THE BIG ISSUE IN TAIWAN

Just a couple of weeks after I arrived in Taipei, I noticed a man was selling The Big Issue near to my office building, therefore I went to get one from him and it cost $100TWD.. which is around 2pounds. If I am not wrong, the cost of The big issue in London is 1pound?? so why is it more expensive than the one in London??? 

The Big Issue was originated from London, UK. It has been published since 1991 and it is for the benefit of the Homless in London so they can earn their income by selling the magazine from the publisher and it gives them an opportunity to have a proper job instead of doing nothing or begging on the street everyday. Their believe is 'Helping people help themselves'! It's a really good idea isn't it?

Now, back to my own question... so why is it more expensive than the one in London?

1. Whoever is selling the magazine, he or she will need to wear a uniform and a working permit from the publisher itself, and they look smarter than the homeless in London.

2. The packaging and quality of paper is better  than the one in London.

3. The contain is much more interesting and nicer pictures and graphics.

Oh yes.. they can only be sold at the entrance of each Taipei's MRT station, so you won't see anyone selling the magazine in front of a shop or anywhere else on the street.

My friend's son was reading the magazine, he likes the colourful graphic on the magazine.

The Big Issue in Taiwan started publishing last year April and you can only get them in Taipei for the time being. Hopefully, the organization will grow larger and help more homeless or low-income family from the rest of the cities in Taiwan.