Korean Job Discussion Forums

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

I didn't even bother reading the posts, but I just thought I would let you know that I have an international ATM card from both Woori Bank and Hana Bank and never had a problem getting them or replacing them when they broke. The Hana Bank card even functions as a debit card in Korea so I don't need to carry cash on me.

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

That's nothing. They automatically withdraw money from my account to pay my credit card bills, which is fine by me, but if there isn't enough money in the account on the day that they do, they freeze the account. It happened to me once. We had enough money in our other accounts (I was going to deposit money in my account at the ATM when I learned my account was frozen). I'm pretty sure it was illegal. In any case, I called up the head office and told them that it's really odd that they'd do something like that since they are essentially in the business of loaning money.

Another credit company harassed my wife to pay her bills. She had simply forgotten to transfer money to that account. She explained what had happened and promised she'd try to deposit the money the next day because she was busy that day. The next day, she was again very busy at work (she was running to businesses then, actually), so she forgot about the bills. The next day, the credit card company called early in the morning. My wife, slightly annoyed, told them she'd deposit it that day. But, they called again in the early afternoon. She told the person on the phone that she was still busy and would do it as soon as she was done with work. The girl accused her of lying to them. My wife was so insulted, she demanded to talk to the manager. The other person at the end of the line refused, so my wife told her, "Fine, I'll sue you", and then hung up. The manager called a few minutes later. She gave him an earful, telling him that she was extremely insulted that she'd be treated like a common criminal for a measly 70 000won, "What, you think I can't pay a 70 000won bill just because I'm a young woman?". She told them she was going to cancel her card right then and there, which she did seconds after hanging up on the guy and then headed to the bank machine to deposit money in her account. They called a few minutes later with apologies, but my wife told them to stick it up their kimchi pots.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

KB bank gave me an Int'l money transfer card with Maestro & Cirrus logo on it. I think they charged one time 2000 won for it. Also asked me if I wanted their pointree credit card and I declined since I have all major credit cards from the USA.

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:22 pm Post subject:

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

I got my first "International" card from Hana Bank, but found out it only works in some countries. China? Ok. Thailand? No. USA? No.

I talked to a rep about getting one that would work in the USA and all other countries. I had it in my hands within 15 minutes and it does work in every country I need in.

marckot · Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Location: Mokpo

KB bank is the best. Well they have been for me.

They gave me an international debit card without me asking for it. It is a cirrus card and I have used it back home without any problems.

I recently moved down to Mokpo and had to transfir money home. They had no issues at all with calling my old branch, checking up on my credit history and then sending the money.

I have been in Korea for 3 years and after using various banks I can say that KB has given me the best service thus far.

BUT it is true that it is a total crap shoot. I went to another bank and they told me after I opened an account with them that I would not be able to send money home for the first three months. I just laughed at them and told them not to worry KB will take care of it, thank you.

oxfordstu · Joined: 28 Aug 2004 Location: Bangkok

My coteacher just called KB here in Busan. They said a big resounding NO on issuing me an international card.

Racists.

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

Yep, it is a total crapshoot (phucking Koreans).

For a year and a half my KB* international ATM card was working fine. Then, I take trip to Thailand, and find out that it no longer works. Luckily, I had carried some cash with me.

It is not illegal for them to do deny, or give us a card...............we are not talking credit cards here either. We are talking about international ATM cards, or debit cards.

However, my Nunghyup (or however it is spelled) check cards works find. I can use it as a check card in Korea, and an international atm card outside of Korea.

So it just depends on who is there.

dmbfan

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.

Kookmin Bank Int'l card does not work outside of Korea. It used to, but not anymore if you are a foreigner. So Kookmin Bank is out. I found out the hard way when I was in HK, and in the US.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

marckot · Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Location: Mokpo

I went to a KB branch in Mokpo after using one in Gwangju for a long time. The Gwangju branch sent a mail to the Mokpo branch consisting of all my past transfers. They took a look at it and with no further issues sent the money.

I am surprised to hear that the KB cirrus cards are not working anymore. Thanks a lot for telling me. I would have been seriously p!ssed of if I had issues at a bank in another country.