Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cdninkorea]

In preparation for my vacation next week, I went to my local KB* branch today to get an international ATM card. Expecting trouble, I brought two pieces of ammunition with me:

Exhibit A
Exhibit B

The door greeter showed me to the manager, who spoke English very well. After explaining that I want an international bank card, he told me it's not possible for legal reasons. I politely told him that he's mistaken, and while putting Exhibit B on the desk, said: "if it's illegal, how can KEB do it?" The next exchange was roughly as follows:

Him: "Maybe it's a credit card KEB is offering."
Me: "It says right here (pointing) that it's also for withdrawing money."
Him: "Oh, then it's only for domestic use."
Me: "But here it says home and abroad."

So he took the document and said he was going to call headquarters. Ten or so minutes later he returned, explaining that banks cannot legally give check cards to foreigners; only ATM cards.
Excited, I smiled and said that's fine- an ATM card would do. Turns out my excitment was premature: he said that KB* cannot issue atm cards only; all their cards are check cards as well. Even for Koreans (I asked).

I gave him my copy of Exhibit A and left. Friday I'm going to KEB with Exhibit B and testing it.

[Godhasbeengoodtome]

I will be interested to see how this turns out. Hope you get it.

[Mr. Pink]

I got a check card from KB, but even thought liars told me it worked internationally, it doesn't. I was a bit pissed when I tried to use it abroad and got nothing.

I can't wait for Korea's banking sector to get with the times and stop discriminating against non-Koreans.

If banks in Canada did what Korean banks do, some non-profit group would launch a lawsuit. Where are those non-profit groups in Korea to speak on our behalf?

[bassexpander]

Someone needs to do some undercover videotaping and put it up on Youtube.

[Smee]

Please vote here if you haven't yet:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=142676

[Trevor]

Yes. you're absloultely right, Bassexpander. someone does. The question is who.....I know! How about

YOU

[bassexpander]

[Jeff's Cigarettes]

Is that legal, vid taping someone w/out their knowledge and then publishing it on a internet web site? I don't think it is but I could be wrong.

[Trevor]

Due to slander laws, it would be a real good idea not to show anyone's face or identify the particular branch.

[Ilsanman]

It could be worse. It could be like my coworker.

She is in USA now with an 'international ATM' that she was goven by Shithan Bank. She tried to use it but it didn't woprk, despite promises from the bank that it did.

She had to call us and ask for an emergency cash advance.

[Davew125]

If anyone lives in the South, kyongnam bank offer an international visa card to foreigners (that does actually work!!). My girlfriend and I both have one. At first they said it wasnt possible but then i went in with my gyopo friend who got one for us in a matter of minutes, so i guess it was.

[Lunar Groove Gardener]

Why keep pandering to the customer inequalities of Korean banks?

So far as I've seen STANDARD CHARTERED will consistently provide this service to foreign customers.

Stop supporting Korean banks, even if they occasionally off these cards, they are unreliable and support of them perpetuates this practice.

Let it be known that foreigners are treated unjustly by Korean banks.
Don't just look for the one branch which "may" give you a card which "may" or "may not" actually work.

Bring in your passport, pay slip, ARC, Health insurance, Bank Book and address as well as credit card if you have it and driver's license. Banks generally do love all of these backup verifications.

Best of luck.

[Trevor]

I'm afraid this is the correct answer. The way to get action on this issue is to make them feel it in their wallet. If foreigners leave their banks en masse and bring their business to the banks that offer them consistent service, then there will be a rapid change.

[crescent]

[whatever]

...which won't happen.