Booking Payments and Bank Cards in South Korea: real experience from chats
Short answer
Trip.com is a reliable platform for booking travel in Korea and abroad, offering successful payments with Russian Mir cards. Always reconfirm hotel bookings directly with the property and keep alternative payment methods available as UnionPay and other card types can be inconsistent.
From real experience
Trip.com offers various payment options for bookings, including full payment, partial payment, or card authorization.
Full payment with free cancellation is common. Customer support is highly responsive. It is recommended to reconfirm bookings directly with the hotel after booking through the platform.
✓ 2 reports from chats
KTX train tickets can be booked in advance through platforms like Trip.com, which may offer lower prices and accept international payment methods like MIR cards, unlike the official Korail website which may require a Korean or foreign card.
Boarding KTX trains typically does not involve baggage checks at the station. Luggage can be stored in overhead compartments or designated racks in the carriage. Seat checks are conducted periodically by staff.
✓ 1 report from chats
For booking hotels in Seoul, Trip.com is recommended for users with Russian bank cards.
While Booking.com is another option, payment with Russian cards may be problematic. Consider hotels like The Post Hotel, known for its convenient location near public transport and within walking distance to Myeongdong, or Hotel Botanik, praised for its location and room quality, though pricing can vary by date.
✓ 1 report from chats
Payment for air tickets using UnionPay cards in South Korea can be inconsistent.
While some platforms may accept UnionPay, it's not universally guaranteed. For international flight bookings, it's advisable to check the payment options of specific airlines or travel agencies. Having alternative payment methods, such as Visa or Mastercard, can ensure a smoother transaction process.
✓ 1 report from chats
Trip.com is generally considered a reliable platform for booking travel arrangements, including flights, trains, hotels, eSIMs, and attraction tickets.
Users have reported positive experiences with customer support and successful payments using various methods, including Mir cards, for travel to Europe and China. It is a recommended option for booking travel.
✓ 1 report from chats
Hotel booking payment options include full payment upfront, partial payment, or a hold (authorization) on the credit card.
A hold reserves the funds without immediate charge, with the actual payment processed later, often upon check-in. Full payment is generally preferred by travelers to avoid uncertainty.
✓ 1 report from chats
UnionPay is not directly accepted for Airbnb bookings in Korea, despite potentially showing as an option.
It functions similarly to a 'MIR' card on European retailers.