Card payment issues

Payment on Coupang using foreign bank-issued Visa cards, such as those from Kyrgyzstan (e.g., Bakai Bank), may encounter issues. Users have reported difficulties completing payments with such cards.

When encountering payment issues for Korean services, such as K-ETA, travelers are advised to try various troubleshooting methods. These include switching VPN servers (e.g., using a German VPN), clearing browser cache, enabling pop-ups, and trying payment from a different device (PC vs. mobile). For iPhone users, enabling pop-up windows in Safari is recommended. Persistence is key as there is no single universal solution.

It may be possible to pay for the K-ETA application using a Roselkhobank card, but it is advisable to try it and see if the transaction is successful, as payment processing can vary. Some users have reported success with certain Russian cards, while others have faced issues. Having alternative payment methods or cash for other expenses in Korea is recommended.

Payment issues in South Korea: Russian cards like 'Mir' (Sberbank) and UnionPay (RSHB) may encounter problems. 'Mir' often works on Trip.com, but UnionPay may be unreliable. It's advisable to carry cash (USD/EUR) for payments. RSHB UnionPay can be used as a backup for ATM withdrawals; topping up Wowpass is often easier with cash. If UnionPay fails, try linking it to the UnionPay app. For RSHB UnionPay (ruble-based), switching the app's currency to CNY might enable transactions, but involves currency conversion. Rely primarily on cash or reliable foreign cards; use Russian cards as a backup.

When paying at convenience stores in South Korea like 7-Eleven, Olive Young, or Daiso, look for terminals using the 'Nice' system. While many stores accept card payments, it's estimated that only about 10% of transactions might involve these specific terminals, meaning card acceptance can be somewhat random.

Inquire whether a Rosselkhozbank UnionPay card works in South Korea and if it can be used to purchase tickets at NOL World, or if a Korean card is required.

For Russian citizens facing payment difficulties for Korean services like K-ETA or Discover Seoul Pass: 1. UnionPay cards from Rosselkhozbank (RUB or CNY denominated) may work, especially when using a VPN (e.g., Swedish server). USD-denominated UnionPay cards from the same bank are reportedly not accepted. 2. Kazakh bank cards may also encounter issues when attempting to pay for the Discover Seoul Pass. 3. Non-personalized cards might sometimes present payment challenges.

Payments on Booking.com using UnionPay cards from Russian banks (like Rosselkhozbank) frequently result in errors. Booking.com primarily accepts foreign-issued cards. While rare exceptions might exist, it is generally not a reliable payment method for Russian-issued UnionPay cards on this platform. Alternative payment methods are recommended.

When paying in South Korea, be prepared for card acceptance variability. 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.

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.

Alipay is not a valid payment method for K-ETA outside of mainland China. Payments for K-ETA typically require a standard credit or debit card, ideally a UnionPay card issued by a bank capable of handling international online transactions (or a standard international VISA/Mastercard if the card works for Korean platforms).

When attempting to pay for the K-ETA using a Roselkhozbank card (which typically operates via UnionPay), be aware of potential payment processing delays or issues. Confirmation SMS may come from UnionPay and might require entering the phone number without the country code prefix. Enabling VPN and ensuring pop-up windows are allowed in your browser settings can resolve payment gateway errors. Microsoft Edge with a VPN has been reported as a successful combination.

In South Korea, credit card payments can occasionally fail in stores, particularly in tourist areas like Myeongdong. While Apple Pay might work when card payments fail, it's advisable to have some cash as a backup.

Apple Pay is functional in South Korea, particularly with newer terminals found in large retail chains, shopping malls, and restaurants. However, it may not be accepted at establishments with older payment terminals, such as smaller shops, taxis, or family-run eateries. It is advisable to carry alternative payment methods like foreign-issued credit/debit cards and cash.

Payment for K-ETA: While UnionPay cards from Russian banks like Rosselkhozbank (RSB) have been used successfully in the past (e.g., April), acceptance can be inconsistent. If a specific card is not working, explore alternative payment methods, potentially through intermediaries or by checking pinned messages in relevant forums for updated recommendations.