Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Otherside]

I went computer shopping today in yongsan, and when it came to pay I pulled out my foriegn credit card (its a visa by the way). It just wouldnt work. I then phoned by bank back home to verify everything was ok with the card. They said that it was, and they were picking up the transaction but the people at the shop were mis-entering the cvc no. (last 3 no's on the back of the card). We tried again to enter the number and after numerous phonecalls from the people at the shop to their bank etc. The final conclusion was that they were unable to accept a foriegn credit card.

I went to a second store in techno mart and had the same experience (on the plus side it was much quicker as I knew what to expect, and I didnt demand for them to set everything up to confirm it worked prior to payment etc.)

My question is, has anyone had a similar problem in Korea. Aren't foriegn credit cards accepted anywhere? Or is it just specific to those mini-stores in places such as yongsan and technomart? Any help/answers would be appreciated!

[Capo]

never had a problem

[hogwonguy1979]

I have with my US ATM card when I try to use it as a credit card (the "check" card with a Visa logo and a 16 digit # etc). For some reason it doesnt go through. However, it works fine at the atm machines and when I use it to buy stuff online it works fine. I've also used it as a CC in Thailand with no problems

I've called my bank several times, they say it's on this end for some reason. BUT when I use my regular CC's from the states they work fine.

welcome to Korea...

[in_seoul_2003]

I had it happen once and the problem, I confirmed and the merchant later admitted, was on the Korean side of things.

[davai!]

Did you happen to see if Yongsan is open tomorrow or Wednesday?

[goesslry]

i had the same issue in yongsan about 3 weeks ago. I bought a HDTV, but the transaction was being a pain in the a$$. anyway, called the bank account ( i have a citi card), and stayed on the phone with them while the transaction was done again and again. Finally., I had my girlfriend take the phone (she's korean), and she translated everything to do to the shop guy, and it worked. I just think that the shops in Yongsan are full of dumb $h1t employees.


also, 3 days ago, we couldn't watch a movie at 3 different movie theatres, because they wouldn't take foreign credit cards. This was in Myungdong. Turns out that stores have to pay extra in order to accept any foreign credit card, so places like movie theatres don't do it. I was really upset at the people for it.

Other than that, i have never had a problem. It was a weird couple weeks with the card.