Korean Job Discussion Forums

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

I tried to withdraw a large chunk of money in Euro today, and Woori Bank got all antsy about it. Why is it that they get so pissy over just about anything that has to do with removing MY money from THEIR bank?

The first situation was difficult. I had a large sum of cash I had removed from another bank (5 million won) which they refused to change into Euro dollars without being able to record this in my passport (or record the transaction associated with my passport number, I should say). Well, I didn't expect I needed my passport for such a thing, but apparently, I do. They determined this after making me wait 20 minutes as they called all over and looked up the "rules for foreigners" as they put it.

So they refused to do it without a passport.

Instead, I just told them to please give me 5 million in Euro which was currently in my Woori account. Again... a problem. To do this, they wanted a statement from my university as proof that I earned this money from them. That's when I sort of got upset. Why would they need that?? It is very easy to see, both in my passbook and my account records, that my university has deposited all of these funds in there!

Not good enough. They must have a signed statement from my school.

Screw these F-ing Woori people!!!!!

beast · Joined: 28 Jan 2003

I've had the same problem with them. It's absolutely ridiculous that banks here think they should be able to decide what you do with your own money.

Whistleblower · Joined: 03 Feb 2007

KB Bank is better Bass if you are married to a Korean. KB Bank not so good if you are single. I would recommend you change your bank and make a formal complaint to the manager to the bank and copy this letter to the Chairman of the Bank.

Good luck with your future banking woes.

CeleryMan · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Location: Seoul

Wait in the queue for the ugliest teller; flirt with her; compliment her english skills and than conduct the transaction. Smile, carry yourself in an apologetic manner and good things will happen.

It's all in the delivery amigo.

skconqueror · Joined: 31 Jul 2005

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Anyone have any experience with the money changers in Itaewon? Do you trust them?

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

I have used money changers without problem so far. Make sure you get new bills with the big Franklins (U.S. currency - I don't know about Euros).

The exchange rates are generally good too.

PGF · Joined: 27 Nov 2006

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

The article I posted in this thread comments about "rules for foreigners" that are not part of any Korean law. It's just tellers being lazy, ignorant or both.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=1572832&highlight=#1572832

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

No, I sat and watched them pull out this big Woori rule book and pine over what to do with me for asking. It took them 15 minutes just to find the page, followed by a phone call to headquarters. They're not being lazy. They're doing what Woori bank told them to do.

Feeling like I'll get burned with my Euro account, as today the US stock market went up 400 points.

IlIlNine · Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo

anyangoldboy · Joined: 28 Sep 2007

When you want to transfer money you have to have your passport so they can write in how much money you have sent home this year so far.

whatever · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Location: Korea: More fun than jail.

^ Wrong. Again. See some other threads.

Yeah, they try/want to...but...

Temporary · Joined: 13 Jan 2008

There is NO effin limit in how much you can send. Its a MYTH. If you can provide a paystub you can send as much as you want. I did that in my 2nd year. I save money for one month and for the next 4 I sent my entire paycheck backhome.