Taiwan: Gift Giving
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Gift Giving
As Confucius says：“It is a great pleasure to have a friend coming from afar.” The key to a successful meeting is that you are well prepared before hand and make friends along the way. Gift exchange for the first meeting is a very common practice in some Asian countries. A simple gift you prepare for the person you are meeting may leave a deep impression of generosity. A business meeting may be temporary, but the friendship you establish today may last for life. Exchange of gifts after the meeting is adjourned is very common at VIP receptions. But you do not have to open the gift wrap immediately unless urged to do so.
Similar to gift giving, you will find paying the food bill is a great honor in Chinese traditional custom. Do not be surprised that you often find two good friends are in a push and pull to fight for the right of paying the bill at the restaurant. But, you do not have to worry about such things, as a business meeting including lunch, or a dinner banquet, is all arranged in the schedule where the host has the honor to receive you. Generosity is always a positive gesture at the beginning of a good friendship. To give is always to receive more blessings at the end. Tipping in Taiwan is not necessary for it has been included in the bill already.
