Korean Job Discussion Forums

jdog2050 · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

So I just went there to look into getting a safety deposit box (Itaewon gets a little sketchy in the theivery department when Winter rolls around because of all the vacations).

I go to shinhan, and I should have known it:
"Well, we can't do it because you're a foreigner" (the guy speaks good english).
"What? Why?"
"Well, it's not us, it's our bosses. They think that foreigners will leave at any time."
"But, it's a deposit box...if I leave, I'm probably going to have to pull out whatever's in there."
"Well, it's my bosses"
"That's bullshit." (here, I walk out, but think better of it and walk back in)
"You know, Korea just passed a law against things like this. I'm going to send a letter to the international banking organization that Shinhan is part of"
"Ok, just wait a minute"
(He calls his bosses, and magically I can now get a deposit box, and suddenly foreigners wont run away).

I'm sick of this shit and I'm pulling my money out of Shinhan on monday, so, question: Which bank gives foreigners the least hassle? I know that it's usually branch to branch, but Shinhan seems much more systemic in its bullshit than others.

prideofidaho · Joined: 19 Mar 2008

I dunno, but some lady at hana told me I couldn't have an international bank card because "china people stole the money". I'm sure she meant something completely different. the best part is my card has the word 'international' written on it.

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

I have a Shinhan account. I've been wondering if they charge too much for wire transfers. I've found though that some things can vary from branch to branch. At one, they'll charge you for cashing a check while at another they won't. Same goes with getting a new bank book/card. I also think it takes too long to wait for a teller.

nate2008 · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Location: Daegu

I live in Daegu, and I've been using KB bank for a couple of months now. They have really been great. I was trying to set up their overseas remittance service, and they had an English-speaking representative help me through the whole process (which was actually rather long and a hastle, but that was not KB Bank's fault.) I recommend KB Bank.

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

I keep telling you people: Go to Jungro and get a big old safe. Screw the banks here. Itaewonguy had one he practically gave away. I was envious. The amount of banking fees I've saved by having this safe for the past 6 months has paid for the cost of the safe.

jdog2050 · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

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

Many come with a bolt-down kit.

Css · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Location: South of the river

Im looking into getting a safety deposit box too..Safe is nice but id rather have a safe outside my home in case something happens to my home...

Ill strike shinhan off my list.

Pooty · Joined: 15 Jun 2008 Location: Ela stin agalia mou

I bank with Shinhan. My experience is a little different. Two years ago, I started working for one of the Chebol companies...I was escorted to the bank with one of my team members. They set me up with an account and we applied for a credit card (10 mil won limit). No problems at all.

So what I think is that A> They don't trust foreigners unless the foreigner is supported by a Korean (my wife is Korean) or B> Korean Employer vouches for you.

It all comes down to trust. They won't trust us unless a Korean is with us. Makes you feel like a child, right?

Boy are they gonna be pissed when I leave Korea and run up my card at the apple store and the Ralph Lauren store! snicker snicker!

just kiddin

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

I guess ESL teachers aren't their main target. They are looking for those ex-pats working for multinationals that earn 50million+, with a "miscellaneous" spending account.

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

Go to SC (standard charter), foreigner friendly and they give you an International ATM card! Never look back!!!

Beeyee · Joined: 29 May 2007

Shinhan is the worst bank in Korea in my experience. The amount of times that I have heard "No, you are a foreigner" from that place is ridiculous.

Lunar Groove Gardener · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Location: 1987 Subaru

Go to SC-Standard Chartered
.
Last week I went to Shinan, Hana, Nonghyup, KB and they all refused
the notion that a foreigner could ever have an international check card.
Then I went to SC, which issued one that day.
They were all very "nice".
Only one conducted business.
The rest blindly enforced irresponsible, discriminatory policy, with a smile.
Good business should be fair and equal to all.
To disqualify those of a different race is a practice which should never be tolerated.

justaguy · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Location: seoul

Too many foreigners leave Korea without paying their bills. Foreigners in Korea are a transient bunch. Here today gone tomorrow. Why should they trust you?

You can get a credit card if a Korean co-signs it for you. The bank wants Korean recourse if the foreigner doesn't pay.

International debit cards have been used by foreign criminals to ship their illegally obtained money out of the country. The bank doesn't want to facilitate this activity.

If I was a lender I'd rather be called racist than be a sucker.

jdog2050 · Joined: 17 Dec 2006