Bills, Banks, Exchange Rates and Credit Cards

Realtors

Most off-base bills and/or parking/speeding tickets can be paid via your realtor using Korean Won. Some realtors may also accept credit or debit cards. Check with your realtor and confirm any fees with your bank.

Online Bank Transfer

Ask your realtor about how to set up an account so that your rent and utilities are automatically paid each month. This service typically requires stopping by in person. For your initial appointment to set up an account, you’ll need your lease agreement, any bills, and your credit card and banking information. This account will also be used to pay any traffic fines you receive.

Using Community Bank (On Base) or other Korean Banks

If you don’t have a realtor, you can pay bills or tickets at local banks. Just bring the bill and cash (Korean Won or USD). Tell the teller you’re here to pay bills (or say it in Korean “Ji-ro nahp-bu ha-ro-wa-sso-yo.”) There will be a currency exchange when you bring USD. If the bill is overdue, they may or may not call the collector on your behalf. If not, just wait until you receive the new bill in the mail and try again.
DSN: 782-5961 / 063.470.5961
Location: Bldg 1006
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Local Banking & Credit Cards

To open a Korean bank account, you’ll need an Alien Registration Card (ARC). Information on obtaining an ARC can be found here. It can take up to four weeks to process and receive your ARC. This is optional and not required for USFK personnel.
Many international and US credit cards are accepted in Korea. There are only a few instances, such as toll roads and some parking lots, where only Korean cards are accepted.

There are American banking ATMs conveniently located around Kunsan Air Base including at the Commissary, Wolf Pack Lodge, behind the Wolf Pack Community Center, and the DFAC.

To maximize the exchange rate, withdraw USD from American ATMs on-base, then exchange into Korean Won using one of the many money exchange shops found outside the Main Gate.

When getting KRW from an ATM, the exchange rate is generally more favorable if you take out a higher amount in a single transaction, rather than smaller amounts via multiple withdrawals.

Note: Most debit cards include a foreign transaction fee when converting your foreign purchase or ATM withdrawal into U.S. dollars during off-base transactions. It’s usually 1-2% of the total transaction. However, for cards without a fee you may just get a lower exchange rate.