Korean Job Discussion Forums

[curiousaboutkorea]

I went to KB bank this morning to exchange my Korean won for Chinese yuan for an upcoming trip.

Even though I have an account with them (because they're everywhere in Korea and I didn't know any better when I first got here), I dislike them. They seem to be the most strict on foreigners.

When I went in today, I went to one of the desks where I can do currency exchange. I fill out the little slip she gave me (name, amount, etc). The form was in English and Korean. It also asked for passport #. I didn't bother the decipher the korean in that space, but something tells me it might not have also said 'passport #'. I, of course, didn't actually have my passport with me, I just remembered the number.

The clerk asks to see my passport and I tell her I don't have it; I just have my ARC. She hesitates then takes the ARC. Once the exchange is nearly completed she informs me that next time I want to exchange, I need to bring my passport.

So, what's the big deal about having a passport? I gave my legal ID, what more do they need? I'm kind of just venting here. It seems like a load of crap. Is there any valid reason for demanding a passport? She was acting like she was doing me a a favor by just taking the ARC.

[runthegauntlet]

That's the way it's done in most countries. At least in the thirty odd countries I've been to.

But maybe Korea just really hates foreigners...

[Mr. Pink]

KB is always like that. I still don't know why I deal with them either. They need to have better service for foreigners.

If you are changing big numbers, I'd suggest you do it at one of the money changers in Myungdong. I got the rate of 171 for RMB to Won. The banks were looking at a much much lower rate. Like 164 or some other nonsense...and 184 to buy. The banks make a killing on foreign exchange. I want in on that action!

[curiousaboutkorea]

[runthegauntlet]

[Unposter]

I don't bank with KB but whenever I exchange money or for that matter many other banking services, they always ask me for my "passport." Every single time I have handed them my ARC. And, every single time, I was able to exchange money and other things. I always assumed they just didn't know the English word, "ID."

If they can do it once, there is no need to bring a passport. Obviously, it is really not needed.

And, yes, I would assume in every country in the world you need a photo ID. But, a passport? No, that is just silly.

[soohak]

If I recall correctly, the Korean text in that field says 주민등록번호 (resident registration number). I always just put in my foreigner registration number and hand them my ARC. At KB, I think it helps if you have an account registered with your foreigner registration number too (they always ask if I have one).

[Khenan]

I have fought with KB up and down about this, but what it comes down to is they will almost always require a passport for the first time you exchange/transfer money from a specific branch. If you visit that branch again, ARC will generally suffice. Not always. I used to get pissed as hell about this sometimes, because I would forget and it would waste my time. Now, I just bring my passport every time, just accept that they're retarded, and I walk out with a smile more often than not.

[egrog1717]

I'm changed money with the KB at Geumok Market 3 times now (Won to Yen) with no passport and no problem... Could just be the branch you go to being [insert mod edit here]