With a bit of research, Ping figured out how to buy event tickets online. While that process is relatively recognizable, paying for and picking up the tickets can be a bit different here in Taiwan. Here, if you like, you can also go to the local 7-Eleven.
Really? Really.
Just slip your credit card into a slot on a kiosk, poke a few icons on the touchscreen, and then wait for some of the kids getting off from school buy their bento and soy drinks. In a little while, you are informed that your tickets are printed out. You go to the counter, pick them up, get your receipt, and you're on your way!
7-Eleven has really put the "convenience" back in "convenience store." You can even pay your utility bills there. Anything under NT$20,000 ($667 USD) can be paid at a 7-Eleven. Wanna order something online? You can have it delivered to the 7-Eleven right by your house and pick it up there. Seems like there's a 7-Eleven on every other block in Taipei, so you never have far to walk. Ours is a couple of blocks further away, but that's because we're in Beitou, sort of the "sticks" of Taipei. They're so ubiquitous that it's a standing joke around here to give directions that include "when you get to the 7-Eleven..."
You want a decent hot meal? Seriously, kids tell us the packaged hot lunch at 7-Eleven is yummy! You can even have that delicious hard boiled egg soaked in brown sauce. On the go but need some fresh fruit? How about freshly cut guava with salty plum powder? You got it. Need a double-shot caramel macchiato to help you keep up with the bustling pace of Taipei? City Cafe is available in most 7-Elevens and the coffee is pretty good. You can also get the usual grocery list of chewing gum, aspirin, peanuts, chips, laundry soap, yoghurt drinks and motor oil to go with your tickets, bento and the latest issue of Cosmopolitan in Chinese. Don't forget that loaf of bread...
Back in the '70s, 7-Eleven had a slogan: "If it's not around the house, it's just around the corner at your 7-Eleven store." Around Taipei, that's still true.
Oh, and if you need to get some banking done, the post office is nearby, too. (Excuse me? The "post office?") Indeed.
Friend of mine went back to Taiwan for 5 years and she has one daughter too. She never cooked at home as so conveniences to pick your meals from the store or just eat out with inexpensive prices. They save $$$ from Taiwan and came back to US and paid off their Mortgage payments. Wow!
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