The Hidden Charms of Daily Life in Taiwan

easyta
1 day ago
3 min read

Knowing This Might Make Your Trip to Taiwan Even More Meaningful!

Get a fresh perspective on everyday life in Taiwan as we explore some fascinating local customs that go beyond traditional culture.

1.Buy One, Get One Free

You’ll often spot the phrase "Buy One, Get One Free" (買一送一) at supermarkets and cafes across Taiwan. And yes—it really means what it says: buy one item, and get another one for free!

Even Starbucks runs this promo from time to time. On these special days, if you order one drink, you’ll get a second one absolutely free. It's a fantastic deal that always brings a little extra joy to your day.

It’s no surprise that these days tend to draw bigger crowds than usual. You’ll often see people bringing their own tumblers so they can take the second drink to go. Smart move!

2.Typhoon Day Off

In Taiwan, there’s a unique concept called a "Typhoon Day Off" (颱風假). When a strong typhoon is expected to hit, the government may officially announce a day off from work and school—for safety reasons.

It’s one of those rare times when the whole city shuts down: businesses close, public transportation may be limited, and people stay home to avoid the storm. While it’s technically a weather emergency, many locals quietly enjoy the unexpected break—often staying in with snacks and movies as the storm rages outside.

3.Receipts as Lottery Tickets

Did you know that in Taiwan, your shopping receipts come with a lottery number? Yes—receipts are basically lottery tickets!

This system was introduced by the Taiwanese government back in the 1950s to help prevent tax evasion. At the top of each official receipt, you’ll find an 8-digit number, which is your entry into the government-run Uniform Invoice Lottery.

The winning numbers are announced every two months on the 25th, and the top prize? A whopping NT$10 million! So throwing away your receipt could mean tossing a fortune in the trash.

And here’s the best part: even foreign tourists are eligible to claim the prize if they win. So next time you're in Taiwan, don’t toss those receipts—hold onto them and check the numbers!

4.You’ll find breakfast shops everywhere in Taiwan!

In Taiwan, breakfast is considered one of the most important meals of the day.

All around the city, you’ll find traditional breakfast shops serving crispy Yóutiáo (fried dough sticks), fàntuán (sticky rice rolls stuffed with various fillings), and dàn bǐng (egg crepes with a chewy texture), usually enjoyed with a cup of fresh soy milk. There are also plenty of fast-food-style breakfast places offering toast, sandwiches, and burgers, giving you a wide variety of options to start your day.

Since it’s common for both parents to work in Taiwan, many families don’t cook at home every morning. That’s why these breakfast shops are a lifesaver, providing a quick yet hearty meal for busy workers.

Summary

Taiwan is full of unique and fascinating local customs!

By learning about these everyday habits, you can discover new ways to enjoy your next trip to Taiwan. If you want to explore Taiwanese culture more deeply and broadly, we highly recommend RelaxGoTaiwan’s customized tours. We look forward to helping you plan your unforgettable adventure!