t money tourist card

In My Korea

Korea’s T-Money Card Guide 2024: How To Buy And Use T-Money

Want to know where to buy a T-Money Card in Korea? Unfamiliar with how to use the T-Money Card and what the main advantages of it are? Not sure about how to pay for transportation tickets, what the fares will be, and whether you’ll have the right change? This guide to the T-Money Card, the best Korean transportation card, will solve all your problems.

Find out where to buy a T-Money Card at Incheon Airport and other locations in Korea, learn how to top-up a T-Money Card in Korea and where to top-up, and also discover the many benefits of using a T-Money Card. This in-depth article will answer all your T-Money Card queries quickly and easily.

This T-Money guide is updated regularly to bring you the latest information about changes and additional ways to use the T-Money Card. There are also lots of my own tips about how to use the T-Money Card, where it can be used, and lots of really useful travel advice for visiting Korea.

Table of Contents

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What Is The T-Money Card

The T-Money Card is a prepaid transportation card that can be used to pay for public transportation in cities across Korea, including buses and subways. It provides cash-free travel around Korean cities, and takes the hassle out of to get around Korea and buying tickets for each journey.

When you use the T-Money Card, you pay less for subway and bus fares. It literally pays for itself.

The T-Money Card can be used to pay for a range of items and services, including taxi charges, items in convenience stores, entrance fees for attractions, vending machines, and food and beverages in restaurants. Anywhere you see the T-Money logo (above), you can use the T-Money Card.

What Are You Looking For?

To help make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, I’ve broken this article into the following sections. Click the quick links below to jump straight there or keep reading through all parts.

Where To Buy A T-Money Card

Where Can You Use T-Money In Korea

How To Top-Up A T-Money Card

How To Check Your T-Money Balance

How To Refund A T-Money Balance

Alternative Korean Transportation Cards

Is The T-Money Card Worth Buying

Tips For Using T-Money In Korea

Why do i need a t-money card in korea.

Korea is fast becoming a cash-free society and in recent years Korea’s buses have moved away from accepting cash payments. Almost a quarter of all buses in Seoul are now cash-free and you can’t pay with cash at all on Daejeon’s buses. This will likely be the norm everywhere in Korea very soon.

Even when you can buy tickets in cash, it’s inconvenient making sure you have the right cash available (no change is given on buses). Queueing up to buy a ticket at a crowded subway station is a real hassle when you could just touch-and-go straight through the barriers with a T-Money Card.

The biggest reason is the two rates to travel in Korea’s subways and buses – one for cash and one for transportation cards like the T-Money Card. The rate for the T-Money Card is lower, meaning you’ll save money when you travel with a T-Money Card, as you can see in the table below:

*Bus fares in Seoul rose to ₩1,500 from August 2023. However, it hasn’t been confirmed whether cash and T-Money costs will be the same now or not.

T-Money Card Quick Summary

Here’s a summary of the T-Money Card and why you should get one when you travel to Korea.

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa , but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected : Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay : For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul : Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators : Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook , Trazy , Viator , and Get Your Guide . These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions

Seoul City Passes : Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass . These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around : For public transport, grab a T-Money Card . Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass . To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options .

Travel Money : Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea : I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

How To Learn Korean : The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

T-Money Cards are available in many places in Korea, including at Incheon Airport, in convenience stores, and in public transportation stations. This section of the T-Money Guide will show you where to buy a T-Money Card in each of these different locations and extra services that include T-Money.

Buy T-Money At The Incheon Airport Transit Centre

The most convenient place for most travellers to get a T-Money Card is at Incheon Airport in the Transit Centre (Floor B1) of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. There are vending machines that sell the Korea Tour Card , which is the tourist-friendly version of the T-Money Card that comes with extra benefits.

Follow the directions to the ‘ Airport Railroad ‘ in either terminal and it will lead you to the B1 Transit Centre. The T-Money Card vending machines will be well signposted and located next to the All-Stop subway train, which is the subway to central Seoul that you can pay for with T-Money.

Please note : If you arrive at Incheon Airport Terminal 1, the Transit Centre is the only place you can buy a T-Money Card (Korea Tour Card). The CU convenience stores in Terminal 1 don’t sell T-Money Cards. In Terminal 2, you can buy T-Money Cards from GS25 and 7/11 convenience stores.

How to buy T-Money card At Incheon Airport Transit Centre:

It’s easy to buy a T-Money Card from the Transit Centre. Head to the All-Stop train station where to the T-Money Card vending machines are located. You must have cash (KRW) to purchase the T-Money Card at the vending machines, as well as cash to top-up the T-Money balance afterwards.

