I'm finding this country to be one of the most convenient I've ever been to.  The best example of how convenient it is here is the Easy Card, the card that gives you access to the subway system (called the MRT).  You buy one of these cards and then just add money to it when it starts to get low.

Of course any major city with a subway system has cards like these.  The real convenience begins when you realize that you can also use this card for the bus system, for ferry rides, for some taxis, to pay for purchases at 7-11 (where you can also pick up packages that are mailed to you in case you aren't home), and even to buy Boba tea at a street market.


Another great example is this little tidbit - Taiwan has the most convenience stores per capita of any country in the world.  You walk down the street and there is literally a 7-11 or OK Mart on almost every corner.  If you don't want to cross the street to go to one, don't worry, just walk a little ways and you'll find one on your side of the street!

Of course in other ways it's very inconvenient.  Bureaucracy is rampant here.  I have to wait until I have a foreign resident card to get a sim card for my cell phone, but that will take a month because first I need to have a resident visa (I only have a visitors visa now).  It's a very paper heavy country.  A good example of this crazy love of paper - we were at a street market yesterday and bought two scoops of ice cream from a street vendor and she gave us a large paper receipt for each one.  The ice cream was great but I'm not sure the documentation was necessary.


Overall the convenience far outweighs the inconvenience of the bureaucracy.  I think more big cities should jump on the band-wagon of the easy card.  It's the next big thing.

1 Comment

1. Anonymous on May 27, 2010 at 10:40 AM

   She gave you hand written receipt?!Wow,you don't see that everyday anymore.
   -Li