Seoul Money & SIM FAQ: Exchange, T-money, eSIM (2026)
Where to exchange money in Seoul?
Myeongdong has best rates. WOW Exchange or Money Box kiosks. Airport rate is worst.
What is currency of Korea?
Korean Won KRW. 1,000 KRW ~ 0.75 USD. Bills 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 KRW.
Can I use credit card everywhere?
Yes 95% places accept card. Street stalls and some buses need cash/T-money.
Where to buy T-money card?
Any CU, GS25, 7-Eleven for 4,000 KRW. Charge at store or subway.
What is WOWPASS?
Prepaid card for tourists. T-money + payment + exchange in one. Buy at WOW kiosk.
How much is SIM at Incheon Airport?
5-day unlimited 27,000 KRW, 10-day 40,000 KRW at KT, SKT, LG counters.
eSIM or physical SIM?
eSIM QR easiest if phone supports it. Buy online from Chingu Mobile.
Where to buy eSIM online?
Airalo, Chingu Mobile, Trazy. 5GB 15,000 KRW. QR sent by email.
Pocket WiFi better than SIM?
Pocket WiFi good for group 4,000 KRW per day. SIM better for solo.
Can I use US phone in Korea?
Yes if unlocked. 99% works with Korean SIM/eSIM.
ATMs for foreign cards?
Global ATM at CU, Woori Bank. Limit 500,000 KRW, fee 3,600 KRW.
Tax refund available?
Over 15,000 KRW purchase, 8% VAT refund. Ask for receipt, claim at airport.
How to get tax refund at airport?
Scan receipts at kiosk before check-in, get cash after security.
How much cash to bring?
50,000-100,000 KRW cash enough. Rest use card.
Apple Pay, Google Pay?
Apple Pay some places. Samsung Pay everywhere. Credit card safest.
Cheapest data way?
Convenience store 10-day SIM 25,000 KRW.
Keep SIM until departure?
Yes keep until boarding. Pocket WiFi return at airport.
Free WiFi in Seoul?
Yes Seoul WiFi everywhere, subway, cafes. But need SIM for Taxi and Maps.
Recharge T-money with credit card?
Cannot with foreign card. Recharge cash at CU/GS25 or use WOWPASS app.
What if I lose T-money?
No refund if lost. Buy new. Register on app to protect.
Money back from T-money?
Yes at convenience store minus 500 KRW fee if under 20,000 KRW.
Travel insurance needed?
Recommended. Medical cost high. 1-week $20-30 USD.
Avoid exchange scams?
Use official WOW Exchange or bank. Avoid street touts.
Cost per day?
Budget 60,000-80,000 KRW per day: food 25k, transport 5k, activities 20k.
Use US dollars in Seoul?
No, only KRW except airport duty-free.
Last updated: August 2026 | Category 4/6 Money & SIM
