Taipei Business Hours & Holidays: A Practical Guide for Travellers and Professionals

Navigating Taipei's Workday

Taipei operates on Chungyuan Standard Time (CST, UTC+8) year‑round. The city is generally punctual and efficient, with business hours that follow a predictable pattern. Understanding these rhythms will help you plan meetings, errands, and leisure time. For a quick reference, check the live clock on the homepage.

Typical Business Hours

Most offices in Taipei open between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM and close between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Government agencies often start at 8:30 AM and end at 5:30 PM. Lunch breaks are usually from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Below is a summary:

Lunch Culture in Taipei

Lunch is an important part of the workday. Many employees take a full hour off, often between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. Business lunches are common, and reservations at popular restaurants are recommended. Street food and bento boxes are quick alternatives for busy professionals. If you’re scheduling calls with colleagues in Los Angeles, remember that Taipei is 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time — the Taipei vs Los Angeles time difference can affect meeting planning across time zones.

Banking Hours

Banks in Taipei are generally open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Some branches offer limited service on Saturday mornings (9:00 AM–12:00 PM), but it’s best to check with your specific bank. Currency exchange counters at the airport and larger hotels operate longer hours, often until late evening. ATMs are widely available and accept foreign cards.

Retail and Shopping Hours

Department stores and shopping malls typically open at 11:00 AM and close at 9:30 PM, seven days a week. Boutiques and small shops may open later (around 12:00 PM) and close earlier (around 8:00 PM). Night markets usually start around 5:00 PM and run until midnight or later. Convenience stores (7‑Eleven, FamilyMart) are open 24/7 and offer basic banking services.

What’s Open on Weekends?

Most retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues are open on Saturdays and Sundays. However, government offices and many private offices are closed. Banks are generally closed on Sundays, while some operate limited Saturday hours. Public museums and tourIST attractions are open on weekends (often closed on Mondays as an alternative).

Public Holidays That Close Everything

Taiwan observes several public holidays when most businesses, banks, and government offices close. On these days, only essential services (like convenience stores and some restaurants) remain open. Major holidays include:

• Republic Day (Jan 1–2) – New Year celebrations
• Chinese New Year (late Jan / early Feb) – 4‑5 day closure, many businesses shut for a week
• Peace Memorial Day (Feb 28)
• Children’s Day / Tomb Sweeping Day (Apr 4–5)
• Dragon Boat Festival (May/June) – 1 day
• Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept/Oct) – 1 day
• National Day (Oct 10)

Holiday dates vary each year; check the official calendar. If you need to confirm a specific date, the Taipei Time FAQ includes links to the current year’s holiday schedule.

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your time in Taipei, align your schedule with local customs. Book business meetings between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. For leisure, evening visits to night markets or late‑night convenience store runs are always possible. Remember that Taipei does not observe daylight saving time, so the offset remains constant — for details, see Daylight Saving Time in Taipei.