Taiwan
(Republic of China / 中華民國)
Central Bank (of the Republic of China)
(中央銀行)
Currency - New Dollar (TWD)
In 2020, due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of Taiwan issued two stimulus vouchers of $200 and $500. The purpose of these vouchers were to help stimulate the local economy caused by the down turn of the economy, caused by the pandemic. These vouchers were called Triple Stimulus Vouchers. This programme started on 15.07.2020, and ended on 31.12.2020. This package contained T$200 x 5; and T$500 x 4 with a total value of T$3000, for the cost of T$1000. This programme was so successful that by 31.12.2020, 98.35% of the vouchers were claimed/spent.
Due to the success of the above, in 2021, the government again re introduced another stimulate package, and this time it was called Quintuple Stimulus Vouchers (振興五倍券). The package was launched on 09.09.2021. The vouchers issued were values of $200,
$500 and $1000. These vouchers were valid from 08.10.2021 until 30.04.2022. The purpose of this second stimulus vouchers was to help stimulus the local economy from soft lock down imposed in May 2021. Unlike the first stimulus, this time it is free. The initial discussion was to have everyone paying T$1000 for a value of T$5000. However, after complaint from the public, it was decided to release them as free of charge. The package came with 10 notes, containing T$200 x 5; T$500 x 2; and T$1000 x 3, thus giving a total value of T$5000.
Well, to me, this is what I called, free 'Money'.
Like those previously vouchers issued, these stimulus vouchers also came with restrictions. They can be used as cash for purchases at a shop, sporting events, transport tickets, bookstores, cinemas, museums, supermarket or retail stores, etc but cannot be used as paying your
taxes, utility bills, credit card bills or traffic fines or some other
administrative fees. As at 25.04.2022, almost 93% of the vouchers issued were redeemed, with 200 billion in economic benefits.
The designs for all the three notes are all the same, albeit difference colours and denominations. On the front of the note, it depicts the national bird of Taiwan, a flying blue magpie. Above that. it printed with the Chinese test 中華民國 - 振興五倍券 (Republic of China - Quintuple Stimulus Voucher). Below the blue magpie, it printed with the characters - 行政院 (Executive Yuan). To the right, it has the Republic's calendar - 使用期限至111年4月30日止 (Valid until April 30, Year 111 [2022]).
To the right, it also printed with the following restrictions when using these vouchers (消買時):-
不得換現 - Not redeemable (for cash);
不得儲值 - No stored value; and
不得找零 -No change is allowed.
On the back, these vouchers are all printed with the payment deadline of 30.06.2022 (兑付载止日: 111年6月30日), and also details of where the voucher was redeemed:-
兑領營業人名稱 - Redeemed business name
營利事業統一編號 - Business number; and
負責人姓名 - name of person in charge.
To the right side, it has a dotted line square to place the business's stamp on it (統一發票事用章).
Like those banknotes issued in Taiwan, there are no signature printed on these vouchers, and unlike Taiwan banknotes, the square seal is also excluded from the design. At a gland, these notes are printed with minimum security features. Counterfeiting vouchers were reported for the first stimulus package issued in 2020. You can basically see the security features from the note as there are no watermarks on any of the notes. However, counterfeiting, if any, for this second tier issue would be minimum, as these were issued as free to all citizens, including foreigners living in the country too.
It should also be noted that, even though these vouchers were issued by the Government of Taiwan, neither of them were printed with the central bank name (中央銀行). However, the only way to tell that this is from Taiwan is the name printed on top of the note 中華民國 (Republic of China) and also republic's validation date. The imprinter's name for these vouchers are also missing from the notes too. Like all banknotes, each vouchers are individually printed with two letter prefixes and followed by a 6-digit serial number.
The dimensions for all these notes are measured as 130mm x 55.5mm
Two Hundred Yuan
 |
| nd2021, Taiwan Blue Magpie flying |
 |
| Reverse |
Five Hundred Yuan
 |
| nd2021, Taiwan Blue Magpie flying |
 |
| Reverse |
One Thousand Yuan
 |
| nd2021, Taiwan Blue Magpie flying |
 |
| Reverse |
Footnote
If I have made any mistakes on my translations, please let me know.
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