Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kiddirts · Joined: 25 Jul 2003

Anyone know of a good international bank that the Korean Gov't can't mess with? I'll be going to Thailand for a good month and would need ATM access...or whats the best way to handle the money situation when traveling to a foreign country for a lengthy stay...haven't done this before...thanks.
Oh, also...I have like 30,000 won in change I've collected...will banks in Korea hand over bills?
Thanks again...

happeningthang · Joined: 26 Apr 2003

Hey KD!!

I would skip the banks all together and put your holiday cash onto a credit card. Most Visa and Mastercards allow cash withdrawls all throughout Thailand, and.... the bonus is you're usually only paying a 1% charge for the currency change!!

A lot cheaper than using travellers cheques or bank withdrawls. (The only thing to watch out for is the charges are decided by the card issuer so it pays to pick and choose).

As for your change, mate, you're own your own there.

Hope that helps.
Cheers

prairieboy · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Location: The batcave.

Can't help you out with info on an international bank...although I do believe that there is a citibank and a royal bank in Seoul somewhere. I think I saw a foreign bank like one of those I just mentioned near or in Myung-dong.

As for the change, just count it and separate it, make the job easy for the bank. Ask a teller "ton jan packwa chu-se-yo" and they'll count it and hand over the bills. I do this every few months and get roughly 60000 won in bills.

Good luck.

canukteacher · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul, Korea

I have International cards from KB, Woori, and Korea Industrial Bank (they call themselves Fine Bank now), and Citibank. I have used all of them in Canada and Thailand (no problems). Just make sure that you get the international card (all but Citibank should say 'international' on the front). Personally, I would avoid Citibank. They have caused me problems every time I have used them......be forewarned.

Good luck!

Austin · Joined: 23 May 2003 Location: In the kitchen

Most every bank in Korea will take your coins, count them, and give you paper bills.

As for Thailand, if you go to floor B1 at Incheon International Airport, there is the Korea Exchange Bank. You can get an international debit card from them on the spot for use in Thailand. Moreover, you can purchase Baht right there before you leave (it is always a good idea to have a bit of currency from the country you are visiting upon your arrival).

Know that the more times you convert your money the more of your money you are going to lose to bank fees and margins on each exchange, so if you keep your Korean currency in the account that you open at the airport you will only be converting once. However, if you already have dollars, you will be better off transporting your currency into Thailand and opening up an account in Thailand upon your arrival.

I hope that was clear enough.

JennyJJ · Joined: 01 Mar 2003

We've had a good discussion on this topic before = check out this thread:

http://www.eslcafe.com//forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=2300

Hands down winner was KB Card - the international one. There is even a color scan you can print out and take to the bank. I have one - have used in USA and Thailand - never a problem.