Money, Phones & Apps

Claiming a tourist tax refund in South Korea is generally straightforward, provided that each step is completed at the correct time. Most unsuccessful claims result from one of three avoidable mistakes: purchasing from a non-participating shop, leaving without the required refund document, or checking in luggage containing refundable goods before completing the necessary airport procedure. … Read more

Mobile data makes traveling in Korea much easier. Visitors use it for maps, translation, transport information, reservations and communication with hotels or local businesses. Foreign travelers can choose a physical SIM, an eSIM, international roaming or portable Wi-Fi. The best option depends on whether you need a Korean phone number, want installation help or need … Read more

You can travel in Korea without a Korean phone number. Hotels, maps, translation apps and many international booking services can usually be used with an overseas number, email or Wi-Fi. A Korean number becomes useful when a restaurant, app or local service expects you to receive a waiting alert, confirm an SMS code or communicate … Read more

Foreign-issued cards are widely accepted in Korea. Hotels, department stores, convenience stores, restaurants, cafés and many ordinary shops routinely accept card payments. Still, no single card is guaranteed to work at every shop, kiosk, ticket machine, ATM or Korean website. A card that worked earlier in the day may fail at the next place. This … Read more

For nearly ten years, I have carried a small cardholder rather than a traditional wallet. Most days, I leave home with one or two cards and very little cash. Many of my friends do the same. I still keep a few 1,000-won notes and perhaps one or two 10,000-won notes folded inside the cardholder, just … Read more