Taiwan’s banking system is known to be behind in many regards despite being in a very competitive market (there are 38 domestic banks).
Once you entered a bank in Taiwan you will immediately hear the sound of needle printers, cash counting machines and most likely hear some announcement as to which number should go next to which counter.
A lot of procedures at Taiwan’s banks in Taiwan are done on paper. Papers which are then scanned and added to binders (one per customer). As foreign residents, it is also always a good idea to bring your passport (regardless if you have a resident certificate) and of course the bank passbook. Without it, don’t expect anything to happen, its irrelevant, even if you could proof your DNA.
This page lists the most xenophobic actors and how they reacted when confronted about the issues.
The Digital Exclusion List
Tax payments not possible to foreign company representatives
The Ministry of Finance’s electronic tax payment system currently differentiates between Taiwanese and foreign company representatives regarding payment methods.
Background: Taiwan - Digital banking done wrong
1. The Credentials
Every online bank in Taiwan requires users to login with three credentials: Their ID number, their username and a password.
Using the ID number is flawed for many security and usability reasons, it does not add any benefits. However, it can be leveraged to ban foreign residents when the “wrong” number format is entered.
Since decades, Taiwan’s citizen ID format has been different to those with an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), even for those with a permanent resident certificate (APRC). An attempt to bring the format in line with that of Taiwanese citizens was just a costly joke.
The second letter of the (newer) ARC number format has the number eight for males and the number nine for females. For Taiwan citizens it is number one for male and number two for females in that position. Meaning that any services which are checking for the right ID format will fail instantly, as they only look for number two and number one at the second letter.
2. What are you?
Until recently, many banks in Taiwan required to select “Citizen” or “Foreigner” before entering the ID number. This has been slowly transitioned away and most modern banks now only show one login for both ID & ARC!
Oddly, only the most modern banks still distinguish between “Foreign” and “Citizen” login. Richart of Taishin Bank even has a dedicated website for them with a website not available in Chinese.
3. You've updated your information? Visit the bank!
Despite the National Immigration Agency offering a website to validate a foreign residents ARC number, banks require Foreign residents to visit the bank in person when (for example) an ARC validity gets extended. Often asking to sign documentation again (which was already signed years ago). In some cases, the process can take several hours and is the same as opening a new account. This also applies when changing the residence address.
Share your own story
Did you observe any of these issues with a bank or digital services provider in Taiwan which is not listed here? We would love to add it to the site! Please include a brief explanation, and if possible, some screenshots and a mention if you had talked to the provider about it.