Ask for an invoice, and you stand to win $$ by hooiluangoh
China's value added tax stands at 17%.However, due to the lack of a proper book-keeping system, many chinese businesses would love to charge you the 17% and keep it in their own pockets instead of paying it to the governement.
So what does the governtment do ? They invent these invoices which businesses must buy from them and give to customers as proof of purchase. Then of course, if the invoices are of no use to you, you won't request it, and it's back to square one for them.
So the government invent lottery invoices. You scratch them, and that may bring you money and prizes. Now this is enough incentive for you to ask for them at a restaurant.
Unfortunately on in restaurants you can obtain lottery invoices. In other places (supermarket, taxi), it's just a boring little piece of paper.
Next time when you pay for your meals, and if it is over RMB5, ask for them. They are called FA(1) PIAO(4).My friend won RMB 5 and the whole restaurant knew about it !