Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sapa]

I have tried getting a normal Visa debit card from Woori bank now on two occassions and just have no idea how they work it out over here.

I first ended up with a Woori-Debit Card but this was just a cash advance card, it had now chip in it or Visa sign and you couldn't pay for goods with it, only take out cash.
I then went back to get a card that looks like a normal Visa debit card, it has a chip, the Visa sign, I can pay for goods directly at the store with it, so all good. I just went to pay for a few video games with it on play-asia website and then tried to fund my paypal account with it and it wasn't accepted both times.

Any ideas why I can't use it to pay for things on websites? Is there some sort of restriction on it that only allows me to use it in Korea? If so, how do I go about getting a debit card that allows me to spend my money as I wish, without needing to get a credit card?

[Sapa]

I think I have found the answer to my own problem. Do I need to get an international debit card? I just presumed it would be the same as back home where you only need one card, no nonsense about needing a special one just to use foreign websites.

[esetters21]

[Sapa]

Can anyone tell me the name of the woori international card I need, or point me to a branch in Seoul with good English speakers who have dealt with it before.
My local branch will be useless, it took them ages to sort out my normal Visa card as they had never dealt with a foreigner before. This was with my Korean co-worker coming with me to smooth things out. I'm not expecting them to be able to cope with just me requesting an international card.

[OculisOrbis]

I recommend switching to KEB. You can get the card you want and they also have very convenient international remittance options and an English internet banking service. They usually have someone who understands what you're asking for, but......

If your trying to get service at KEB and they say no because your a foreigner, just call the woman at the number listed at the bottom of the article below, explain your issue with the bank, hand the phone the offending teller, and things will be sorted for you. She's great. I got my Global Debit Card and credit card because of her.



Improved Regulations on Overseas Travel Expenditures, Newly Introduced


The Seoul Metropolitan Government has been in cooperation with Ministry of Strategy and Finance since January of 2008, working to alleviate foreigners' inconveniences when using their Korean funds overseas through credit cards etc. Finally, we have found a more convenient system regarding the ability to access such funds overseas. These improved regulations entered into effect beginning on June 2nd, 2008.


[Newly Introduced Regulations (2008.6.2.)]

Foreigners can access their Korean funds overseas using credit cards and other types of cards up to $50,000 a year in addition to the amount of taxed income earned in Korea, so that foreigners may feel freer when traveling overseas.


※ For further information, please contact Seoul Global Center

(Kang eun-sung, ☎02-2075-4146, Korea Exchange Bank Credit Card desk).