GLOBAL CRISIS: "Prying Open Asian Wallets: With exports plunging, governments are prodding consumers to save less and spend more," by Frederik Balfour, BusinessWeek, 23 & 30 March 2009.

Some send cash (Thailand and Japan), while others focus on vouchers (Taiwan) and coupons (China).

Experts say the Taiwanese approach makes the most sense: you want spending, not mattress stuffing.