitation.
When in doubt, ask the host for clarification.
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Invitation in Chinese (vertical).
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9
Invitation in Chinese (horizontal).
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Invitation in English.
Mr. & Mrs. John Smith
request the pleasure of your company at a luncheon
in honor of the U.S. Senators
on Thursday, August 28, 2008
at noon
Golden Dragon Restaurtant of the Grand Hotel
No.1, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei
RSVP
Return card enclosed Dress code: Business attire
Dining
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Return card in English.
Return cards and invitations may be printed separately.
RETURN CARD
Luncheon hosted by Mr. & Mrs. John Smith on August 28, 2008
Name:
□ will attend □ will not attend Tel: (02)2348-2597
Fax: (02)2375-2157
Please fax response or mail it to No. 2, Ketagalan Blvd., Taipei
International Etiquette
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2.2. Seating arrangements
1. Western style
There are three principles regarding seating arrangements.
⚫ Place of honor to the right
◼ When the host and guest of honor are seated across from
each other, the second-most important guest is seated to
the right of the host. The next-most important guest should
be seated to the right of the guest of honor, and so on.
◼ When the host and their spouse are seated across from
each other, the guest of honor is seated to right of the
host’s spouse, and the second-most important guest is
seated to right of the host. The next-most important guest
should be seated to the left of the host’s spouse, and so on.
⚫ Special considerations
◼ Rank and precedence
Seat order is determined by the official positions of the guests.
The seating of a guest’s spouse shall be determined by the guest’s
official position. However, if a guest’s spouse’s official position
is higher than that of the guest, the guest’s spouse is seated
according to their rank.
◼ Political considerations
Political considerations may alter a guest’s position in the order
of precedence. For example, at a diplomatic event, a foreign
minister takes precedence over other ministerial-level guests.
◼ Personal relationships
Friendships, hierarchical relationships among guests, and
language abilities should also be taken into account when
making seating arrangements.
⚫ Alternating seating
It is recommended that men and women and nationals and
foreigners should be seated alternately around the table.
2. Taiwan context
The first two principles mentioned above are also applied in
seating arrangements when the host or guest of honor is from
Taiwan. But if this is the case, spouses or partners may be seated
next to each other. The practice to alternate the seating of men and
women and nationals and foreigners around the table still applies.
Dining
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3. Other important considerations
⚫ On Western-style occasions, the host and guest of honor are
treated as focal points, and guests of higher rank are seated
closer to them. It is recommended that the last seat not be
occupied by a female guest and that the host be seated with
their back to the door.
⚫ Ideally, there should be 6, 10, or 14 people, with an equal
number of men and women so that the female and male guests
can be seated alternately.
⚫ You should avoid having 13 people total (including guests and
host) seated at a table.
⚫ Should there be neither clear differences in rank nor special
political considerations, seating arrangements can be planned
based on the guests’ professional and personal backgrounds,
and convenience for conversation.
4. Seating arrangements illustrated: See pages 14 to 27
Figure 1: Guests should arrive on time.
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Long table seating (1).
1. When there are six people total, the host and their
spouse are seated at opposite sides of the table.
2. The numbers indicate the ranking of the guests.
Host’s
spouse
△
Host
△
1
Guest of
honor
2
2
1
Guest of
honor’s
spouse
Dining
15
Long table seating (2).
When there are eight people in total, the host and guest of honor
sit on opposite sides of the table and male and female guests are
seated alternately. Seats next to the host and their spouse are
reserved for guests with the highest precedence.
5
4
Guest of
honor’s
spouse
△
∆
2
3
6
Guest of
honor
Host
1
△
Host’s
spouse
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Long-table seating (3).
When there are 12 people total, the host and their spouse are seated
at the middle of the longer sides of the table, with the lowest-
ranking guests and their spouses seated at the ends.
3
Guest of
honor
Host’s
spouse
Host
Guest of
honor’s
spouse
1
△
2
4
4
2
1
3
5
5
△
Dining
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Western-style round table seating (1).
The host and their spouse are seated facing each other, guests and
their spouses sit apart, and the guest of honor is seated to the right of
the host’s spouse.
Guest of
honor’s
spouse
Guest of
honor
△
3
△
7
10
6
2
1
9
5
8
4
Host’s spouse
Host
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Western-style round table seating (2).
The host and guest of honor are seated facing each other, with the
other guests seated in accordance of rank starting from the right side
of the host.
5
△
9
10
6
2
3
11
7
8
4
Host
1
Guest of honor
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Round table seating in the Taiwan context (1).
The host and their spouse are seated next to each other, with the guests
of honor sitting across from them (men on the left, women on the
right). The other couples are arranged by precedence as in the figure.
Guest of
honor’s
spouse
Guest of
honor
3
1
△
3
5
5
Host’s spouse
Host
△
4
2
4
1
2
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Round table seating in the Taiwan context (2).
The host and the guest of honor are seated across from each other, and
the other guests are seated alternately in order of precedence on the
right and left sides of the guest of honor.
3
△
5
7
9
11
2
6
4
8
10
Host
1
Guest of
honor
Dining
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Round table seating in the Taiwan context (3).
If the rank of the host is higher than that of the guests and there is no
guest of honor, the host is seated facing the entrance, with the guests
seated on the host’s right and left alternately in accordance with rank.
