South Korea ATM Withdrawals

ClintonL on 31/07/2024 - 22:17

Hey guys wondering if anyone has travelled to South Korea and knows where there are ATM's that don't charge an international operator fee. I'm with Macquarie bank which is fine on the bank side but doing some research have found that places that take international cards are scarce and I can't find any that don't charge a fee.

https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/international_atms

Wondering if anyone has gone there and knows what the best and most convenient option is or should I exchange cash in Australia before?

Thanks

Travel Asia South Korea

Comments

  • jv on 31/07/2024 - 22:32
    +1

    Wondering if anyone has gone there

    I went there, but just used credit cards…

    • supersabroso on 01/08/2024 - 13:32

      Yep agreed, it's best to avoid cash as much as possible. Just use a good card with zero international transaction fees like the HSBC debit card.

      • jv on 01/08/2024 - 14:21

        like the HSBC debit card.

        or Latitude 28 Degrees Mastercard which includes free global eSim each year.

  • Wiadro on 31/07/2024 - 22:51

    7/11

  • eutama on 31/07/2024 - 22:53
    +2

    Look for Citibank ATM if not ATM that says serve Citibank ATM, usually inside covenience store ( you need to actually try in the ATM itself and choose Citibank customer - even though your card arent). It worked for me and I didnt get charge fee.
    Having said that, as JV said, credit cards are mostly accepted / ok. I suppose, if you need to, ATM fee are not that bad at $4-$5 anyway.

  • itx on 31/07/2024 - 23:03

    The NH near Seoul Station was fee free back in May: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mx5FTxQ1GiU3jepg9

  • hocus on 31/07/2024 - 23:03
    +2

    During my trip in Korea I found most places accepted card, including my Commbank credit card. Keep in mind contactless payment isn't as prevalent in Korea, and most places will require insert and signature.

    In terms of cash the only times I had to use it was probably when buying/topping up my t-money transport card, and from street vendors.

    There's plenty of exchange places in Seoul and I found the rates were better than I could find in Aus. It's probably best to convert a little before you go, and just bring AUD in cash which you can exchange over there when you need it.

    • ddhar on 31/07/2024 - 23:12
      +1

      This. I withdrew AUD$200 worth of Won (at the airport; from memory, fees were reasonable) and barely spent them during the 10 days I was there. Card payment is practically ubiquitous in South Korea.

  • ddilrat on 01/08/2024 - 04:32

    7/11 was good for us. But I think everywhere still had some fee. Even if only 4000 won.

    Also, that cash was only for gifts. Everywhere else is tap to pay

  • scotty on 01/08/2024 - 08:42
    +2

    Went there last December and had used both ubank and ING to take out cash. Do note that not all ATM supports international cards. The ones that do are marked with "Global ATM". Here's a useful page from Wise.

    I use primarily Woori Bank ATM — they are in airport and all over Seoul.

  • ryefig on 01/08/2024 - 08:55

    Most (pretty much all) convenience stores will have an ATM that will accept your Macquarie card.
    Though this doesn't answer your question, the fee will be AUD$2-3. Not free but tbh it's worth paying rather than hunting around a new city while on holiday trying to save a few dollars.

  • altomic on 01/08/2024 - 10:03

    was there in March.
    only used cash for buying metro tickets and for flea or street markets.
    pretty much used my card (28 degrees) everywhere.

    worth having cash . just in case (and for metro tickets and markets).

    don't get cash in Aus. just get it over there. most convenience stores have ATMs. and banks everywhere. some times ATMs only accept domestic cards , so walk 30 metres to the next ATM and try that.

  • Shoocat on 01/08/2024 - 14:59
    +1

    At first I read the title as if you were really, really missing ATMs in South Korea.

  • cheaponos on 04/08/2024 - 09:56

    For local purchases when in the country is a Visa or Mastercard debit card the same as the equivalent credit card? Such as, is a credit card needed opposed to just using a debit card and cash?

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