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Travel Tips
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Traveling to Taiwan
Editor’s note: Global business, and subsequently, global business travel, continues to expand. In response, CWT Traveler will provide to readers each month insights and tips on traveling from North America to other countries around the world. This month’s installment focuses on Taiwan.
Good to know:
- Taiwan is a multiparty republic.
- Traditional Mandarin Chinese is the official language; many businesspeople speak English.
- A passport valid for at least six months following date of entry is required for travel to Taiwan.
- To prevent communicable diseases, all arriving passengers are scanned with an infrared thermal apparatus.
- Taiwan is 13 hours ahead of North America Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Chopsticks are used for eating and a porcelain spoon is used for soup. At the end of the meal, the chopsticks are laid on the table, never on the bowl.
- Point with an open hand, as pointing with a single finger is considered rude.
In business:
- Always be punctual. Be prepared for a slower pace and delays.
- Business cards should be printed in English on one side and Mandarin Chinese on the other. Cards are treated with respect as they indicate a person’s rank.
- Business dress is conservative for both men and women.
- A handshake is the most common form of greeting.
- Use both hands when giving or receiving a gift. The gift is opened later, not in the presence of the giver.
Sources: travel.state.gov; “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries”, by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Published by Adams Media of Avon, Massachusetts.
H1N1 impact continues
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “As of 1 November 2009, worldwide more than 199 countries and overseas territories/communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 6000 deaths.”
While H1N1 is the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world today, it is considered no more dangerous for otherwise healthy adults than seasonal flu. Consequently, WHO does not recommend limiting or restricting travel or closing borders at this time.
CWT recommends travelers consider the following actions:
Pre-trip
- Study destination-specific information and alerts
- Consult company travel policy and crisis management procedures
- Know personal health insurance policy relative to travel
- Delay travel if ill
Preventive health measures
- Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet (1 meter) from people with influenza-like symptoms
- Reduce time spent in crowded settings
- Clean hands thoroughly and often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
- Refrain from handshaking, hugging and kissing; infected people may start spreading the virus before they show signs of illness
In the event of illness
- Avoid contact with others if possible; if not, maintain a distance of at least 3 feet (1 meter)
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Dispose of tissues and clean your hands immediately after
- Wear a mask to contain the spread of droplets and be sure to use it correctly
Symptoms may include fever, cough, headache, sore throat, chills, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, severe feelings of malaise, and runny or stuffy nose. More severe symptoms that may require immediate medical attention include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, severe chest pains, weakness or inability to stand, sudden dizziness or confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, fever that lasts three or more days.
Additional information is available via the WHO website.
Sources: Carlson Wagonlit Travel, who.int
