Do you need to carry cash in South Korea?

Smaller establishments located in the cities or rural areas only accept cash, making it essential that you have some of the local bills on hand as you travel. While it can be better value to buy the currency before you go (see our section on that below), you can also get currency once you arrive in the country.



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All major credit cards are accepted in South Korea, but if you're venturing into the rural areas or would like to dine at smaller restaurants, it is best to still have some cash on you.

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How much money will you need for your trip to South Korea? You should plan to spend around ?147,903 ($111) per day on your vacation in South Korea, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

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Traveling to South Korea? Don't forget your plastic. South Korea is a modern and cosmopolitan country, with exciting culture and food. Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are all accepted without issue in South Korea, with cash becoming less common.

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Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected in South Korea, unlike in most countries in Europe and in the United States. The general rule is the service should be exceptional at all times, and with no expectation of extra pay. Tipping in South Korea can be considered rude and frowned upon.

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Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are all accepted without issue in South Korea, with cash becoming less common. According to the Bank of Korea, only about 20% of financial transactions in Korea are made with cash.

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All taxis in Seoul accept credit, debit and cash payments, as well as Tmoney cards. Food, drink and smoking are prohibited during your taxi transfer.

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Advantages of using cash
If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

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Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected in South Korea, unlike in most countries in Europe and in the United States. The general rule is the service should be exceptional at all times, and with no expectation of extra pay. Tipping in South Korea can be considered rude and frowned upon.

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Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Seoul Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Seoul. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year. Date format is yyyy/MM/dd. Press the down arrow or enter key to interact with the calendar and select a date.

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Korean food doesn't have as high of an international profile as some other national cuisines, so once you arrive in South Korea, you will have plenty of new food to try. Fortunately, the food price in Korea is exceptionally low (and the food is delicious), making the cost of traveling in South Korea a pretty good deal.

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Flights to South Korea can range from around $500 to $1,500 for a round-trip ticket, depending on the season and your departure location. Accommodation costs vary as well, with budget hotels or hostels starting at around $30 per night and luxury hotels reaching up to $300 or more.

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Attractions such as palaces, temples, and markets are free or very affordable, while other entertainment options such as shopping, nightlife and adventure parks ensure there's something for everyone. With the vast amount of options available, Seoul is the perfect destination for travellers of all budgets.

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