Visiting Taiwan in spring? Here’s what to expect—from surprisingly cold weather to cultural differences that caught our Filipino family off guard!
When we booked our trip for March, I kept telling myself, “Spring naman na, it won’t be that cold.” Spoiler alert: it was. (As in, giniginaw kami buong stay haha.)
Expectations vs. Reality: Taiwan’s Spring Weather
We assumed that Taiwan’s spring season would be similar to Baguio weather—cool but manageable. So I packed outfits na pang-Instagram: dresses, light tops, flowy layers. Guess what? None of them were worn. Not even once.
We ended up borrowing jackets from each other and even bought thick socks from a night market just to survive. (Legit nanginginig si Nacha kahit naka-layer na.) Lesson learned: Spring in Taiwan = cold.
Tip: Always check the temperature forecast by the hour and by city before packing. Taipei is colder than Taoyuan. Layer up!
Taiwanese Culture Through a Filipino Lens
One of the things that stood out right away was how serious people looked. Not in a bad way, just very composed. Nobody really smiled at us in public unless they were hotel or airport staff. (Medyo na-miss ko yung “hi ma’am/sir!” ng Pilipinas lol.)
The vibe was very organized, very respectful of space. No pushing, no rowdy groups, no unnecessary noise. Coming from a culture where we’re used to warm greetings and small talk, it felt a bit… cold (both literally and figuratively haha).
Language Barriers & Translator Wins
Most locals don’t speak English, except those working in airports, malls, or hotels. So we relied heavily on the Translate app. It helped us order food, ask for directions.
I highly recommend downloading a translator app with offline mode. It saved us many times. Plus, practice a few basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “where is the MRT?”—super helpful.
Cultural Discipline vs. Consideration
Taiwan is known for being a disciplined country—and we saw that firsthand. There were no security guards in shops, but people still followed rules. No littering, no loud calls, everyone stayed on the correct side of the escalator.
However, one thing that made me pause: people didn’t give up seats on the MRT. One time, I saw an elderly woman clearly struggling to stand, but nobody offered their seat. (If I had one, I would’ve stood up agad. Nakakalungkot din.)
So yes, while they were respectful of rules, there wasn’t always that warm, considerate vibe we’re used to in Filipino culture.
Small Things That Made a Big Impact
Here are a few more random but meaningful cultural quirks we noticed:
- Locals wear face masks even outdoors, even without a mandate
- Everyone uses LINE app instead of Messenger
- Kids are super quiet in public—like, whisper quiet
- Night markets open late, usually after 6 PM
Also, don’t expect the usual “baby-friendly” treatment in every space. Unlike the Philippines where everyone wants to help you with your kid, people here mind their own business. Not rude, just different.
We Still Loved It
Despite the cultural differences and wardrobe fails, Taiwan left a beautiful impression on us. The respect for time, the efficient transport system, the cleanliness—those are things we wish we had more of back home.
The slower, quieter pace also gave us time to reflect. We got to experience a different way of life, and it helped us grow. (And appreciate the warmth and chaos of Pinoy culture even more lol.)
Final Thoughts on Culture & Climate
Traveling really opens your eyes to how different—and equally beautiful—other cultures are. Taiwan taught us to slow down, to listen more, to adapt without expecting anyone to adjust for us.
And when we visit again (yes, we will!), we’ll be packing fleece jackets, thermal wear, and fewer assumptions.
Next blog will be all about our Taipei Fun Pass adventure—mga pa-zoo, pa-gondola, and that giant Ferris wheel moment!
Love lots 💜
Princess Joem “Shivering but smiling in Taipei”