2
△
4
6
8
10
1
5
3
7
9
1
Host
11
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Seating at two round tables (1).
In this case, Western-style seating arrangements seat the host and their
spouse across from each other at one table, and a cohost and their
spouse at the other table.
△
Host
1
2
△
△ △
Cohost
Host’s spouse Cohost’s spouse
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Seating at two round tables (2).
The host and their spouse sit across from the guests of honor at
different tables.
△
Host’s spouse
1
2
△
△ △
Host
Guest of honor 1
Guest of honor 2
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Arrangement for three or four tables.
1
2
3
1
3
2
4
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Horseshoe-style seating (1).
When the rank of the host and their spouse is higher than that of the
guests, the host and their spouse are seated at the middle of the top,
with the guests seated to the right of the host’s spouse and then the left
of the host in order of precedence.
7
5
3
1
2
4
6
8
Host
Host’s
spouse
9
25
13
17
21
26
18
22
14
10
23
15
19
11
24
12
16
20
27
28
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Horseshoe-style seating (2).
When the host and their spouse and the guests of honor are of equal
rank, they are seated alternately at the middle of the top side to show
equal respect.
Guest of
honor
Host
7
5
3
4
6
8
△
△
9
25
13
17
21
26
18
22
14
10
23
15
19
11
24
12
16
Host’s
spouse
20
27
28
Guest of
honor’s
spouse
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Double horseshoe-style seating.
If the rank of the guests of honor is higher than that of the host and
their spouse, a seating chart can be arranged like this, such as when a
premier and spouse host a banquet for another country’s president and
spouse.
3
12
4
Guest of
honor
6
8
10
11
9
7
5
Guest of
honor’s
spouse
Host
△
Host’s
spouse
△
29
13
21
69
37
53
77
45
61
85
19
59
27
43
67
35
51
75
83
25
17
65
33
49
73
41
57
81
24
16
64
32
48
72
40
56
80
28
20
68
36
52
76
44
60
84
15
55
23
39
63
31
47
71
79
14
54
22
38
62
30
46
70
78
86
50
18
34
58
26
42
66
74
82
89
87
88
90
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2.3. Tableware setting
Cutlery and glassware
Wine and water glasses are placed above and to the right of the service
plate, and a small bread plate is placed above and to the left of the service
plate. The outermost cutlery is used first, with the fork held in the left
hand and the knife in the right (opposite for those who are left-handed).
The used cutlery is placed on the plate itself. The soup spoon should not
be placed in the bowl. When leaving the table during a meal for a break
or to get some bread, the knife and fork should be placed apart in the four
o’clock and eight o’clock positions on the plate. After finishing the meal,
used cutlery should be left side by side in the four o’clock position on the
plate. The fork should be placed tines pointing up and the knife blade
facing in. (See figures 2-6.)
Napkin
It is customary to wait for the host’s spouse to open their napkin first before
putting your own on your lap. Use the corners of the napkin to wipe your
mouth, but do not use it to clean the cutlery or to wipe your face. When
leaving the table during the meal, lay the napkin over the back of the chair
or on its armrest. After the meal is finished, loosely fold the napkin and
place it to the left of the plate. (See figures 7-12.)
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Figure 2: Western-style tableware arrangement
1. Salad knife
2. Salad fork
3. Soup spoon
4. Fish knife
5. Fish fork
6. Dinner knife
7. Dinner fork
8. Napkin
9. Dessert spoon
10. Dessert fork
11. White wine glass
12. Red wine glass
13. Water glass
14. Bread plate
15. Butter knife
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How to use a knife and fork
Figure 3: Hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right hand.
Figure 4: When cutting, stick the tines of the fork into one side of the cut
of meat, then cut off a bite-sized portion with the knife.
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Figure 5: Resting position for the knife and fork when taking a break during
a meal. (The knife and fork should be placed on the plate itself, without
their handles touching the table.)
Figure 6: Position for the knife and fork after finishing a meal.
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How to use a napkin
Figure 7: Place the napkin on your lap with its fold facing towards you.
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Figure 8: Refrain from using the napkin as a bib.
Figure 9: Gently use the corners of the napkin to wipe your mouth.
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Figure 10: Refrain from using the napkin to wipe your face.
Figure 11: When leaving the table during a meal, lay the napkin over the
back of your chair or on its armrest.
Dining
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Figure 12: After the meal is done, fold the napkin loosely and place it on
the table.
2.4. Table manners
⚫ Don’t leave purses, cell phones, or other personal belongings on the
table.
⚫ Bring your food up to your mouth, rather than lean over towards your
food.
⚫ Chew with your mouth closed, and don’t speak too loudly.
⚫ Finish the food on your plate if possible, but don’t force yourself to do
so.
⚫ Refer to figures 13-14 for the proper way of eating soup, and remember
never to make slurping noises.
⚫ When removing a bone or fruit seed from your mouth, cover your
mouth with your hand or napkin and spit it gently into your hand before
placing it on your plate. Don’t spit it directly onto the plate or table, as
in figure 15.
⚫ When you want to use a condiment or other item on the table not
immediately in front of you, ask those near you to pass it to you, rather
than reach across them, as in figure 16.
