Payment Problems: Card declined? ATM gave no cash? Charged twice? Find the fastest fix

Payment problems can happen while traveling in Korea, especially with foreign-issued cards, self-service kiosks, ATMs, mobile wallets and transportation cards. Choose your problem and follow the steps.

What’s wrong?

Select the problem you’re having now.

✅ Best backup plan

The safest way to handle money in Korea is to carry more than one payment option. Keep your main card and your backup card in different places.

Primary card

Use for most everyday purchases.

Backup card

Preferably from another bank or card network.

Physical card

Do not rely only on your phone.

A small amount of KRW cash

Useful for emergencies, small shops and some transport-related payments.

Transportation card

Useful for buses and subways.

Some visitors also use a prepaid card made for foreigners (WOWPASS is one example). It is optional: treat it as a backup, and check its current terms yourself.

📞 Need help?

☎ 1330 · Korea Travel Helpline

Travel information, interpretation help and tourist complaints. Use it to communicate with a business, when you are unsure where to report a travel-related payment problem, or for a tourism-related complaint. Check the official page for current languages and hours.

In Korea: 1330 From overseas: +82-2-1330 Open 1330 Help

🛡️ 1372 · Consumer help

For an unresolved dispute with a business, the Korea Consumer Agency’s counseling service (1372) gives advice on consumer disputes. Language support and eligibility can vary, so 1330 may be easier to start with.

1372 Korea Consumer Agency

👮 Is it fraud or theft?

If you believe your card or money was stolen, or you are a victim of fraud, call 112. Payment problems are normally not emergencies, but threats, violence, theft, fraud in progress or immediate danger are. For ambulance, fire or rescue, call 119.

112 119

Useful Korean phrases

My card isn’t working.

카드가 안 돼요.

Kadeuga an dwaeyo.

Can I use another card?

다른 카드로 결제할 수 있을까요?

Dareun kadeuro gyeoljehal su isseulkkayo?

Can I pay in cash?

현금으로 결제할 수 있을까요?

Hyeongeumeuro gyeoljehal su isseulkkayo?

Can I pay at the counter?

카운터에서 결제할 수 있을까요?

Kaunteo-eseo gyeoljehal su isseulkkayo?

I think I was charged twice.

두 번 결제된 것 같아요.

Du beon gyeoljedoen geot gatayo.

The amount is wrong.

결제 금액이 잘못된 것 같아요.

Gyeolje geumaegi jalmotdoen geot gatayo.

Please give me a receipt.

영수증 주세요.

Yeongsujeung juseyo.

I would like a refund.

환불하고 싶어요.

Hwanbulhago sipeoyo.

The ATM didn’t give me cash.

ATM에서 돈이 나오지 않았어요.

ATM-eseo doni naoji anasseoyo.

The ATM kept my card.

ATM이 제 카드를 가져갔어요.

ATM-i je kadeureul gajyeogasseoyo.

I lost my card.

카드를 잃어버렸어요.

Kadeureul ilheobeoryeosseoyo.

I need help.

도움이 필요해요.

Doumi piryohaeyo.

Before you pay

A few simple habits prevent many payment problems.

• Carry at least two payment cards
• Keep the cards in different places
• Turn on international transactions before you travel
• Know your ATM PIN
• Install your card issuer’s app
• Keep some Korean won for emergencies
• Check the amount before confirming a payment
• Keep receipts for larger purchases
• Choose KRW when asked which currency to use
• Never give anyone your PIN or banking password

Related Guides

Money & Payments

Cards, cash, ATMs and currency exchange in Korea.

Airport Money & ATMs

What to do if you need cash after arriving in Korea.

Transportation Cards

Tmoney, EZL and other transportation cards.

Lost & Found

What to do when your wallet, card or belongings are missing.

Police & Safety

Police reporting and personal safety information.

Common Problems

Solutions to other common problems during your trip.

Official Sources

Fees, limits and dispute options depend on the merchant, the ATM operator and your card issuer, and they change. This page does not promise a refund or a chargeback. Check with your issuer and the official services.

Information last verified: 2026-10-07 · Updated: 2026-10-07

💳 Payment Problems