Managing your finances effectively is a key consideration when planning a trip to South Korea. South Korea’s official currency is the South Korean Won (KRW), which can be challenging to procure in India. Due to limited availability and fluctuating exchange rates, travellers often find it difficult to carry KRW before arriving in South Korea. To tackle this challenge, Forex cards are an excellent alternative. You can preload these cards with globally accepted currencies such as USD or EUR and easily convert them to KRW.

Forex cards provide a secure and hassle-free way to manage expenses abroad, eliminating the risks of carrying large sums of cash. With competitive exchange rates, multi-currency support, and ease of reloading, Forex cards are a must-have for travellers. This blog will guide you through the best Forex cards for South Korea, their features, and how to choose the perfect one for your travel needs.

For a seamless South Korea e-visa experience, rely on Atlys to meet your timeline. Atlys is officially authorized by the Government of South Korea (Western Region).

What are the best Forex cards for South Korea?

Here is a list of the Forex cards mentioned in the blog:

1. AtlysX Global Forex Card

2. Niyo Global Card

3. BookMyForex Forex Card

4. Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid Card

5. HDFC Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Card

6. Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card

7. ICICI Bank Travel Card

AtlysX Global Forex Card

The AtlysX Global Forex Card is an excellent choice for travellers to South Korea. Offering zero markup fees and real-time exchange rates, it’s perfect for managing expenses in USD, which can be converted to South Korean won (KRW) locally.

• Issuance Fee: Free (For Atlys customers only)

• ATM Withdrawal Charges: USD 3 / transaction

• Supported Currencies: All currencies (You load USD and can then spend in any currency with no cross-currency charges)

• Markup Fees: No Fee

• Exchange Rates: Real-time exchange rates
  

Niyo Global Card

The Niyo Global Card is perfect for tech-savvy travellers who want a seamless, app-based financial management tool. With zero markup fees, it’s a reliable companion for South Korea.

• No. of Currencies Supported: 130+ currencies, including EUR

• Cash Withdrawals from ATMs: ₹110 + GST per transaction internationally

• Max. Daily Limit: ₹7.5 lakh for POS and online transactions (ATM limits depend on the local bank or ATM operator)

• Markup Fee: Zero forex markup on supported currencies

• Application Fee: None (free issuance)

• Reload Fee: Free

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: ₹110 + GST per transaction internationally

• Exchange Rate: Competitive Visa exchange rates, no hidden charges

• Customer Support: 24/7 in-app live chat support and emergency assistance

BookMyForex Forex Card

The BookMyForex Forex Card is popular among Indian travellers for its locked-in exchange rates and user-friendly features.

• Number of Currencies Supported: You can load up to 14 currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SGD, AED, and more, for seamless transactions across multiple countries.

• Cash Withdrawals from ATMs: Access cash at ATMs worldwide; fees may apply depending on the ATM operator.

• Maximum Daily Limit: Daily transaction limits depend on the card issuer's policies; check the official website for detailed information.

• Markup Fee: Zero markup on interbank rates, ensuring transparent and cost-effective transactions.

• Application Fee: No issuance fee; the card is available at no upfront cost.

• Reload Fee: No charges for reloading, enabling easy and flexible fund additions.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: While the card itself doesn’t charge ATM withdrawal fees, additional charges may be imposed by foreign banks or ATMs.

• Exchange Rate: Funds are loaded at interbank rates with no markups, offering competitive rates and protection against currency fluctuations.

• Customer Support: 24/7 customer support is available to assist with any queries or issues during travel.

Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid Card

The Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid Card is ideal for travellers visiting multiple countries, including South Korea. Its multi-currency support makes it highly versatile.

• Currencies Supported: 9 currencies, including EUR, GBP, and CHF

• Cash Withdrawals from ATMs: Fixed fees for international withdrawals

• Max. Daily Limit: Depends on the loaded amount and ATM operator limits

• Markup Fee: Zero forex markup on supported currencies

• Application Fee: ₹150 + GST

• Reload Fee: ₹100 + GST

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: $2 per withdrawal internationally

• Exchange Rate: Fixed at the time of loading

• Customer Support: 24/7 helpline and email assistance

HDFC Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Card

The HDFC ForexPlus Card is a trusted option for Indian travellers seeking security and convenience, with extensive support for multiple currencies.

• Currencies Supported: 22 currencies, including USD.

• ATM Withdrawals: ₹150 per transaction; daily limits vary.

• Markup Fees: 2%.

• Application Fee: ₹500.

• Reloading Fee: ₹100.

• Exchange Rate: Locked-in at the time of loading.

• Customer Support: 24/7 helpline and digital support.

• Benefits: Enhanced security and multiple currency options.

• Drawbacks: Higher withdrawal fees and markup charges.

Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card

Axis Bank’s Multi-Currency Forex Card offers wide currency support and is designed for secure and efficient transactions in South Korea.

• Currencies Supported: 16 currencies, including USD.

• ATM Withdrawals: ₹100 per withdrawal; daily limits apply.

• Markup Fees: 3.5%.

• Application Fee: ₹300.

• Reloading Fee: ₹100.

• Exchange Rate: Competitive and transparent.

• Customer Support: 24/7 helpline.

• Benefits: Extensive currency options and secure usage.

• Drawbacks: Higher markup fees than other cards.

ICICI Bank Travel Card

The ICICI Bank Travel Card is a dependable choice for travellers seeking affordability and security for their South Korean adventure.

• Currencies Supported: 15+ currencies, including USD.

• ATM Withdrawals: ₹125 per transaction; daily limits depend on the ATM.

• Markup Fees: 3.5%.

• Application Fee: ₹300.

• Reloading Fee: ₹50.

• Exchange Rate: Fixed during loading.

• Customer Support: 24/7 toll-free assistance.

• Benefits: Affordable reloads and secure transactions.

• Drawbacks: Higher markup fees.

  
  

Key Factors in Choosing a Forex Card for South Korea

1. Currency Support: Most forex cards don’t directly support South Korean won (KRW). USD is the most convenient currency to load for conversion.

2. Fees: To minimise costs, compare application, reloading, and ATM withdrawal fees.

3. Exchange Rates: Opt for cards offering competitive or real-time interbank rates.

4. Daily Limits: Ensure the card has sufficient ATM withdrawal and spending limits for your needs.

5. Security: Look for fraud protection and emergency card replacement.

6. Reload Options: Choose cards with easy and affordable reload options.

7. Customer Support: Reliable 24/7 assistance is essential for stress-free travel.

Forex Card Tips While Traveling to South Korea

1. Load USD: Since KRW is not directly supported on most cards, USD is the best alternative for conversion in South Korea.

2. Avoid DCC: Decline Dynamic Currency Conversion to avoid unnecessary fees.

3. ATM Strategy: Withdraw larger sums to minimise transaction fees.

4. Track Transactions: Use apps or SMS alerts to monitor your spending.

5. Carry a Backup: Have a secondary card or emergency cash for contingencies.

6. Inform Your Bank: Notify your card issuer about your travel plans to prevent blocks.

7. Secure Your Card: Keep your card safe and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Conclusion:

Forex cards are essential for managing your finances while travelling to South Korea. They offer convenience, security, and competitive exchange rates, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Whether you prefer zero markup fees, app-based management, or multi-currency support, there is a Forex card to suit your needs. By selecting the right card and following key travel tips, you can focus on enjoying your South Korean adventure without financial worries. Prepare wisely, and make the most of your trip with the perfect Forex card.