⚫ When eating bread, break off small pieces and eat them one bite at a
time. Other food should be cut into bite-sized pieces and chewed and
swallowed before putting more food into your mouth. You should not,
however, cut an entire piece of meat into small pieces all at once.
⚫ During the meal, refrain as much as possible from sneezing, coughing,
yawning, or blowing your nose. If you must do so, use your
handkerchief or napkin to cover your mouth.
⚫ Compliment your host on the food, especially if they personally
International Etiquette
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cooked the food.
⚫ In most Western cultures, toasts can be proposed, but it is not common
to drink the contents of your glass all at once, so please don’t ask your
guests to do so.
⚫ If you drop and break a piece of tableware, remain calm and wait for
assistance from the service staff. If you need to summon a member of
the service staff, signal with your hand, palm facing inward, instead of
calling them for help, as in figure 17.
⚫ It is inappropriate to apply makeup or use a toothpick while at the
dining table, as in figures 18 and 19.
⚫ In most Western cultures, the host will generally deliver a speech
before the dessert course. In Scandinavian countries and at banquets
hosted by Taiwanese, however, the host will more commonly give a
speech before the start of the meal.
Dining
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Proper way to eat soup
Figure 13: Skim the soup from the front of the bowl to the back. Bring the
soup spoon up to your mouth, and eat from the side of the spoon without
slurping.
Figure 14: To finish your soup, use your left hand to gently tilt the bowl
away from you in order to scoop up the soup with your spoon. Do not pick
up the soup bowl to drink directly from it.
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Figure 15: Don’t spit bones or other inedible parts of your food directly
onto the plate or the table.
Figure 16: If you need an item on the table that is not within your reach,
ask the person next to you to pass it to you.
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Figure 17: If you need help from the service staff, simply lift your hand.
Don’t shout or snap your fingers.
Figure 18: It is inappropriate
to apply makeup or brush your
hair at the table.
Figure 19: Don’t use a toothpick
or your finger to pick your teeth
at the table.
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How to properly hold wine and liquor glasses
Hold wine and champagne glasses by the stem.
Hold brandy glasses with your palm at the base of the
bowl and with the stem passing through your middle
and index fingers. The warmth of your hand will help
release the aromas in the liquor.
Hold tall and skinny beer glasses by the lower,
narrower part of the glass.
Hold long-stem cocktail glasses as you hold a wine
glass.
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2.5. Types of banquets and parties
⚫ Luncheon or business lunch
Typically held between noon and 2:00 p.m.
⚫ Dinner
Usually held after 6:00 p.m., often with couples invited.
⚫ State banquet
Official banquet held to welcome a visiting head of state.
⚫ Supper
Held after an opera or concert performance. In Europe or the United
States, a supper is often comparable to a dinner banquet in size and
scale.
⚫ Tea party
May be held either between breakfast and lunch, or between lunch and
dinner.
⚫ Cocktail, cocktail party, reception
Time should be specified in the invitation.
⚫ Garden party
Time should be specified in the invitation.
⚫ Buffet
May or may not have assigned seating, depending on individual
circumstances. Guests typically serve themselves and eat in the order
they arrive.
⚫ Soirée
Held after 6:00 p.m., and usually includes dinner and entertainment
such as a musical performance or a dance.
2.6. Buffet etiquette
⚫ Properly queue in the buffet line, do not cut the line, and refrain from
talking while taking your food.
⚫ Take reasonable portions of food in the order in which it is served on
the buffet table.
⚫ Don’t take excessive portions of food so that it piles up on your plate,
as indicated in figure 20.
⚫ Don’t get up from the table until you have finished chewing your food.
It is not appropriate to chew and walk at the same time.
⚫ Don’t stack your plates when finished or reuse your plates. Instead,
return them to the designated area or ask a member of the service staff
to remove them.
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Figure 20: Don’t overload your plate while taking food at a buffet.
While at a buffet, wrap a napkin around your cold beverage to prevent it
from dripping on you.
Dining
43
3. Dress
International Etiquette
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3.1. Importance of appropriate dress
Dress reflects your manners and character, while offering insight into the
culture, traditions, and economy of your homeland. You should try to
appear neat and approachable in accordance with your status and age, as
well as the occasion.
3.2. For men
1. Formal dress
(1) White tie and tailcoat
A formal suit with a tail or dress coat and a white tie is the quintessence of
formal attire. It is worn during state banquets, formal dinners, opera
performances, and other evening events. The tailcoat and trousers should
be made from black wool cloth. The front of the tailcoat should just reach
the waistline and form a swallowtail with the back of the coat, giving the
coat its hallmark trait. The trousers usually lack cuffs and feature black
satin stripes masking the side seams. A white piqué shirt or a white shirt
pleated in the front sporting a stiff wing collar, together with a white bowtie,
should be worn. The waistcoat should be made from white cotton fabric
with floral patterns. Other formal accessories include leather or white
cotton gloves, black silk socks, and black patent leather shoes. Top hats are
no longer considered fashionable (see figure 21).
(2) Morning coat
A morning coat should be worn when attending formal daytime events,
such as presentations of credentials, weddings, funerals, celebrations, and
official visits. The tailcoat should extend to the back of the knees, and a
black one is preferable to a gray one. Wearing a black tailcoat with a gray
waistcoat or a gray tailcoat with a black waistcoat is usually acceptable.
