Wise Best exchange rate
Wise debit card
45k0.43%-0.65% conversion fee
The best travel card for South Korea
Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers.
Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers. Around ₩990 to the dollar. Drop three zeros to estimate AUD and you will be close.
Yes - cards work almost everywhere in South Korea, and you can get by on tap alone.
5 travel card options for South Korea, compared
Revolut No weekday FX fee
Revolut Standard
30k0% FX fee
Compare only
ING Orange Everyday ATM fees rebated
ING Orange Everyday
22k0% FX fee
ubank Spend
ubank Spend account
9k0% FX fee
Macquarie Transaction Account
Macquarie Transaction Account
6k0% FX fee
Prices are indicative, shown in AUD and refreshed from provider APIs where available. Always confirm the final price on the provider's site - it is the price that applies. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never changes what you pay. Partners are listed before providers who pay us nothing, as our terms set out; sorting by price ignores all of that and orders on the number alone. How we make money.
Compared side by side
| Card | FX fee | ATM | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise Partner | 0.43%-0.65% conversion fee | 2 free withdrawals/month up to $350, then 1.75% | $0 |
| Revolut | 0% on weekdays, up to 1% on weekends | $350/month fee-free, then 2% | $0 |
| ING Orange Everyday | 0% with monthly criteria met | International ATM fees rebated with criteria met | $0 |
| ubank Spend | 0% international transaction fee | No ubank fee; operator fees still apply | $0 |
| Macquarie Transaction Account | 0% foreign transaction fee | No Macquarie fee; operator fees still apply | $0 |
Paying for things in South Korea
Can you pay by card in South Korea?
Extremely high - Korea is close to cashless. Cards work almost everywhere including taxis and convenience stores.
Cash and ATMs in South Korea
Look for 'Global ATM' signs; not all Korean ATMs accept foreign cards. Airport and convenience store ATMs are the most reliable.
Small amounts for traditional markets and street food.
Do you tip in South Korea?
Not customary and can be refused. Service is included in the price.
Worth knowing about paying in South Korea
A T-money transit card (bought at any convenience store) is essential for subways and buses - most foreign cards don't work on transit readers.
Before you pay for anything in South Korea
Pay in South Korean won or Australian dollars?
The terminal will offer you both. One of them is materially more expensive.
Travel card, debit card or credit card?
Why the card sold hardest at the airport is usually the one that loses.
What is a foreign transaction fee?
Around 3%, charged by your own Australian bank. Removable before you fly.
What one Australian dollar buys in South Korea
₩927 KRW per AUD
Last recorded rate
These are mid-market rates - the rate banks trade at, published by the European Central Bank. It is not what you will be offered. Expect a card or exchange service to take 0.5% to 5% off it, which is exactly what our travel money comparison is for. Past movement doesn't predict future rates, and none of this is financial advice.
View the numbers as a table
More South Korea essentials
South Korea visa and entry rules
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Flights to South Korea
Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip.
South Korea eSIM plans
Instant data, no physical SIM required.
South Korea travel insurance
Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers.
South Korea airport transfers
Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared.
Driving in South Korea
International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians.
South Korea travel essentials
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Things to do in South Korea
Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.
Further reading: Travel money for Australians: cards, cash and the fees nobody mentions
How these comparisons are made
Cards are compared on the three fees that actually cost travellers money - the FX margin, ATM fees and account fees - using each issuer's published rates. Jamie has personally spent on travel cards recommended here while overseas. Cash-versus-card guidance is researched per destination rather than copied between pages, because a card strategy that works in Stockholm fails in Osaka. Read the full editorial policy.
South Korea money & payments FAQs
Can I use my Australian card on Seoul's subway?
Generally no. Korean transit readers usually don't accept foreign contactless cards. Buy a T-money card at any convenience store for a few dollars and top it up with cash.
Planning South Korea?
We will send you the South Korea guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.