Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

1) Can we buy things with Korean bank cards in Japan-  Used like debit cards-

 

2)  Can we withdrawl money from Japanese ATMs with our Korean bank card-

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

I would guess no to both.

It's quite difficult to get an International bank card here and most banks will tell you outright that foreigners cannot get one.  of course, it's quite possible you are one fo the exceptions but I wouldn't bet on it.

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

It depends on your bank and the type of ATM card you were issued.  I have two Korean ATM cards.  One is international and I can use it everywhere and have used it in 6 different countries. 

I advise you not to listen to me or anyone else on these forums because people don't know what they are talking about.  They guess and assume things they don't know about. 

If you have a banking question you should go to your bank and ask them.  Don't rely on internet forums. 


Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

I agree with Starlight. It really depends on your bank and the type of card issued. I have 3 Korean credit cards and one debit card. The 3 Korean credit cards work fine abroad and although I can't use the debit card, I am pretty sure that I can use the credit card issued by the same bank to access my checking account.

I think it comes down to the associated credit company. Mine are Visa (plus) and AMEX. All can be used in ATMs worldwide to get a cash advance.

Of course getting one of these cards is an entirely different issue. It seems some (many?) Korean banks and credit card companies only accept applications from certain people. F visa holders, people who have been here for x amount of years, university employees etc. Once you get a card you get a credit rating and then from then on it seems that getting subsequent cards is a lot easier.

At the end of the day there is no harm in applying. KEB seem very foreign friendly and of course great English. I also recommend my bank IBK who I have used for 9 years. I've heard good things about Nong Hyeop, but bad about KEB and Busan. Shop around.

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

I used to have only debit cards at Korean local banks when I came here as a tourist last year for a couple of weeks.

This time since I started working at a univ. my paycheck came through my bank account with tax deduction and my "cash receipt 현금영수증"(you need to be a perm resident here) is registered to the Korean IRS. Then, I asked to switch my local debit cards to int'l credit cards. I think that's what any Korean bank would have expected from me as a foreigner. I am now using one bank credit card and another department store credit card to control over what I owe to the banks.

I am planning to go visit Japan over this weekend to hopefully see how they work. My best is that I may spend above the limits of credit offered, but doubt if I could cash them out through any machine in a foreign country like japan.

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

My Lotte Department Store DC Supreme Credit with a mastercard logo on worked gracefully today on Tsushima Island.  Gals at the register asked me about cash advance in their store.  It was amazing they didn't speak English.  The exchange rate was much better than that of cash.  Since I was in a group of 210 people, those who watched me with the scene screamed, "she can use her credit card on Daemado!"  I had a wonderful time in Japan; it was agreeable!

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

You ain't got no DC card.

You ain't got no DC card.

You ain't go no DC card.

Because you're an EEEEEEEEE2

'Cause you're an EEEEEEEEEE2 and on welfare, you're on welfare.

I got a DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDCCC card.

I got a DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDCCC card.

DCDCDC

DCDCDC





Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

KEB has a global debit card.  they also have global credit card.  But you need to make a deposit for the latter.  Go to KEB and ask for global debit card. you can use it at atms all over the world.  I used it in Japan many times.

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

KEB has a great english website www.keb.co.kr.  also they have a dedicated english line.  They have expat specific cards.  You can call the expat card line at 1544-3500 or just the regular expat line at 1544-3000.  I've been in Korea for three years, and travelled abroad and used my card at ATMs. You canot use them as debit cards. They are a great bank.  And their service for foreigners just keeps expanding.

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

I've had an international debit card with kb* for 7 years. I've used it in Japan, Thailand and China at ATMs but never to pay for something, I don't know if I can or not. My partner has an international debit card with KEB and has also used his card abroad.

I've heard of some people having problems getting an international debit card but in my experience that is not the norm. 

I have found that if you are told 'no' try asking another person, or going to another branch, sometimes the default answer is 'no' if the employee doesn't know. 

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

@ Sarah

KB Int'l debit card is not designed to be used to pay with as a credit card does overseas.  It can only be served to cash out from ATMs at a post office in Japan.  You know that, right?

I actually headed into the blog at 'NAVER 지식iN' where a college boy went to Tokyo DisneySea at 千葉 (Chiba)-hyun, holding nothing but his int'l bank card with visa logo only.  He could get any cash in advance due to a lack of + (PLUS) logo, which was missing on his card.  He also got advised by many Japanese folks that the KEB bank cards do not withdraw from your account balance, and you need to specify the limit of your cash advance according to your credit score with the KEB.  If any branch forgot doing that with you, it blows off your head.  He sees his KEB int'l cash card really sucks because each time he had to hit the road to a post office to pay a little fortune of cash advance fees and hidden charges.

When he comes back he either got totally broke or it must be his parents who bankrupt on his behalf.  In most of our teachers' it is the schools or thier hakwons.  What is that logic to use any Korean bank card at ATMs in Japan, when you can prepare your budget by exchanging it from dam Korean won to Japanese yen?

 

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

KB Int'l debit card is not designed to be used to pay with as a credit card does overseas.  It can only be served to cash out from ATMs at a post office in Japan.  You know that, right?

as I said, I've never tried to use it as such, I have an international visa debit from HSBC which I use due to better rates etc. I only know I've been able to use my kb card in ATMs in emergencies. I certainly put much more trust in HSBC than Kb ;) That being said, I've never had a problem using my kb card, I've only heard stories of people who have.

I guess getting the information from the banks in question is the best way forward.

Thanks Helen
:)

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

Most banks can either activate your Korean bankcard to work abroad or just give you a second card that is exclusively for international use.  I bank with Busan Bank and that's what they did.  So every time I leave the country I just bring along my second card and it's worked everywhere.

Some banks will be jerks about it, though it's usually just because they are confused by your request:

"Oh, I see foreigner asking me strange question so I'll just say 'No, it is impossible' while making arm X's at them."

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

1/ Yes, Citi Check Card (Debit Card) with Master Card logo works in Japan exactly like when you swipe it to purchase at a store or a restaurant in Manhattan.

2/ Yes, we can withdraw as much money as we can with Citi Check Cards. When you use CitiBank ATMs at Ginja, Shibuya, Ikebukuro in Tokyo, we only pay one buck for each ATM transaction.

Citibank has the most updated system for those who travel among Korea, Japan, and the US.

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

1) NO

2) NO

A Korean ATM card is only good in Korea.

Only an international ATM card will work in Japan.

Many Korean banks offer intl ATM cards depending on your account status. 

Don't listen to anyone on forums.  Don't listen to ME.

Go to your bank and ask them???  For Heaven's Sake !!!!!!!

Don't listen to these fools.  People are just talking about their personal bank.

Some are even guessing and assuming.

Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

of COURSE they should go to the bank and speak directly. 

But thanks to the kindness of people on the forum the poster now knows that:

1. they need an international card

2. They CAN get an international card (even if they have an E2 visa) 

3. If the bank says no, that may not be the final answer.

4. There may be limitations etc. that they now know to ask ABOUT.

no need to call people fools.

Personally, I'd like to thank other posters for the information (some is helpful to me actually, and I may be popping into citibank to ask them more) and time they've taken to help.

Cheers!






Re: Can we use Korean bank cards (ATM) in Japan?

Took my KEB global card to philippines. It didn't work. Neither did my companions. tried at 4 different machines, all displaying the Visa and Plus signs, in an area only used by tourists (so the machines should have worked). WTF?