Korean Job Discussion Forums

[articulate_ink]

As of yesterday, I have both a new Visa card as well as a Visa check card (which functions as both a debit card and an ATM cash card) from KEB. I used to have an international ATM card, but no longer. I had to set up a new account to get the credit card, but it wasn't a problem at all. With my previous account there, I had both the ATM card and the check card; I used the former for cash withdrawals and the latter for most purchases (I don't like to carry cash). When I asked for an ATM card that would work overseas, I was told it wasn't possible: apparently the rules have changed. Foreigners are no longer allowed to have international ATM cards. No explanation why. It's just not allowed. You can have a Visa card with a healthy limit. You just can't freely withdraw your own money while you're abroad unless, it would seem, you want to use your Visa for that. WTF? Has this happened to anyone else?

I think there has been another thread on this. I have a vague memory of reading that the check card will work at ATMs overseas, even though we're told it won't. Does anyone know what's going on? Has anyone opened an account recently and gotten an ATM card they can use when travelling abroad? This breaks my head into a million little pieces. I'll stick with KEB because overall I've had good experiences with them, but I think I may need another account. I've been using Shinhan, but their ATM card doesn't work outside of Korea either, and never has. I don't want to wire money back to my US checking account, just for cash withdrawal purposes. Is any other Korean bank issuing foreign-compatible ATM cards? Is this another one of those Korean situations where no one really knows the rules, and someone in a different branch of KEB is likely to tell me something totally different?

[ajgeddes]

More like we have had 273 threads about this already. Possibly the most common thread. Like I have said many times, I have international bank cards from 2 banks and have never had a problem getting them.

[jdog2050]

[ajgeddes]

Woori and Hana. I even asked them if they were sure at the Hana bank and they said "of course, why not?". It is also a BC Card.

[ilovebdt]

I have an international ATM card with KB (Kookmin Bank).

ilovebdt

[contrarian]

I have a Kookmin international card that I have had for some time. I moved about 20,000 dollars on this summer.

I couldn't get one from the Nonghyup bank in my little town.

I think the problem is that many foreingers foud it a good way to get around bank transfers. Get two, from two different banks and send one to Canada. Whoevers on the other end withdraws. A buddy of mine with a wife in Canada did it that way.

[Ekuboko]

Here we go again. ..

[I-am-me]

I have an international card through Nonhyup. All branches work differently so dont go to just one. I walked a few blocks to the next nonhyup branch after being denied and got one. Go figure!!

[DCJames]

[JD1982]

I'm getting my Samsung Visa card in a few days. Can I use Samsung card in other countries?

Is it just for purchase or both purchase/cash advance?

[ED209]

Go in tomorrow, ask a different clerk, get a different answer.

[venus]

[SPINOZA]

My KB card (just the standard one) worked in the UK last summer and has the Maestro symbol on it. Hopefully it will still work in summer 2007.

[spliff]

I have two (KEB & KB) and had absolutely no problem getting them.

[Poemer]

My KEB Yes Check card doesn't work outside of Korea. I was told by customer service that they changed their policy and foreigners can't use their debit cards internationally anymore.

I suppose I could get a Korean credit card, but I don't feel like giving them money up front.