Korean Job Discussion Forums

mick · Joined: 04 Mar 2005

Hi,

I will visit Seoul this month and want to know if it is possible to use my British Halifax Visa Electron debit card to withdraw cash from ATM's in Korea. I'm guessing it may be a problem with KB, Nonghyeup and the other Korean banks but how about HSBC? I used the card to withdraw cash from ATM's in Indonesia during the summer.
Any advice/info is much appreciated.

Murakano · Joined: 10 Sep 2009

I`ve used my Lloyds and Nationwide cards in the majority of KEB branches with no problems (Korean banking hours only). Make sure you go to to the `global ATM` machine. I think Citi bank is ok too.

Shinhan on the odd occasion has worked also...but very hit and miss. All the other banks (Hana/Woori/Nonghyup etc)don`t seem to accept my card. HSBC i don`t know because there are very few branches.

mick · Joined: 04 Mar 2005

Thanks for the info Murakano. I guess if Lloyds and Nationwide cards work then a Halifax one will also work. Are the global ATM's usually inside the banks?

gmarthews · Joined: 20 Sep 2005

I've used my Halifax Electron and Halifax Visa proper in Korea countless times. It will work at KEB machines, most machines at train/bus stations and many Family Mart machines. It wont work at the Post Office cash points or many other places. You should also be able to use it in large supermarkets.

The bank owned ATMs are often in a little recess inside the bank but accessible after banking hours until 11pm. The ones at bus/train stations are free standing or in a little booth usually.

Let Halifax know you're going to Korea, they are a massive nightmare for blocking cards and they've done it even after I've told them that I'm going abroad. Make a point of taking which ever member of staff's full name when you tell them as this makes them take you more seriously.

The cash machines stop working after 11pm so take out what you'll need, or more, before hand!

seonsengnimble · Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 7:55 am Post subject:

There are global atms all over the place. Your best bets are to look in large banks. Most convenience store ones don't have global atms, but the ones around itaewon do. I've had the most luck with KEB, KB, IBK and SC. I think almost all KEB and SC banks have international atms since they're international banks, but many others do as well. Just be sure to load up on cash if you're heading out to the countryside.

Murakano · Joined: 10 Sep 2009

mick · Joined: 04 Mar 2005

Thanks to everyone for all the info.

kohmelo · Joined: 26 Sep 2009

As long as you have visa logo on your card it shouldn't really matter at all, and I second the comment about contacting your bank to tell them you'll be using it in korea, I forgot to tell barclays I would be using mine in korea last october and spent a fortune on the phone to them.

P.S. when are you flying out to korea? I'm flying out on the 28th December.

Murakano · Joined: 10 Sep 2009

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

Some machines give you a better rate than others, and will hold onto a better rate longer. I played that game when the won was going to crap. I was taking money out of my US account and using the ATM here. I would wait until the rate reached its best point, and then took a big turn. I could count on one ATM at a Seven-Eleven down the street to be delayed for about a half day on the rate, and I'd get the best rate.