To say that this concept is NOT popular here is like saying that its a little hot or a little polluted. (aka, its the understatement of the fucking century!)

I started with the restaurants I knew they would like the most and worked my way down the list in my head. After a few tries (and a lot of rain, it was crazy pouring all day yest) I saw a movie theatre and thought, "yeah!"

I even had a local friend text message me the Chinese symbols for "gift certificate" so I could show this to people. But the replies I got ranged from:

"You want take away?"(at restaurant)
"You want popcorn?" (at movie theatre)
"You want paper?"

Ugh!

At the movie theatre they did have movie passes, but they were only available in 10's. It was 2500 nt, almost $80 US. Nope, that wont work. There was a 4 ticket package with popcorn and soda, but you had to pick the movie right there and then. Nope. Try again.

I finally drove by a Blockbuster and thought, "Yeah!" one more time. I went in and smiled my best PLEASE HELP ME smile.

It took quite awhile to convey the need, but they did have gift cards. In fact, a picture advertising them was right below my hands on the counter I was leaning on. Oi again.

But nothing about this was easy. They dont just issue gift certificates that you can give to anyone. They had to have a name to go with the card. Um, ok. So they had to check if my bosses had an account with them. They didnt.

What I had to do was open an account with them and add my bosses as "Friends and family" who can use my card. They told me that he can transfer the card when he comes in. I asked 3 diff ways if there was a fee, and she kept saying no. I am still not convinced.

But I DID walk out of there with a gift card.