Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ESL Girl]

As of August 2007, Korean banks stopped issuing international bank cards to foreigners. Those who already have one- you're lucky. But keep it safe - because you won't be getting another one.

I inquired at Nonghyup for a card last week. All seemed well and in processing, until my co-teacher receieved a call today stating that I could not have one because I am a foreigner. Supposedly, some foreigners from abroad withdrew their entire accounts and then some, and never returned to repay the excess. I would like to send out an FU to whomever they may be.

However, I heard that some banks may still be issuing these invaluable cards. Has anyone gotten one SINCE September 2007? Any suggestions?

[Milwaukiedave]

Unless something has changed, this is the bank's rules not the government's roles. I have gotten a card from Hana Bank and KB, but neither are anything close to what I wanted.

Also people have said that different branches interpret the rules differently.

[ESL Girl]

When did you get your international bank cards? Before August 2007?

[curlygirl]

I asked a Korean friend to call Nonghyup, Wooribank, KEB and Shinhan banks 2 months ago as I'd had no joy walking into my local bank and asking for an international ATM card. All four banks told her that the rules had changed within the previous few weeks (this was in August) and that foreigners would no longer be issued with international ATM cards. Quote/unquote.

[indytrucks]

My bank is Standard Chartered. I recently lost my wallet (major headache) and had to replace all my cards. They first gave me a domestic only card, but then I told them my old card was international. They changed it with no problems.

[xtchr]

[ESL Girl]

So - has anyone been able to get their FIRST international bank card from a Korean bank since August 2007? If you have gotten one since then - but had one before - I think you are in a different situation.

[normalcyispasse]

Korea Sparkling! Yeosu Expo 2012 Korea yay! So good number one hub of Asia!

I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that my int'l card works in Nepal this January.

[yingwenlaoshi]

[CentralCali]

Tell your coteacher to call the bank back and tell them you're going to the government agency in chargeof consumer affairs. When they ask why, tell them because they discriminated against you illegally.

[Milwaukiedave]

Much of the problem with the international debit cards is that people want them purly for the purpose of withdrawling their money from their home country. That's why they are making it so difficult to get them.

I'm finally gettting a Korean credit card. It will be interesting to see how that works.

[DCJames]

[slothrop]

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[yingwenlaoshi]

[TexasPete]

Does anyone know if opening an HSBC account is a way of getting around this? Like if i were to go to an HSBC here in Korea and open an account, would they give me an international debit card?