Cash and Currency Exchange in South Korea: what actually matters to know

Wowpass can be topped up using Yuan (from ₩100 bills) via machines, but direct exchange rates might be unfavorable. Exchanging Yuan to KRW at bureaus before loading onto Wowpass is recommended. Some machines accept cards for top-ups, though these are less common and not always located in airports. Dedicated tourist cards offer payment options for both travel and shopping. When entering South Korea, carrying cash equivalent to $100 USD per day is advised, even if you possess foreign credit cards, as cash is a primary consideration for immigration.

Russian bank cards, especially UnionPay (even from banks like Rosselkhozbank - RSB), have limited acceptance, primarily for ATM withdrawals. Larger retailers like Lotte may decline standard Visa Gold but accept Visa Platinum. Smaller shops, cafes, and laundromats might accept the same cards without issue. Foreign cards typically have daily withdrawal limits (around 700,000 KRW) and transaction fees. For significant purchases, plan to split payments across days and locate compatible ATMs. Carrying local currency (KRW) is advisable, especially for markets and street food. For transportation, the T-money card is essential and can be topped up via the Wowpass app or convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7/11). The Wowpass tourist card is widely accepted but has reportedly failed in taxis on Jeju Island, making cash a safer bet there.

It's advisable to carry cash (USD/EUR) or obtain a foreign-issued card. UnionPay from the Asia-Pacific bank is mentioned as working better with AliPay. Kazakh cards like Kaspi are reported to be widely accepted. ATB UnionPay is also suggested for cash withdrawal and potential use in Japan and EU. Cash is generally recommended as a backup, with US dollars being a common choice.

US Dollars or Chinese Yuan are suggested for larger amounts, as exchanging USD to KRW within Korea can be difficult. Bus tickets to the airport can be purchased with T-money card or cash directly on the bus (around 17,000 KRW). Russian UnionPay cards may encounter issues, sometimes requiring additional digits after the PIN or facing blockages.

ATM withdrawals are generally possible. It is advisable to use newer US dollar bills for exchange, as older notes may not be accepted everywhere. Smaller exchange offices, such as those in Myeongdong, often offer more favorable rates than major banks.

2. Samsung Pay/Apple Pay compatibility is limited; local Korean-firmware phones are often required for full Samsung Pay functionality. 3. Always carry some physical cash as a backup for markets and small shops.

While some exchange offices in the city may accept them, it's advisable to use smaller denominations or confirm acceptance beforehand to avoid issues. Moneybox and other exchange services might have varying policies regarding large foreign currency notes.

It is advisable to exchange only a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate needs like transportation. For larger exchanges, Myeongdong offers better rates due to a higher concentration of exchange offices.

It's advisable to confirm accepted currencies with the airline beforehand. Wowpass or UnionPay ATM withdrawals can also be considered.