Since I have been trouble finding shoes lately I have been turning to the web. The main problem with this is that you need a credit card to buy anything. Back when I lived in the US I didn’t have this problem since my bank issued me a Visa Debit Card. These cards are great since they have the same functionality of a credit card, but instead of borrowing money it takes it straight from your bank account.

About a year after I arrived in Taiwan, I opened a bank account at Chinatrust. I picked Chinatrust since their ATM machines are in all of the 7-11’s and those stores are everywhere. It made sense at the time, I didn’t want to have to pay a fee every time I took out money.

Now things are different and I need that visa debit card to make my online purchases. I knew Chinatrust offered the card so I headed out to get myself one.

We Are Family?

When I arrived at the bank I got my little ticket and waited in the waiting room for the next available agent. When it was my turn, I went and sat down and started to tell the employee about what I needed. When I was finished the employee just said “sorry”. I was confused and asked, why he was sorry. He told me that since I was a foreigner, that I couldn’t have a debit card. If I was a “local” then it would not be a problem. I told him that I didn’t want a credit card, I wanted a debit card. I knew I had to repeat myself, since unless you’re very clear on what you want, people will fuck up everything. Again he told me that since I was a foreigner that I wasn’t allow a debit card, even though the bank is in no risk of loss, since all purchases made from that card comes straight from your bank account and if you don’t have the cash, you will be rejected at purchase.

If I was applying for a credit card I would understand completely, but it’s a freakin debit card! I asked the man what other bank offered debit cards to foreigners and he didn’t know. He then suggested I go to other banks and ask. When he said this, I said “So you want me to take all my money from your bank and invest it somewhere else?” Well that made him realize he was an idiot for suggesting I go ask other banks.

I then said to him, “If you came to my country and asked for a debit card we wouldn’t deny you because the color of your skin”, I paused for effect then continued, “I think I’ll come back tomorrow and close my account and move my money to a bank that is interested in my money, fuck your bank!” I turned slowly and walked out.

I have heard that Taipei Fubon Bank or Megabank offers debit cards to foreigners, but haven’t had a chance to confirm this. I just think it’s retarded to deny people for a risk-free service that the bank provides to any legal age Taiwanese, but since I wasn’t born here I don’t matter. Does my money matter to you Chinatrust? Does my friends with their money waiting to be invested matter? Well I am not like you Chinatrust, I don’t care where you’re born, or what you can offer me, I have a present for you. It’s useful and I’m sure you will get many many hours of enjoyment out of it, while I take my money from you and go somewhere that appreciates it.

My Gift To You, Chinatrust

Now go fuck yourselves!