The Ultimate Guide to Points, Memberships, and Saving Money

Living in Taiwan is a game of "Points and Perks." This guide covers the precise setup, daily Chinese language scripts, and the famous receipt lottery system you need to know.

1. The Taiwan Receipt Lottery (統一發票)

Foreigners are often confused by why they are handed an extra receipt (with 2 QR codes and a long series of numbers and dates printed on them) for even the smallest purchase (like a $10 bottle of water). This isn't just for accounting—every receipt is a free lottery ticket.

What is it?

The government created the lottery to encourage businesses to report their sales. There are drawings every two months (January's receipts are drawn in March, etc.).

The Two Types of Receipts

1. Electronic Invoices (電子發票): Small, rectangular thermal paper with the two QR codes. These are the most common.

2. Traditional Invoices (傳統發票): Long, thin slips of paper (usually found at older restaurants, hardware stores, or beverage shops). Yes, these are still valid for the lottery! Do not throw them away just because they don't have a QR code.

How Much Can You Win?

• Special Prize: $10 million NTD (Matching all 8 digits).

• Grand Prize: $2 million NTD.

• First to Sixth Prize: $200,000 NTD down to $200 NTD.

• Note: If you use a digital "Carrier" (see Section 5), there are additional "Cloud Invoice" prizes specifically for digital users.

How to Check Your Tickets

• Manually: You can check the numbers on the 25th of every odd month at the Ministry of Finance website.

• Apps: Download "Colibri" or the official "Invoices" app. Here are the links for Colibri and the Invoices apps. Personally, we prefer Colibri.

  • For QR receipts: Just scan the right-side QR code.

  • For traditional/long receipts: You must manually type the 8-digit number into the app.

• Redeeming: If you win, keep the physical receipt (if checking manually or with Colibri) and bring it to a 7-Eleven. Fill out a form with your name, phone number, ARC number, etc. With the official app, claiming your prize is digital, and funds are deposited into your Taiwanese bank account.

2. Setting Up Your Digital Wallet: LINE Pay

LINE Pay is the most widely accepted mobile payment in Taiwan. Remember, cash is always king here in Taiwan, so having some on hand is always a good idea.

The Setup for Foreigners

• Download: Get the LINE app and the LINE Pay app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

• Verification: You must have a Taiwanese Phone Number and a Taiwanese Bank Account or Credit Card.

• The Name Match: When registering, your name must match your bank records exactly. If your bank has your name as DOE JOHN ALBERT, enter it exactly like that.

• Passcode: You will set a 6-digit PIN. You can also enable FaceID/Biometrics.

3. Navigating Shopee (蝦皮購物)

Localization & Language

• Change Language: Go to Me (我的) -> Account Settings (設定) -> Language (語言) -> English. Note: Product descriptions will remain in Chinese; use Google Lens to translate screenshots.

• The Taiwan Filter: To avoid customs taxes (EZWAY, a customs clearance process) and long shipping, always filter for local sellers:

  1. Search for an item.

  2. Tap Filter (top right).

  3. Scroll to Shipped From (出貨地) and select Taiwan (台灣).

4. Grocery & C-Store Apps

Find, Download, Set up and Go!

Setting up online memberships requires the usual steps, but it's worth it. Check Google Play or the Apple store to see if your favorite shops have an app. (We often go to Watson's and Cosmed; both have membership apps with significant rewards systems).

• 7-Eleven: Search for "OPENPOINT"

• FamilyMart: Search for "FamilyMart" (全家)

• PX Mart: Search for "PXPay" (全聯)

What the Clerk will say (The Script)

1. "Hui-yuan ma?" (會員嗎?) — Are you a member? (Show app QR code).

2. "Zai-ju ma?" (載具嗎?) — Do you have a digital receipt barcode?

3. "Yao dai-zi ma?" (要袋子嗎?) — Do you need a bag? ($1-$2 NTD).

What you should say

• To use points to pay: Say: "Dian-shu zhe-di" (點數折抵).

• If you don't have a membership/barcode: Say: "Mei-you" (沒有).

5. The Digital Receipt Barcode (Mobile Carrier)

Instead of carrying physical paper, you can save receipts to the cloud.

1. Download the "Invoice Carrier" (發票載具) app.

2. Register with your phone number and email.

3. It generates a barcode starting with a /.

4. How to use: When the clerk asks "Zai-ju ma?", scan this barcode. The receipt is saved to your account. If you win, the app will notify you, and some apps can even deposit the money directly into your bank account!

6. Practical Tips

• Play Store/App Store Region: If you can't find these apps, you may need to change your App Store region to Taiwan or create a secondary "Taiwan-only" Apple/Google ID.

• Free Shipping: Shopee has "Free Shipping" days on double dates (9/9, 10/10). You must "Claim" these vouchers in the app and select them at checkout.

• Cup Storage: If you buy a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" coffee deal online through Family Mart, 711, Starbucks, and other coffee shops, you don't have to take both at the same time. It stays in your app (跨店取) to be claimed later at any branch. This can save you money and time!