Korean Job Discussion Forums

[huck]

When Koreans travel, what kind of currency do they take with them? Do they take stacks of 10,000 won bills, or do they exchange it to something else?

I'm going to Thailand soon, and I'm wondering if it'd be better to take the won, exchange it to dollars first in Korea (which I've done before, but with the way the dollar's been lately...), or change it to Euros first in Korea...

Any suggestions and the why's and therefore's would be greatly appreciated...

[ajgeddes]

They take bank cards and credit cards like everybody else in the world.

[huck]

ahh...international bank cards....i forgot that Korea had those for some people..

[Wangja]

Yes, there is some confusion on that, but rest assured that some banks do issue them to foreigners.

[huffdaddy]

[oldfatfarang]

Definately change won into dollars first (Incheon Intl airport kiosks). When going to Thailand I also get some USD in traveller's cheques. It would be a shame to get robbed and lose all your dosh.

[GoldMember]

When Koreans Travel... They takes boxes full of Ramyon.

[Bibbitybop]

You can get Intl. ATM cards if you are a foreigner. Make sure you double-check that they work in ALL countries. If the bank won't give you one, they are being lazy. Go to another branch, or banking company.

Exchange won to dollars or Euros. Airports will give you less, find a street exchanger for large amounts.


Koreans carry tupperware full of kimchi. I've seen it.

[kat2]

Most banks have US Dollars on hand. I just go to my bank and ask for dollars before I go on any trip. They give you a good rate since you are a customer and you don't have to worry about ti while you are at the airport. You will get ROBBED if you take won to Thailand and try to exchange it there.

[oxfordstu]

^100% agree. I exchanged 2 million won at the airport in BKK and got royally fvcked --- got 56,000 baht. The next month when I got paid I checked the balance with my int'l atm card and it was around 70,000 baht.

[Bibbitybop]