Morning dress also includes trousers with dark gray stripes; a black twill
tie with white, silver, or gray stripes; a white soft-front or regular soft-collar
dress shirt; a black or gray silk top hat; gray sheepskin gloves; black silk
socks; and black patent leather shoes (see figure 22).
Note: Tailcoats and morning coats are rarely seen at social events
nowadays.
Dress
45
(3) Black tie / semiformal dress: tuxedo, smoking jacket, dinner jacket,
dinner suit, or dinner coat
The above are the norm for black-tie (semiformal) formal evening events.
Jackets are typically black, featuring lapels faced with black satin. White
jackets may also be suitable for formal summertime evening events.
Trousers should be black with a silk braid covering the seam. White dress
shirts with a piqué or pleated front should be worn. As for accessories,
black bowties, black socks, and black patent leather shoes should be chosen
(see figure 23).
2. General attire
(1) Suit, business attire, or lounge suit
This type of clothing is proper for official work-related occasions, such as
paying a visit or attending a conference. Men should wear white or light-
colored shirts, together with a necktie, black or dark shoes, and black or
dark socks. The jacket and trousers should be the same color, preferably a
dark color, and made from the same material. Men may wear a light-
colored suit in the summer or during the day, but a dark suit is more
appropriate for a formal banquet.
Note: When wearing a single-breasted suit, never button the bottom button,
whether it has two or three buttons. You may unbutton the jacket when
sitting down, but button it up after standing up. As for a double-breasted
suit, the bottom button may be buttoned or left unfastened. However, never
unbutton the other buttons when sitting down. When wearing a three-piece
suit, leave the bottom button of the waistcoat unbuttoned. On formal
occasions, you should never remove a suit jacket or tie or wear a short-
sleeved shirt under the jacket. Suspenders, if worn, should not be visible.
A necktie should have an elegant color and pattern, and be the same width
as the jacket collar and long enough to reach the belt. The suit jacket
pockets are for decoration only and should be empty, with pocket covers
kept outside of the pockets. The color of the shoes, socks, and suit jacket
must complement one another. For instance, dark shoes and socks should
be worn with a dark suit jacket. Red, yellow, white, or other light-colored
socks should not be worn with dark shoes.
Note: On formal occasions, either a Western suit or national costume may
be worn.
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(2) Smart casual or business casual
On some informal occasions, men may wear smart casual or business
casual attire. Wearing casual trousers with a long-sleeved shirt, leather or
casual shoes (except for sports shoes), and a jacket or coat is acceptable.
Ties are normally not worn on such occasions.
(3) Casual
On informal social occasions, casual trousers or jeans with a polo shirt and
casual shoes, but not sports shoes, may be worn.
3.3. For women
On formal occasions, makeup, fragrance, and hairstyle should not be
excessive. Accessories should not be distracting, such as by making
tinkling sounds. For daytime activities, stockings, accessories, clothes, or
shoes with small beads, sequins, or bright gold, silver, or other shiny
materials should be avoided. Select earrings of matte, light-colored
materials.
Women may wear cheongsams, dresses, or suits, as appropriate. As for
cheongsams, normally short ones are worn during the day, and long ones
or an evening gown with a shawl (but not a sweater) at night. High-heeled
shoes should be worn, as flat shoes or low-heeled shoes would be
inappropriate. According to Western etiquette, stockings should not be
worn with open-toed high-heeled shoes or with flat shoes. During a
daytime event, women may wear hats unless it is a religious event. On
garden tours, hats and parasols are allowed.
Dress
47
Figure 21: Men’s tailcoat Figure 22: Men’s morning coat
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Figure 23: Women’s evening gown and men’s black tie ensemble
Dress
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4. Accommodation
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Whether staying at home, as a house guest, or in a hotel, be clean, tidy,
hygienic, and quiet for the comfort and convenience of others. Etiquette is
especially important when staying as a house guest or at a hotel in order to
avoid upsetting others. Some suggestions are provided below:
4.1. At home
⚫ Stay quiet at home and try not to make too much noise, such as by
singing loudly.
⚫ When opening or closing doors and windows, moving objects, cooking,
taking the stairs or walking, do so lightly in order to minimize sounds
and vibrations that may disturb others.
⚫ Remind children not to run around or be noisy.
⚫ When raising a pet in an apartment, try to keep it from bothering
neighbors.
⚫ When decorating, renovating, or moving, choose appropriate times
and avoid times of rest, such as early mornings, lunch breaks, and
nighttime.
4.2. As a house guest
◎ House guests should retire at the same time as the host or other guests.
◎ When entering someone’s house or residence, knock, call out, or ring
the doorbell. Do not barge or sneak in.
◎ Do not use a host’s phones, open the refrigerator, or receive guests
without permission.
◎ Before hosting a large get-together or traveling a long distance at night,
notify the host or neighbors.
◎ After using the bathroom, remove any hair in the drain.
◎ Before moving out, clean the bedroom and bathroom, restoring them to
their original condition.
4.3. At a hotel
◎ When making a reservation, be sure to tell the hotel how many days you
will be staying.
