Handling Cash and Exchanges 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.

While foreign cards (like Kazakhstan-issued cards) work for payments, they cannot be used to top up T-money transportation cards directly; cash is often needed for T-money top-ups at kiosks. Carrying some local currency (KRW) is essential for small shops, rural areas, or Jeju Island, where card payments may not be supported.

For USD exchange, airport counters are available but may not offer the best rates. Using UnionPay cards, such as from RSB, can also be a viable option for favorable currency exchange.

eSIM is an alternative if supported. Currency exchange rates at the airport are generally poor; it's advisable to exchange only a small amount for immediate needs and the rest in Seoul. T-money and Wowpass are also more conveniently acquired or topped up in the city.

Funds can be loaded at terminals, with automatic conversion to KRW. T-money cards can have a child fare applied using a passport at top-up stations. If you have a foreign Visa card (from a non-Russian bank), it's widely accepted and might negate the need for a Wowpass.

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.

2) When using the ATM, select 'Global' interface and choose Russian language if available. 3) Expect fees around 3,500 KRW per transaction. Alternatively, loading funds onto a Wowpass/Namane card via cash deposit machines can be more cost-effective.

At Incheon Airport (ICN), only KRW can be used for top-ups. In the city, various currencies listed in the Wowpass app/website can be used for top-ups and are converted to KRW. Be aware that Wowpass terminals may not accept all banknote denominations; check the app or website for accepted nominals.

Some Russian bank cards, like those from RosSelkhozbank, may be functional. If app top-ups fail, locate a terminal. The exchange rate used at terminals aligns with the app's rate, which can be more advantageous than local exchange offices, especially when exchanging older US dollar bills.