Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jhuntingtonus]

I took my US MasterCard with valid four-digit PIN to the Kookman Bank ATMs, which said they had Cirrus and Plus connectivity, in Busan. When I tried for a cash advance, it just printed a receipt and said "MDS USE ONLY" - no cash. I tried this at several other KB machines - same result. The issuing bank (Chase) insists there are no security holds on the card, even in other countries, and no reason why it shouldn't work.

Any insight into this problem?

Thanks again!

[nahanni]

I try not to rely on cards for money because of things like that. Murphy's Law i guess.

What I usually do when using my credit card for withdrawing cash is go to a foreign exchange counter and have them do the transaction....no pin required....just signature and show passport. But, Korea tends to be a little odd so not sure if they're willing to do that sort of thing....give it a try.

[moosehead]

are you sure you are accessing the machines that do global cards?

it should ask you if the card is foreign or domestic. if it doesn't, it's probably just domestic. if it does and you hit foreign, make sure you are selecting the right button.

the E translations are a little weird I've found. sometimes what we see as a "cash advance" can actually mean for a different kind of card. to recap:

1) make sure it's a global atm - even if on the outside of the building it says so, if there is more than 1 machine inside, maybe only 1 serves foreign cards.

2) go slow and read the options carefully before selecting.

also KEB banks often have global service.

good luck!

[lifeinkorea]

NEVER TAKE CASH ADVANCES ON A CREDIT CARD!!! You are simply screwing yourself and giving the banks a shovel to bury you deeper in debt.

Then, they will charge you late fees even though they are already collecting interest. There is a reason why Chase has money, they are crooks!!

[ChinaBoy]

I always get my cash advances from a credit card.

What does that have to do with being late?

Go to Family Mart, should work there.

[jhuntingtonus]

Sadly, Family Mart didn't work either. It said "005 - transaction not appoved - 0832."

This is only a backup to my usual cash access, which was disrupted when I lost my ATM card (another on the way). Maybe it's a Chase problem... but I sure hope US ATM cards don't have this problem!!!

[Binch Lover]

When I first came here, GS25 machines always worked for me.

[moosehead]

[jhuntingtonus]

I understand about foreign vs. domestic, and the ATMs that failed had "foreign card" categories, which I used.

However.... GS25 worked! I almost gave up on it, since it didn't state Plus or Cirrus, or foreign cards, right away. But the options were in there. The ATM provider was HANNET - not all GS25 stores have that kind, but this one did.

Mystery unsolved, but now the backup system works. Thanks for your help!

[moosehead]

I'm glad you finally got your money.

sometimes the stickers remain on the windows or even the machines but at some point in time the machine was changed for whatever reason and doesn't take foreign cards any more - but that doesn't mean the signs would also be changed.

you'll learn to distinguish these little glitches as you are here a while. just remember not all banks are the same, even not all branches.

also most bank atms shut down late in the evening - some of the little grocers have ones that work but the banks don't so always keep some cash w/you.

[mysterious700]

I find some mini stops, gs25s, family marts have machines that accept foriegn credit cards and some don't. The mini stop near me worked for a long time then recently it stopped accepting foriegn cards. i tried to ask in broken korean for owner to get it back. but they just stare at me like idiots and never seem to get the foriegn cash advance option back. so i have to go further now to get a cash advance if i ever need one. Just keep trying different ones. Some banks have these options too, but many don't.