◎ Refrain from making noise, speaking, and listening to the TV, radio, and
other electronic devices at a volume that would disturb others.
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51
◎ Do not wear pajamas or slippers when walking in public areas or calling
on other guests (see figure 24).
◎ Do not smoke in bed or steal from the hotel. Do not leave the room or
bathroom in a mess.
◎ Leave a tip, as appropriate, and check out on time.
◎ Do not let children run in public areas, such as corridors, restaurants, or
lobbies (see figure 25).
◎ When showering, put the shower curtain on the inside of the bathtub in
order to keep the bathroom floor dry (see figure 26).
Figure 24: Do not wear pajamas or slippers in the public areas of a hotel.
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Figure 25: Do not let children run in public areas.
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53
Figure 26:
1. Bottom of the shower curtain is inside the bathtub.
2. Nonslip bathtub mat is inside the bathtub.
3. Bidet
4. Bath mat is in front of the bathtub.
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5. Travel
Travel
55
When traveling by foot or by car, or when taking an elevator or stairs,
etiquette is very important and should not be disregarded.
5.1. On foot
When two people are walking, it is more polite to have a superior or a
woman walk in front or on the right side. If three people walk abreast, the
most senior person should be in the middle, and the second-most senior
person on the right. If three people walk in line, the most senior person
should walk in front, and the second-most senior person should take the
middle position.
When a man and a woman walk together, the man should be on the
woman’s left. However, should the street be on her right, he may walk on
her right due to safety considerations. In addition, men should help women
carry heavy objects, open doors, and hold umbrellas (see figure 27).
When changing directions, check to see if anyone is behind you to avoid a
collision. Pay attention to your personal belongings, especially in crowded
areas. Should you bump into or brush against someone by accident,
apologize. Be careful when choosing a location to get into or out of a taxi
so as to avoid blocking traffic and endangering pedestrians.
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Figure 27: When a man and woman walk abreast, the man should be on the
woman’s left side or next to the road.
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57
5.2. By car
When riding in a car, the seating arrangement will depend on whether a
chauffeur or the host is driving.
1. Cars driven by a chauffeur
When the steering wheel is on the left side, the higher-status passenger sits
in the right rear seat and the other passenger takes the left rear seat. The
positions are usually reversed when the steering wheel is on the right side.
(Note: When the steering wheel is on the left side, all countries follow this
principle. However, when the steering wheel is on the right side, this
principle is not always followed, as in Japan, where the right rear seat is
always reserved for the higher-status passenger.) Whether the steering
wheel is on the left or right, the front passenger seat always has a lower
status. According to international protocol, female passengers should never
sit in the front.
To get into a car when there are three passengers and cars are driven on the
right-hand side, the middle-status passenger should enter using the left rear
door. However, when downtown or in areas with busy traffic, this
passenger may enter first using the right rear door and slide over to the left
side, with the highest-status passenger entering next. The third passenger
should enter using the right front door. When exiting the vehicle, the
passenger in front should exit first and open the door for the others, helping
the highest-status passenger first and then the second-highest-status
passenger.
2. Cars driven by the host
In this scenario, the front passenger seat is reserved for the guest of honor.
As the car is being driven by the host, the guest of honor should sit in front
to avoid making the host feel like a chauffeur, which would be impolite. If
a host couple drives for a guest couple, the host couple should sit in front
and the guest couple in back. As the front seat is usually more comfortable,
let passengers who are older or have more seniority sit in the front seat.
Should the guest in front be dropped off first, the guest with the next
priority should move to the front.
Note: To respect the comfort and personal space of passengers, do not make
a guest sit in the rear middle seat. Instead, arrange for an additional vehicle,
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especially for official events or when male and female passengers are
taking the same vehicle.
Note: When traveling by bus, train, or other forms of mass transportation,
remember that the highest-status passengers should be seated in the front.
Also, they should board last and exit first.
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Seating charts when steering wheel is on the left
When a chauffeur is driving, the right rear seat is for the most senior
passenger.
Chauffeur
Chauffeur
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When the host is driving, the front passenger seat is for the most senior
passenger.
Host
Host
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61
Seating charts when steering wheel is on the right
When a chauffeur is driving, the left rear seat is for the most senior
passenger.
Chauffeur
Chauffeur
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When the host is driving, the front passenger seat is for the most senior
guest.
Host
Host
Travel
63
Seating chart for a jeep
The front passenger seat is for the most senior guest.
Chauffeur
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Seating charts for a bus with nine seats
The right seat in the middle row is for the most senior passenger.
Chauffeur
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Seating chart for a tour bus
The far right seat in the first row is for the most senior passenger, with the
next-most senior passengers sitting next to them. The order is repeated for
the subsequent rows.
Chauffeur
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5.3. In an elevator
⚫ It is basic manners to let people of more senior status, women, the
elderly and infirm, and mothers with small children enter and exit the
elevator first.
⚫ Before entering an elevator, give way to the exiting passengers and
then enter quickly for the convenience of others.
⚫ According to United States custom, after entering an elevator, turn
toward the elevator door so as to avoid standing face to face with other
people. As for European custom, passengers should stand facing the
middle of the elevator.
⚫ Do not speak loudly or smoke in an elevator.
