Korean Check Cards Overseas Use

I have a KB Check Card, Kukmin Bank, and a A Plus Card from Woori Bank. My KB Check Card says that it works at foreign ATMs, the front of the card has a Maestro emblem in the bottom right. I would like to know if anyone has had success using their Korean check cards in the U.S. or abroad to make basic withdrawls from their accounts. Thanks

Re: Korean Check Cards Overseas Use

I have a KB check card, and even with the Maestro emblem and claim that it will work at international ATMs, THEY WONT. I asked my teller a couple years ago as I was exchanging money to Hong Kong Dollars, and the woman smiled and nodded. Then I landed in HK and my card wouldn't work in any machine, and never would have.

I have been told by my KB English speaking teller, that we, as foreigners can't get international cards of any sort at Kookmin Bank (KB). Some banks do offer internationally usable cards, but you just have to ask around and be persistent.


Others on here might offer some other useful advise, but my best advise is to go to Woori Bank (since you have a card from there) and find a teller who speaks English fluently and ask them if you can sign up for an international card. Not all banks will allow foreigners to sign up for international cards, and I don't know who does and doesn't.

Good luck with your search.

Re: Korean Check Cards Overseas Use

Years ago KB cards worked but then they changed the rules. I was in Thailand and went to take out money and ta da, no money. I had to borrow money from some witchcraft person (no joke-guy jsut talked about voodoo and stuff) just to phone back here to get money sent to me. This did not work so I called a Thai friend who I had met on my first visit there (My first school back in 2003 sent us there for our visa run and she was our travel guide). She lent me money so I could pay my bills and get out of there. Of course, none of this would not have happened if I had not missed my flight home after week one. Damn those 2am flights. Went to the airport one day late so I had to stay there an extra week.

Anyway, when back I went to kb and they schanged my status (my korean wife helped) but it still would not work the next time I travelled. BS, appropriately named, also told me my card would work but no. I hope the website 'soul' posted helps because it is ridiculus you don't have access to your own money when overseas. Good luck and be careful. Have a backup plan to be sure.

Re: Korean Check Cards Overseas Use

If you look at the post with the link during my last comment, I am certain that KEB works, which is why it is the only one that i recommend.

The others are claiming that they are "global" banks, but then again, "global" is the most overused, misused word in Korea. 


Just follow the post, and you will be fine.

The Lost Seoul

www.seoulgyopoguide.com

Re: Korean Check Cards Overseas Use

i used my KEB card in the US last month and it worked. But even if you get the global card, you have to make sure its registered, or you won't be able to use it overseas. I double check before I go on any international trip and have never had a problem in 3 years.

Re: Korean Check Cards Overseas Use

I have a global KEB card that worked in Europe and N. America, and possibly in Thailand (can't quite remember), but if you're unsure, then throw the money in your N. American account and use that one instead--99% of the time, they'll work better than Korean bank cards, assuming that the ATM isn't faulty.

Hell, it wasn't that long ago that domestic Pusan bank cards wouldn't allow you to withdraw money after midnight.  Utterly ridiculous.

Re: Korean Check Cards Overseas Use

I applied for an international check card through Woori a couple of years ago, and the person at the bank put in all my info, only to find that her computer wouldn't accept it.  When she called the main office, she was told that foreigners can't get international check cards, period. 

Thanks for the tip on KEB...may set up an account with them prior to my next trip.

Re: Korean Check Cards Overseas Use

Yea, I've heard about the KEB cards and their website is the most english language friendly, but it sucks to have to pay an annual fee for a card. I'm getting mail from the U.S. that states that all of my free savings account are going to get an annual fee as well.