有发票吗？

You say this right when you are about to pay. Just look at the cashier and drop the phrase. You do not need a long preamble. If they say 'yes,' they might ask for your company's tax ID. If they say 'no,' they might offer a discount or a small gift instead. It is a very functional piece of language.

Use it at restaurants after a big dinner. Use it at hotels when checking out. Use it when you buy a new laptop or phone. It is perfect for business trips where you need to get reimbursed. Even in a taxi, this phrase is your best friend. It ensures you have proof of your spending.

Do not use this at a tiny street food stall. The guy selling grilled squid on the corner does not have a tax machine. Do not use it when a friend buys you a coffee. That would be a bit awkward and overly formal. Also, avoid using it at flea markets where prices are negotiated under the table.

In China, the fapiao is a big deal. It is not just a receipt; it is a legal document used by the government to track tax. For many employees, collecting these is a monthly ritual for reimbursement. Some restaurants used to offer free soda if you did not ask for one. This was their way of saving on tax! It is a unique part of the Chinese consumer experience.

You can make it more polite by adding qing wen (may I ask) at the start. If you are in a rush, you can just say fa piao with a questioning tone. If you need a digital one, ask for dian zi fa piao. Most places now just have you scan a QR code to get it sent to your phone. Technology makes everything faster!