5.4. On the stairs
⚫ When walking up the stairs, let women and the elderly go first out of
respect.
⚫ When walking down the stairs, men and younger people should go first
for safety’s sake (see figure 28).
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Figure 28: When walking up the stairs, women and older people go first;
when heading down the stairs, men and younger people take the
lead.
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5.5. By airplane
⚫ When traveling by plane, elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers,
as well as passengers with small children, should board first.
⚫ In the cabin, if you want to change seats, wait until all passengers are
seated and notify the flight attendant first.
⚫ When disembarking, let the passengers in the rows in front of you
disembark first and refrain from rushing.
⚫ In the cabin, do not talk loudly or make noises that may disturb other
passengers.
⚫ When standing up or walking down the aisle, try not to bump into the
seats of other passengers.
When dining, return your chair to the upright position for the sake of the
passenger behind you.
5.6. By public transport
⚫ When boarding a bus, let disembarking passengers off first.
⚫ When disembarking, wait for your turn and do not rush.
⚫ In a train, cell phones should be set to mute or vibrate mode in order
to avoid disturbing others.
⚫ When talking, speak quietly.
⚫ Do not place your belongings in empty seats or other people’s space.
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69
⚫ When boarding a bus, hand carry backpacks so as to avoid bumping
into other passengers.
⚫ If you have a cold, wear a mask.
⚫ Do not stand in front of a door, disrupting the flow of passengers
entering and exiting the bus or train.
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6. Interaction
Interaction
71
Though interaction covers a wide range of situations, this section will focus
on introductions, handshakes, visits, gifts, and flags, with the goal of
enabling people to interact in the proper way.
6.1. Introductions
Before making an introduction, the host should first take into account any
concerns or inconveniences among the parties to be introduced, and should
ask the parties about potential problems beforehand when necessary. In
addition, it is not appropriate to make introductions to those who are
engaged in conversation or who are preparing to depart.
Order of introductions
⚫ A man should be introduced to a woman, except when a woman is
meeting someone more senior or of higher rank (such as a president,
bishop, ambassador, or government minister), in which case the
woman should be introduced first.
⚫ A person of lower status should be introduced to a person of higher
status (see figure 29).
⚫ A younger person should be introduced to an elder.
⚫ An unmarried person should be introduced to a married person.
⚫ A guest should be introduced to the host.
⚫ An individual should be introduced to the group.
Note: Sunglasses should be removed during introductions.
Titles used during introductions
Generally speaking, men are addressed with the title Mr., married women
with Madame or Mrs., and unmarried women with Miss, while Ms. can be
used for both married and unmarried women. Convention in the Republic
of China (Taiwan) calls for addressing presidents, vice presidents, premiers,
and government ministers by their official title alone, without their
surname. Western practice, meanwhile, calls for addressing these high
government officials with the honorific Your Excellency. Your Majesty is
used for kings and queens; General for generals, lieutenant generals, and
major generals; Colonel for colonels and lieutenant colonels; Your
Excellency or Mr./Madam Ambassador for ambassadors; and Mr./Madam
Minister for government ministers.
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Note: In a Western context, His Majesty and Her Majesty are used when
mentioning a king and a queen to a third party, and presidents, vice
presidents, prime ministers, ministers, ambassadors and other high officials
are referred to in the third person as His Excellency and Her Excellency.
Situations meriting self-introduction
⚫ When the host’s spouse and guests at an event are not acquainted, the
guests may take the initiative to introduce themselves.
⚫ Men who do not know the women sitting next to them at a formal
dinner banquet should take the initiative to introduce themselves.
⚫ When meeting new people at a reception, it is appropriate for both
parties to exchange names and introduce themselves.
Figure 29: Introducing a person of lower status to a person of higher status.
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73
6.2. Handshakes
⚫ When shaking hands, stand about a step away from the other party, and
extend your right hand with your thumb out and your other fingers
together to exchange a handshake.
⚫ The handshake should be neither too long nor too firm. To express
cordiality, you can move your hand lightly up and down during the
handshake, but not sideways or in circles.
⚫ When shaking hands, smile and make eye contact with the other party
(see figure 30). Gloves should also be removed beforehand.
⚫ It is not necessary to bow during a handshake.
Handshaking order
⚫ A man and a woman meeting for the first time may prefer to
acknowledge one another with a smile and a nod instead of a
handshake.
⚫ Unless he is older or of higher rank, a man greeting a woman should
wait for the woman to extend her hand first.
⚫ When two women meet, the elder or married woman should extend her
hand first.
⚫ Hosts are responsible for extending their hand first to greet guests.
⚫ Do not extend your hand first when greeting someone older or of
higher rank.
Note: In Europe and America, friends often hug in addition to exchanging
a handshake when meeting and/or parting. But in principle, a man should
not initiate a hug with a woman unless the woman expresses a desire to
hug. In addition, cheek kissing is also common in Europe and North
America, but it is generally only done by women to men and other women.
It is common to touch just the right cheek, but there are also places in which
it is expected to touch the right and then left cheeks. Cheek touching
customs vary according to local tradition.
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Figure 30: When shaking hands, smile and make eye contact with the other
party.
