Transaction Issues and Nuances in South Korea: real experience from chats
From real experience
Users report issues using Russian UnionPay cards (e.g., Rosselkhozbank) in South Korea.
Payment terminals sometimes prompt for a 6-digit code after the PIN, and card usage may become restricted after multiple attempts. ATM withdrawals might also fail. Customer support suggests resetting PIN via ATM balance inquiry, but this is not always effective. Workarounds mentioned include entering '00' after the PIN or using Yandex Browser.
✓ 2 reports from chats
For tourists in South Korea needing a local bank card, NongHyup, Shinhan, and Kookmin Bank offer relatively quick card issuance (around 2 hours).
These cards are usable for payments and online services. Russian cards like RSHB UP can be used for cash withdrawals at ATMs (e.g., Woori Bank, KB), but expect a commission. Some KB ATMs have specific options for foreign cards. For Apple Pay, a region change in settings might be necessary.
✓ 1 report from chats
Russian bank cards, particularly those from banks not under sanctions, may have limited functionality in South Korea.
UnionPay cards from specific Russian banks like Rosselkhozbank and Asia-Pacific Bank are mentioned as potentially working for cash withdrawals. QR code payments, which are common in China, are generally not functional with Russian bank cards in Korea due to political and banking restrictions.
✓ 1 report from chats
To withdraw KRW using a Russian UnionPay card (e.g., RSHB) at Global ATMs in South Korea: 1. Select 'Cash withdrawal'.
2. If prompted for a 6-digit PIN, enter your 4-digit PIN followed by '00' (e.g., 123400). 3. Typical fees are approximately 7,000 KRW per 1,000,000 KRW withdrawal.
✓ 1 report from chats
Withdrawing funds from Russian cards in Seoul can be challenging, particularly for non-UP cards.
Travelers should be cautious of potential scams offering financial services. It is advisable to arrange for cash or alternative payment methods in advance.