Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chachee99]

Hello,

Hello I am from Canada and will be arriving in Korea in just 3 days and will be bringing both my VISA Credit Card and CIBC debit card with me. I have read posts about some Canadians having problems using their debit cards in Korean ATM's and think it is a good idea to address this problem ASAP. Which card is the better choice for Korean ATM machines?My bank told me that my debit card will work on any ATM machine with a "PLUS" logo. Also, which one has the lowest transaction fees. I hear the fees for using debit card in a foreign ATM can cost up to $50 per transaction!!! That's just crazy!!!


Any advice will be appreciated.


Thanks

[brento1138]

[ajgeddes]

Hey there, I also use CIBC in Canada. It is pure crap if you heard it can cost up to $50 to use a foreign card in an ATM. If that was the case, nobody would ever use that company when every other machine costs about $3 per transaction.

Also, I am able to use my CIBC card at quite a few machines, more machines that my friend who had a Scotiabank card. The Korean banking system is not as international as in many other countries, but you will be able to use the ATM's in most 7-Eleven's, all KEB banks, usually there is one special machine in each subway station that will take most foreign cards, and then there will be other random machines that may work if you keep your fingers crossed. All in all, yes, it is a bit more work finding machines, but it isn't that bad, at least if you are in Seoul.

As far as your VISA card is concerned, I also have a CIBC VISA card and I have never had a problem using it to buy anything, except for Korean websites online shopping, but I have never used it in a maching because that is when you start getting lots of fees and paying interest immediately.

Anyways, I hope I helped you out, and good luck when you get here.

[Noureli]

Hey guys, I will be coming to Korea mid-November and I was just wondering how you pay your visa payments while you are in South Korea. Also, I was wondering is it better to bring Canadian dollars and then exchange in Korea or just do it through here at my bank. Answers will be greatly apperciated.

[brento1138]

[Carole Anne]

Anyone here bank woth Royal Bank as I am coming to Korea in mid-November and had the same questions as above just a different bank. Also how much won do you all suggest a person bring with them? Thank and sorry for hijacking this thread!

[some waygug-in]

I have a Royal Bank card and I can only use it in machines marked Global Service.
In Busan those machines are at Korea Exchange Bank in Seomyeon.

If you check with your bank before you leave they should be able to tell you.

Good Luck.

[CaptainConjunction]

You need to be careful with the debit card.. If you want to withdraw a large amount you can't do it all in one go. There's a daily limit of 300 - 700 thousand won on most global ATM machines. I found that to be a real pain in the ass. I was trying to withdraw about $2000 and it took me about a week. In the end I got the money, but if you need a large sum for something (i.e. house deposit) it sucks.