Have you ever been to a 7/11? If you are in America reading this, you may think of the 7/11 as a place where you go get gas, maybe some beer, snacks, or even a Big Gulp. In Taiwan, 7/11 is something much more than that. Honestly, I haven’t seen a 7/11 with gas here in Taiwan. There are more than 5,000 7/11s in Taiwan. There is one on almost every corner. Let me quickly explain the phenomenon of the 7/11.
There are many things you can do at a 7/11. Here are just a few:
Paying Bills: I would say almost all bills can be paid at a 7/11. The electric, water, gas, and any other bills can be paid at your local 7/11.
Buying Tickets: No more buying things online like movie tickets and concert tickets. Your local 7/11 can take care of this for you. Walk in, and boom they will take care of your entertainment needs. Did I mention, you can buy train tickets there as well.
Paying Tickets: If you are unfortunate enough and get a traffic ticket, guess what, you can pay for it at the 7/11.
Data Plans: 7/11 is the place to get more data for your phone. Out of data, no problem. Roll into the 7/11 and charge up your phone.
Post office needs: Best place to send packages and receive them would be your local 7/11. In Taiwan, it is easier to receive packages at your 7/11. Just bring an ID and boom you are set to go.
Faxes: You need to fax something, 7/11 will hook you up. Need to make important copies of stuff, 7/11 has your back.
Lottery #s: You all may not know this, but the Taiwan government does a lottery on receipts. 7/11 is the place to cash in these lottery receipts. Every receipt has a number on them and you can win money. I am racking up my receipts ready for a pay day.
If you all thought 7/11s were lame before, then you need to visit one in Taiwan. They are the place you visit to be hip. They are open 24 hours a day, even during Typhoons. They offer food, wifi, tickets, ATMs, concert tickets, movie tickets, bill pay, recharging data, and the multitude of other things you can't even imagine. 7/11 is the place to be.
Very informative Steve! Funny. There has always been a saying in my family. ” If you’re not within 20 miles of a 7/11 then you’re not in civilization.” We never knew there was so much truth to that before. Most importantly though; can I still get a slushee or a Big Gulp in the Taiwanese 7/11?
That is a great question. I have never seen any slush or Big Gulp machines in the 7/11 here. I will have to check to see.
I appreciate it. You serve as our eyes and ears in what so far sounds like a unique location. You have the power to share your perspective and shape our views. Just remember Steve, with this great power comes great responsibility. LOL Thank you for writing your blog.
Thank you! I will do my best.