Card payment issues

Using UnionPay for purchasing event tickets in South Korea, such as for BTS concerts, can be successful, with some users reporting successful transactions using cards from banks like Rosel'khozbank. However, payment failures or cancellations due to overbooking can occur. If you are facing issues with payment, especially from outside of Russia, contacting your bank is recommended. UnionPay may not be universally supported on all Asian ticketing platforms.

For K-ETA payment, Russian-issued UnionPay cards (like Rosselkhozbank or ATB) are viable alternatives to foreign cards. Users should ensure they are using the global version of the K-ETA website for international payment processing.

Alipay and WeChat Pay QR-based payments are generally restricted to Chinese citizens for merchant transactions in South Korea. While travelers may successfully use these apps in mainland China, they do not function as a reliable payment method for foreign tourists in South Korea.

Russian UnionPay cards, particularly from RSB (Rosselkhozbank), are frequently reported to be functional for K-ETA payments. While generally reliable, some users experience delays in receiving SMS verification codes. It is advisable to have backup payment methods, such as cash or a Wowpass, as card compatibility can fluctuate. Checking recent chat messages for the latest user experiences is recommended for the most up-to-date information.

The 'service charge' on cruises like Adora from China to Korea, often stated per person per day, typically covers daily onboard expenses and gratuities. It is usually mandatory and added to your onboard account, which you will settle before disembarking. The amount of $180 SGD per day seems unusually high; verify the exact charges and what they include with the cruise line or your booking agent. Payment can generally be made via credit card or cash, but confirm currency preferences.