You can pay by card almost everywhere in Korea, but carry some won for markets, street food and the odd small shop. Foreign Visa and Mastercard work at most shops and restaurants, though some kiosks and small merchants reject them, so keep a backup. To get cash, exchange at a bank or a certified booth with your passport, or use an ATM showing a "Global" sign. There is no tipping.
Cash, card, prepaid card or phone: what works
| Option | Works well for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Cash (won) | Markets, street food, small shops, top-ups, anywhere a card fails | Needs exchanging first; carry small bills |
| Foreign credit or debit card | Hotels, department stores, chain shops, most restaurants | Some kiosks, vending machines and small merchants reject foreign cards |
| Prepaid card (such as WOWPASS) | Shopping and transit without much cash | Needs your passport to buy; see the transit card article |
| Phone wallet (Apple Pay, etc.) | Not something to plan around | Apple says only local cards can be added in Korea |
Where you still need cash
- Traditional markets and street food Stalls often prefer cash, and some do not take cards at all.
- Small shops and small purchases The Korea Tourism Organization notes that some stores may not accept cards, so check before you buy.
- City buses Many Seoul bus routes are card-only or strongly favor transit cards; Seoul reported cash was under 1% of bus payments back in 2020. Do not count on paying cash, and tap a T-money card instead.
- Transit card top-ups Usually done with cash, as covered in the transit card article.
Using a foreign card
- Visa and Mastercard Listed by the Korea Tourism Organization as accepted, along with American Express. Larger shops, hotels and department stores are the safest.
- Why a payment fails Some self-service kiosks, vending machines and older card readers only handle Korean cards. Staff are used to this: pay at the counter instead.
- Tap or insert Readers vary. If tapping fails, insert or swipe the card.
- Before you leave home Tell your bank you are traveling, and ask what it charges on foreign payments. Fees depend on your card issuer, not on Korea.
- Phone wallets Apple lists South Korea as an Apple Pay country, but its setup page says only local cards can be added there. Treat phone payment as unavailable for most visitors, and bring the physical card.
ATMs
- Find the right machine Look for a "Global" sign or the logo of your card network on the machine. Not every ATM takes foreign cards.
- Language Most ATMs offer English, Chinese and Japanese.
- Hours Many are open 24 hours; most run until about 23:00.
- Fees ATMs inside convenience stores often charge higher fees. Your own bank may add a separate charge, so check with it. Withdrawing from a credit card is usually the costliest route.
- If the card is refused Try another machine, such as one in a busy station, bus terminal or department store. If you are stuck, call 1330, the Korea Travel Helpline, for help in English.
Exchanging money
- Banks Visit Seoul says banks usually give travelers the best rates. Weekday hours are generally 09:00 to 16:00, and they vary by branch.
- Certified booths Outside bank hours, use a government-certified booth. They show a "Certified" sign and are common in areas popular with visitors, such as Myeongdong (명동). Avoid uncertified booths.
- Airport Airport counters are the easiest option when you land. Rates there can differ from those in the city, so exchange only what you need for the first day if you plan to shop around.
- Bring your passport Expect to be asked for it when you exchange. Have the physical passport with you.
- Old notes Some places do not accept old banknotes.
Prices, tax and tipping
- Tipping Not a Korean custom and not expected. Taxi drivers do not expect tips either.
- Service charge Major hotels and upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill, which already covers staff.
- VAT The standard rate is 10%, and posted consumer prices include it, so the price you see is the price you pay. Tourists can claim it back on eligible purchases; see the tax refund article.
- Bills Notes are 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000 won. Carry some 1,000 and 10,000 notes for small payments.
FAQ
How much cash should I carry?
A small amount is enough for markets, street food and top-ups. Spend most things by card and keep a backup.
Is it better to exchange money at home or in Korea?
Either works. Exchanging a small amount before you leave covers the first day; banks in Korea usually give good rates for the rest.
Can I use my foreign card for taxis?
Most taxis take cards, and apps built for visitors such as K.Ride accept international cards; see the taxi article. A T-money card also works.
What if my card is declined everywhere?
Check with your bank that it allows overseas payments, then try a Global ATM for cash and call 1330 if you need help in English.
Sources and last check
Written from the Korea Tourism Organization's currency and exchange guidance, Visit Seoul's money page, Apple's Apple Pay support pages and the Seoul Metropolitan Government's bus payment statistics, checked on 28 October 2026. Rules, fees and acceptance change, so confirm with your card issuer and the bank or booth before you rely on them.