Korean Job Discussion Forums

dharma bum · Joined: 15 Jun 2004

I sent money home recently, and the bank has since called me back asking me to bring my passport in so that they can record the transaction in the back. I've let them do this in the past (a few years ago) but thought that it was an outdated procedure and don't want to have to go back there just so they can write in my passport unless I have to (as silly as that may sound). Does anyone know anything about whether this is an actual government requirement or just another arbitrary hoop the bank wants me to jump through?

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

It's not necessary.

Mokpo_Wookie · Joined: 24 Sep 2010

KEB Bank won't do it...really, it isn't THAT big of a deal, as long as they stamp a fairly full page. I know that they aren't legally allowed to, but does it really matter?

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

That sounds like something that could really piss off US immigration officials.

nomad-ish · Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 7:46 pm Post subject:

Mokpo_Wookie · Joined: 24 Sep 2010

dharma bum · Joined: 15 Jun 2004

I'm not too worried about running out of passport pages at the moment, but the whole thing does annoy me on principle and because it means that I'll have to take time off work to head to the bank for something that serves no real purpose (since, I assume, the transaction information is recorded electronically anyway) when the transfer has already gone through. Has anyone successfully convinced the bank that it's unnecessary? What argument did you use?

pangaea · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

Hasn't the wire transfer already been completed? Are they threatening to cancel it? Just wondering why you would consider going back to the bank again and letting them do something that isn't necessary.

Does anyone know how to find out if banks stamping a passport is legal? It would be great if I could get something printed from the embassy stating that it is illegal/unnecessary for banks to stamp my passport for any reason. Only immigration or government officials should be allowed to do anything to my passport.

dharma bum · Joined: 15 Jun 2004

redaxe · Joined: 01 Dec 2008

When they call you for BS like this just say "ne, ne" and then disregard.

iselynjenniep · Joined: 01 Jul 2010 Location: bundang

i have transferred money 3 times, and 2 of those times they asked for my passport. i said i didn't have it with me, and they let it go... hana bank btw.

sojusucks · Joined: 31 May 2008

Technically, they are not authorized by your country to write in your passport. They do this because they are trying to keep track of how much you are sending back. Hehe, maybe they think you are doing something illegal. That is the only reason I can think of.

interestedinhanguk · Joined: 23 Aug 2010

Don't do it, they're not authorized.

Even when I've exchanged money (won for yuan) at KB, they asked for my passport. I told them I didn't have it (I didn't, who in the world carries around their passport when they have an ARC?). The teller just sighed and said 'next time you exchange money, you need to bring it.' I said, 'ok' (with no intent of ever doing such a thing) and got my money.

Some banks here seem so nervous about doing business with foreigners and make up ridiculous rules.

Wishmaster · Joined: 06 Feb 2003

Yeah, I would not go back in there. No way would I take time out of my day to satisfy their imaginary banking laws. No way. There transaction is done. There is nothing they can do about it now. It has been recorded electronically. It is just another example of the power tripping that Koreans love to impose on foreigners. Tell them to F themselves or better yet just ignore them and use another bank next time.