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75
6.3. Visits
For both official and personal visits, it is always appropriate to make a prior
appointment so as to avoid being an uninvited guest. It is also important to
arrive at the appointed time, neither early nor late. If, during the visit, the
host is unable to engage in extended conversation, excuse yourself after a
brief chat.
6.4. Gifts
⚫ Remember to remove the price tag before wrapping a gift, and unless
you are the one giving the gift, attach a card bearing the name of the
gift giver as below:
An example of a gift card in English.
Note: Chinese-language gift cards are usually printed with a red name
on a white card.
⚫ In some Western countries, it is acceptable to unwrap the gift directly
after receiving it, so as to thank the giver and to compliment them on
the gift.
⚫ In Western custom, wedding guests who are not close relatives of the
bride or groom are usually expected to give the new couple a beautiful
or practical gift rather than money. Some couples provide a wedding
registry with gifts for invited guests to buy either individually or
collectively.
⚫ When visiting a sick person at the hospital, it is proper to bring fresh
fruit.
⚫ Upon the passing of a friend or relative in Taiwan, it is appropriate to
send a wreath of flowers with a written epitaph to the public funeral
service.
⚫ For funerals, written dedications, sympathy cards, banners and other
epitaphs, as well as notes on wreaths, flower baskets, funeral crosses,
and other gifts have the name of the deceased inscribed at the top with
an accompanying expression appropriate to their gender and religion.
The bottom of the epitaph carries the name of the person giving the
offering with a phrase conveying their condolences. The Western
With the compliments of
Mr. & Mrs. Wang Da-ming
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custom is to write the phrase “With deepest sympathy” at the top of a
signed condolence card and place it in an envelope that carries the
name of the deceased, such as “To the Funeral of the Late Minister
John Smith.” When attending a funeral, it is appropriate for men to
wear a dark suit with a black or dark tie and for women to wear a dark
or black dress.
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77
6.5. Flags
⚫ When flying two flags, the position of honor is on the right
(From the perspective of the flag itself facing its intended audience)
When flying national flags, the position of honor is on the right. The
host country’s flag occupies the rightmost position of honor, with other
nations’ flags to its left. Therefore, when flying the national flags of
the Republic of China (Taiwan) and a host country at the same time,
the host’s flag should be on the right (see figures 31 and 32).
⚫ When flying the flag of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) next to non-national flags
in Taiwan, the R.O.C. (Taiwan) flag should be in the middle, with its
flagpole slightly higher and its size slightly larger (see figure 33).
⚫ When flying multiple national flags at the same time, the flags should
be the same size and height to show equality.
⚫ When flying more than 10 national flags together, they should be
arranged in alphabetical order according to the first letter of each
country’s English or French name. The national flag of the host country,
however, should still occupy the position of honor to the right of all
the other flags, which would appear to an observer facing the flags as
the leftmost position.
⚫ When flying fewer than 10 national flags side by side, with an even
number of flags, the host country’s national flag should occupy the
right of the middle two positions, and the other countries’ flags should
be arranged in alphabetical order alternately to the right and left of the
center. If there are an odd number of flags, the host’s national flag
should be positioned in the middle (see figure 34).
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Figure 31: In Taiwan, the R.O.C. (Taiwan) national flag flies on the right.
Figure 32: In a foreign country, the R.O.C. (Taiwan) national flag stands
on the left.
In the R.O.C.
(Taiwan)
In the US
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Figure 33: If a national flag is flown next to non-national flags, the national
flag should be in the middle, higher than the other flags.
Figure 34: When flying fewer than 10 national flags side by side, and there
are an even number of flags, the flag of the host country should be flown
on the right of the two middle positions.
Republic of
Guatemala
R.O.C.
(Taiwan)
Kingdom of
Eswatini
Republic of Palau
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Invited agency
Organizer
3
1
△
2
4
4
2
1
3
△
7
3
△
5
9
10
6
4
8
2
6.6. Seating arrangements for meetings
Small meeting with participants from another agency
Small internal meeting
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△
4
2
1
3
5
Main sea�ng
5
4
3
2
1
6
Stage sea�ng
Large conference (stage seating)
The seat of honor is in the middle, with the other guests seated alternately
to the right and left in descending order of status.
Stage sea�ng
Main sea�ng
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7
5
3
1
2
4
6
8
Stage
Large conference (main seating)
The front seat immediately to the right of the central corridor is the seat of
honor, with the next-most important seat to the left, and so on.
Conference order of address:
The head or representative of the organizing agency speaks first, after
which the invited guests speak in descending order of rank.
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6.7. Small talk
⚫ After the host and guests are introduced, it is appropriate to engage in
some small talk. Conversation should avoid religion, politics, marriage,
age, work, salary or other private topics in favor of more general topics
like weather and sports.
⚫ To show respect during business meetings, conversation, and small
talk, it is important to pay attention to oral hygiene in order to avoid
affecting the atmosphere of the exchange.
6.8. Cell phones
⚫ Do not use a cell phone while driving.
⚫ When attending a concert or conference, turn your cell phone off or
switch it to mute mode to avoid creating a disturbance.
⚫ During a meal, go to the lobby or outside the restaurant to use the
phone, rather than talking or texting at the table.
⚫ When talking on the phone in a public area, lower your voice and keep
your conversation short.
