Taiwan Economic Stimulus Vouchers

Well, I got mine. 6x NT$500 and 3x NT$200 vouchers that can only be used for spending in hopes that a sudden island-wide shopping spree will give Taiwan a much-needed economic boost.

It doesn’t really work for Japan, who has used this method in the past, but who knows. It may work here, at least in the short-term. Carrefour reported a 30% increase in sales on the first day the vouchers were distributed, not surprising since Taiwanese typically stock up on snacks before Chinese New Year. Sogo, Mitsigoshi, and other major shopping points were also busy, with people looking to buy the traditional “new outfit” for CNY with they government handout.

And yes, I’m a weiguoren, and I got vouchers too. I’m not quite sure what the actual qualifications were for alien residents. I assume that I received the vouchers either because of my length of residence (10+ years of paying taxes here) or because my wife is Taiwanese. Or both. But I know of families which have lived in Taiwan less then a year and are all foreign residents that received the vouchers while I am also aware of families that have lived in Taiwan for 3-4 years that did not receive the vouchers.

I guess after the row caused by first saying only citizens would get the vouchers, then the uproar by amending that to citizens and Chinese spouses only, the government decided to be a little more ambiguous with the final qualifications. When I asked the representative about this as I picked up my vouchers his response was simply “If you got a letter then you get the vouchers. If you didn’t, then you don’t.”

I got a letter. I picked up my vouchers. Did I mention that foreign residents had different pickup points then citizens? My kids and wife went right downstairs. I had to take a taxi a few miles to a local Elementary School. And it wasn’t for “foreigner convenience” either, as none of the signage was in any alternate language and none of the officials spoke any alternate languages as far as I could tell. I am glad I picked up the vouchers on the first day, though. There are already shortages, not to mention stickup attempts. 

And then there are the women who fainted upon receiving theirs. One can only image what they plan to buy.

What will I be buying with my NT$3600? Nothing. My wife says we need a new clothes washing machine.  :(

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