Korea is almost entirely cashless, so paying in Korea is easy: your foreign credit card works in most shops, a rechargeable T-money card covers all public transport, and you’ll rarely need much cash. There’s no tipping anywhere. This guide explains when to use a card, when to carry cash, how T-money works, and how to claim your tourist tax refund.
Last updated: June 2026.
Can I use my foreign credit card in Korea?
Yes — Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, from department stores to small cafes and convenience stores. American Express and Discover work in fewer places. Most terminals take chip-and-PIN or contactless tap. When the machine asks whether to charge in Korean won (KRW) or your home currency, always choose won to avoid poor “dynamic currency conversion” rates. Tip: carry a small backup card — a few traditional markets, street stalls, and older taxis are still cash-only.
Do I still need cash in Korea?
A little. Keep ₩50,000–100,000 in cash for traditional markets, street food, small eateries, and topping up a T-money card. Big-ticket spending goes on cards, but Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장) fishmongers, pojangmacha street stalls, and some local buses prefer cash. Withdraw won from a “Global ATM” at convenience stores or banks — Hana, Woori, and other major Korean banks (look for a ‘Global’ or foreign-card ATM) reliably accept foreign cards. Note some ATMs have operating hours and a per-withdrawal fee.
What is a T-money card and how do I use it?
T-money is a prepaid tap card for all public transport — subways, city buses, and even taxis nationwide, plus purchases at convenience stores. Buy one for about ₩2,500–3,000 (the card itself) at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24) or a subway station machine, then recharge with cash at the same places. Tap on the way in and out. Cashbee is an equivalent card that works the same way.
- One card can pay for several people on a bus — just tell the driver and tap multiple times.
- Transfers between bus and subway are discounted when you tap out and in within the transfer window.
- Leftover balance is refundable at convenience stores (minus a small fee), or just keep the card for your next trip.
For full fare details, see our Busan subway guide.
Do you tip in Korea?
No. There is no tipping culture in Korea. Restaurants, taxis, hair salons, and hotels do not expect or want tips — the price you see is the price you pay. The only exception is a service charge already added to the bill at some luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants. Don’t leave coins on the table; it can confuse staff.
Can I get a tax refund as a tourist?
Yes — Korea has a tourist tax refund on the 10% VAT for purchases of about ₩15,000 or more at participating stores. Look for a “Tax Free” sign (Global Blue or Global Tax Free). Many shops now do immediate refunds at checkout (under a spending cap); otherwise keep your receipts and claim at the airport refund kiosks before departure. Bring your passport when shopping. Tip: at the airport, allow extra time — the refund desks near departures can have queues.
Payment methods at a glance
| Method | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Visa/Mastercard | Shops, restaurants, hotels | Choose to be charged in KRW |
| Cash (won) | Markets, street food, small shops | Withdraw at Global ATMs |
| T-money / Cashbee | Subway, bus, taxi, convenience stores | ~₩2,500–3,000 card + cash recharge |
| Mobile pay (Kakao/Naver/Samsung) | Locals | Hard for tourists — needs a Korean bank/card |
FAQ
Will my bank charge extra fees for paying in Korea?
Most home banks add a foreign transaction fee of 1-3% on card purchases and ATM withdrawals in Korea, on top of whatever fee the local ATM operator charges. Before you travel, check whether your card is a genuine no-foreign-fee card — many “travel” credit cards waive their own markup but your bank can still route the transaction through a network that adds a small spread. If you’re withdrawing cash, a single larger withdrawal (say ₩200,000-300,000 as of 2026 — verify before visiting, since ATM limits and fees do change) is usually cheaper overall than several small ones, because most Korean ATMs charge a flat fee per transaction rather than a percentage. Local tip: 7-Eleven and CU-branded ATMs inside convenience stores tend to have lower flat fees than standalone bank-branded machines in tourist areas like Myeongdong or Haeundae — a difference locals know but that rarely shows up on travel-fee comparison sites.
Who this suits: if you’re only in Korea for a short city break and spending mostly on cards, a no-foreign-fee credit card is the simpler choice — you avoid ATM queues entirely and get slightly better fraud protection than cash. If you’re travelling for two weeks or more, or heading to smaller towns and markets outside Seoul and Busan where card terminals are less reliable, it’s worth withdrawing a moderate amount of cash early in the trip rather than relying purely on cards. A blended approach — mostly card, topped up with one or two planned ATM runs — tends to work best for most visitors.
Can I use Kakao Pay or Naver Pay as a tourist?
Both Kakao Pay and Naver Pay now offer limited tourist-facing options, but neither fully replaces a card or T-money for a short visit. Kakao Pay has introduced a foreign-tourist mode that links to an international card and lets you generate a QR code accepted at some retailers and cafes, mainly in Seoul; Naver Pay has a similar but smaller footprint. Coverage outside major shopping districts is inconsistent, and setup usually requires a working Korean phone number or at least a local SIM/eSIM to receive verification texts, plus a passport for identity checks.
- Kakao Pay for tourists: best if you’re already using KakaoTalk for messaging or Kakao T for taxis and want one less app to juggle.
- Naver Pay: worth it mainly if you’re booking accommodation or activities through Naver-linked platforms.
- Neither is a substitute for T-money on transport — trying to use a QR wallet at a subway gate will not work.
Compared with a physical card or T-money, mobile QR wallets suit tech-comfortable travellers on longer trips who want to blend in with local payment habits, while a physical Visa/Mastercard plus a T-money card remains the simpler, more reliable setup for a first visit or a short stay — no app registration, no verification codes, and no risk of a flat phone battery leaving you unable to pay. If in doubt, set up the physical card and T-money first, then treat a mobile wallet as an optional extra once you’re settled in.
Does Apple Pay or Google Pay work in Korea?
Apple Pay launched in Korea and works at a growing number of terminals, but coverage is still patchy compared with a physical card. Google Pay is not widely usable. Carry a chip card as your main payment method and treat phone payments as a backup.
Where do I exchange money for the best rate?
Licensed exchange booths in areas like Myeongdong and Itaewon usually beat airport counters and banks. Often the simplest option is to skip exchanging cash entirely and withdraw won from a Global ATM as you go.
Can I pay for taxis with a card?
Yes. Most Korean taxis take cards and T-money, and app-hailed taxis (like Kakao T) can charge your registered card automatically. Carry a little cash for the occasional older cab.
Is Korea expensive for travelers?
It’s mid-range. Public transport and convenience-store meals are cheap, sit-down restaurants and cafes are moderate, and accommodation varies widely. Paying by card and using T-money keeps day-to-day spending simple and predictable.
Explore more Korea Go Now guides
- Use T-money on the Busan subway
- Get cash and a card sorted at Gimhae Airport
- Stay connected with a Korea SIM or eSIM
- Know where you’ll be paying with our Busan food guide