The Lunar New Year is almost here, and there are small yet crucial preparations that need to be done beforehand. One key component involves the banks across Taiwan.
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It's early in the morning, and people in Taiwan are lining up at banks to exchange their old bills with fresh banknotes.
You might be wondering why people are giving their paper money a facelift. Well, as part of the Lunar New Year tradition, adults give children and elders red envelopes and many people prefer to use new bills.
The Central Bank announced the public will be able to exchange banknotes starting on Friday. ATMs are also loaded with new bills, and as of Thursday, NT$14.6 billion have already been withdrawn .
One woman says she is exchanging money early to avoid the crowd.
Another woman says she carries new and all five colors of the Taiwanese paper bill currency because her fortune teller says it will bring good fortune. She even exchanges old coins.
Because the demand is highest for NT$100 bills, the central bank says each individual will only be able to exchange up to 100 notes.
With fresh, crisp bills in hand, Taiwanese people are hopeful this new year will bring more good fortune.