Korean Job Discussion Forums

eschoonard · Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Location: CT, USA

I am traveling back to the USA for a month and I need to be able to access my money.

I have KB, KEB, and Woori banks.

Anyone have any advice on getting an International Visa (or other credit card) with any of these banks? I'm having limited success on their websites.

Thanks

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

eschoonard · Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Location: CT, USA

Actually I think I misspoke what I wanted! I don't need a credit card...but what about an international VISA debit?

Reappropriated · Joined: 08 Aug 2009

I got a KEB international "debit" card with no problems. I use the quotes because it is more on an international ATM card, as you can get money out of ATMs but not use it as a debit card overseas. It was really easy to get, you just need to make sure you activate it for overseas use before you go. It is a simple phone call.

I also had a Shinhan card that was labeled as international, which meant nothing. They said that I could not use it outside of the country. Apparently this has changed, but a lot of people that I have know have had problems with them when they tried to use a card they said would work outside of the country.

Murakano · Joined: 10 Sep 2009

if you're interested in KEB, you could try asking them here (if you have FB)...they're very good at replying promptly.

http://www.facebook.com/KEBforExpats

I have an international debit card with Standard Chartered ("do dream account"...no problems overall withdrawing from ATM machines abroad. Note however, it comes with Maestro/Cirrus (no visa/mastercard).....not really an issue for me since I'm from the UK and Europe uses Maestro fairly extensively. Not sure about the US.

wishfullthinkng · Joined: 05 Mar 2010

Italy37612 · Joined: 25 Jan 2010 Location: Somewhere

sugarloaf82 · Joined: 21 Dec 2008

Last year I got a KEB credit card with no collateral/deposit and my credit limit is the equivalent of my monthly salary. I've used it in several countries with no problems.

When I got it, KEB told me that they required you have your salary paid into a KEB account, and have been at the same public school for over one year. I'm on an E-2 visa.

And if you just want a debit card, their ATM card works fine abroad, as long as you take in your passport and register it for international use. I've used that card in many countries, and once again, without issue.

KEB is definitely the way to go.