⚫ Avoid using your phone while walking in order to prevent an accident.
6.9. Email
⚫ Set up official and personal email accounts separately.
⚫ Write official emails using correspondence conventions, including
proper greetings and endings.
⚫ The subject line should reflect the content of the email, explain its
purpose, and serve as a reference for the recipient.
⚫ Unless it concerns an urgent matter, do not mark the email as such.
⚫ Reply to emails in a timely manner. If unable to fulfill the other party’s
request directly, reply with a brief explanation.
⚫ Keep email contents short and concise.
⚫ Before sending an email, review its contents to ensure they are
accurate, check the list of recipients, and confirm if any other parties
should receive a carbon copy (cc).
⚫ If an error becomes evident after sending the email, immediately
correct the error and resend the email, adding in the subject line that it
is a revised version and that the previous message may be deleted.
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6.10. Social media
⚫ It can be difficult, or even impossible, to permanently delete data from
the internet, so be careful when posting or uploading information.
⚫ Real privacy does not exist on social media, so be prepared to face
reactions of others and bear responsibility for what you say online.
⚫ Apply the same standards of etiquette that you would follow in
everyday life to your activity on social media.
⚫ Do not take to social media to post angry screeds, spread rumors, or
slander your employer or colleagues.
⚫ When posting on social media, uphold the principles of honesty,
sincerity, and positivity, and focus on highlighting your interests and
skills.
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85
7. Entertainment
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7.1. Receptions and garden parties
There is typically no assigned seating for these types of gatherings, and
guests usually stand or sit while conversing and eating, creating a lively
atmosphere.
⚫ By convention, the host typically stands at the entrance of the venue to
welcome the guests and shake their hands. Guests should avoid
lingering in the reception area for too long, lest others are prevented
from entering.
⚫ The host of a reception may arrange to make a speech welcoming the
guests, though this is not typical for garden parties.
⚫ After the start of the reception or garden party, the host may mingle
and make small talk with guests, and guests should speak with and
introduce themselves to other guests rather than stand or sit alone.
⚫ At the event’s conclusion, the host may stand at the exit of the venue
to see the guests off. Guests who decide to leave early may do so
directly without bothering the host.
7.2. Concerts
⚫ You should enter the concert hall about 10 minutes prior to the start of
the performance in order not to interrupt the program. If late, wait for
an intermission between performances before entering the hall.
⚫ Smoking, snacking, and whispering are not allowed in the concert
venue. Cell phones should also be turned off (see figure 35).
⚫ When entering the venue, the man should help his woman companion
in checking her tickets and finding and taking her seat.
⚫ Guests should wait for the curtain to close and applause to end before
leaving the venue.
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87
Figure 35: Using cell phones is not permitted during concerts.
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7.3. Dances
⚫ Dances are a form of diplomatic or social entertainment, and are
normally divided into tea dances and dinner dances. There are also
formal balls and masquerades, among other types of dances.
⚫ Except in the case of a ball or a more formal occasion, it is acceptable
to arrive late to a dance. If it is necessary to leave early, do so without
disturbing the host or other attendees.
⚫ When asking for a dance, it is necessary to first obtain the other party’s
consent, and when asking a married guest to dance, it is best to first
seek their spouse’s consent as a matter of courtesy.
A dance is typically opened by the host and their spouse, or by the guests
of most advanced age or status.
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89
7.4. Golf
Courtesy on the course
⚫ Avoid being late for a round of golf. Plan to arrive at the course before
the arranged tee time. If you have invited others for the round, you
should arrive early to manage course registration.
⚫ Bring appropriate clothing and equipment. The order of play on the
first hole can be decided by drawing lots or by each player’s handicap.
The order of play on subsequent holes is based on the players’ scores
on the previous hole, with the player with the lowest score starting the
play.
⚫ When playing from the fairway, the player with the ball farthest from
the green plays first. The other players should not stand in front of the
one making the shot. While waiting for someone to make a shot,
choose a club and prepare for your shot; after the other players have
made their shots, proceed to your spot and make your shot.
⚫ The first player to putt is the one whose ball is farthest from the hole.
When walking on the green, do not step on or through the areas
between the balls of the other players and the hole.
⚫ Do not waste time while playing the course; follow the principle of
walking fast and taking time to make your shot.
⚫ The players in the group should only make their shots after the group
ahead has walked to a safe distance.
⚫ Fellow players should show courtesy in helping to look for a ball. If
there is a delay while looking for a ball, let the players behind play
through.
⚫ After finishing a hole, players should leave the green directly.
⚫ When a player is making a shot, the others should not stand within the
player’s line of sight or the range of their swing, and should not walk
around or make conversation. Keep a safe distance from the player
making the shot (see figure 36).
⚫ When moving their ball, players should first seek permission from
their fellow players.
Priority on the course
⚫ Each group of players has a responsibility to keep up with the group
ahead. If a group has players that are a hole behind the group ahead
and are affecting the group behind, that group should let the members
of the group behind play through, no matter how many players are in
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the group behind.
⚫ Priority on the course should be determined according to how fast each
group plays. Those playing a full round of 18 holes are entitled to pass
those playing a shorter round.
Figure 36: When a player is making a shot, the others should not walk
around or engage in conversation.
Entertainment
