People have been lining up for special spending vouchers that Taiwan’s government is passing out to ease the economic impact of COVID-19. The vouchers supposedly can be used in most places. But they may not be as easy to use as many expect them to be.
The hottest topic these days is where to use the economic stimulus vouchers the government is giving out. But the number of options may be slightly more limited than many people imagine. At Taiwan’s night markets, for instance, vendors are debating whether to accept the vouchers.
To be sure, some vendors have decided that they will. At Yilan’s Dongmen Night Market, some vendors have already put up signs welcoming customers to use their vouchers.
However, vendors are unsure what to do with customers who need change. One vendor says that it would be difficult to break down the vouchers into change, as the smallest face value is NT$200. However, he says he is willing to try.
Some are less accommodating. They say they want customers to buy more than NT$200-worth of their food or wares. Otherwise, it’s cash-only.
Customers don’t seem bothered by this; a woman says she will make sure to buy enough food to meet the minimum face value.
There aren’t any legal regulations about using vouchers at night markets, so make sure you and the vendor are on the same page before you go!