Here are the 4 steps required to buy a T-Money Card from the vending machine:

1: Insert Cash

The cost of the Korea Travel Card (hereafter called T-Money Card) is ₩4,000. Insert cash into the machine. Change is available.

2: Press The Number

Like a normal vending machine, press the number of the T-Money Card you want to buy. Don’t select a number which is empty.

3: Press The Green Button

To confirm your purchase, press the green button at the bottom of the keypad.

4: Collect Your T-Money Card

The vending machine will collect your T-Money Card and dispense it to you.

Once the T-Money Card has been dispensed, don’t forget to collect any change from the vending machine. To top-up the T-Money Card, take it to the ticket machines outside the All-Stop terminal. Full details about how to top-up will be included in the section ‘ How To Top-Up A T-Money Card ‘

Need Cash For T-Money?

One issue with T-Money is that it can only be topped-up using cash (KRW). Unfortunately, airport money exchanges typically give bad exchange rates. You can get better rates by taking the Airport Express non-stop train into Seoul and changing money in Myeongdong or Hongdae, or by ordering a Korean sim card from Klook with a T-Money Card with a preloaded balance of 5,000 KRW or 10,000 KRW.

Where to Buy A T-Money Card In Korea

I recommend buying a T-Money Card at the Incheon Airport Transit Centre. However, if you’re not arriving in Korea at Incheon Airport, want to get a card with a cuter design, or want to save money by combining T-Money with other services, here are 6 other places where you can buy T-Money Cards.

Buy T-Money At A Subway Station In Korea

Subway stations in Korea sell the basic version of the T-Money Card, which comes with no balance. You can usually top-up from the same machine that dispenses them.

Price : ₩2,500

Buy T-Money At A Convenience Store In Korea

Korean convenience stores, including GS25 and 7/11, sell T-Money Cards with their own designs. These come with no balance but can be topped up straight after purchase with cash.

Price : ₩3,000

Buy T-Money On The Airport Express

It is possible to buy a T-Money card inside the subway stations along the Airport Express all-stop train between Incheon Airport and other parts of Seoul. You can even personalise this card and add your own picture to the card.

Price : From ₩6,000

Buy T-Money From Klook

Klook offers a combined Korean sim card and T-Money package that comes with a T-Money Card with Klook’s own cute design. You save money on both the T-Money Card and sim card with this combined package.

Price : From ₩32,500

Get T-Money With The WOWPASS

The WOWPASS is a travel money card that allows you to pay for goods and services like a local. It includes T-Money functions and the WOWPASS Airport Package comes with ₩10,000 T-Money balance included.

Price : From ₩5,000

Get T-Money With The Discover Seoul Pass

The Discover Seoul Pass is a city-pass that offers free entry to dozens of premium attractions in Seoul. It also includes T-Money functions to allow you to travel on public transport without having to buy a separate T-Money Card.

Price : From ₩50,000

You can also buy T-Money cards from stationery stores like ArtBox. ArtBox is a popular place to buy souvenirs and cute stationery. They also have their own line of T-Money Cards with ever-changing fun designs for you to collect. There is no T-Money balance and the cards cost more.

How Much Does The T-Money Card Cost?

The price of the T-Money Card is ₩2,500 for the standard T-Money Card that is sold at public transportation stations in Korea. This does not include any credit and you will need to add funds to the card before you can use it. The cost of the Korea Travel Card at Incheon Airport is ₩4,000 .

T-Money Cards from other locations, such as convenience stores and stationery stores, which include special artworks, typically cost more money. The cost of T-Money can be free when it is included in another service, such as the WOWPASS or Discover Seoul Pass.

Where Can You Buy Special T-Money Designs?

If you want to buy a T-Money Card with an interesting design, there are several options in Korea. The stationery store ARTBOX offers some cute designs with their own characters, as do convenience stores. These cards have the same functions as a regular T-Money Card and work the same way.

Please note: T-Money Cards with unique designs are a bit more expensive – around ₩5,000 to ₩6,000 per card. The base cost of a T-Money Card is ₩2,500. These can make nice gifts or souvenirs and as the T-Money Card doesn’t expire, you can use them every time you visit Korea.

BTS-Themed T-Money Cards

BTS ARMY members may want to get a special souvenir of their time in Korea and can do so with a BTS-themed T-Money Card. These special edition BTS T-Money Cards work the same as regular T-Money Cards, but come with 7 different designs, one for each member of the hit group, BTS.

These aren’t widely available, and new versions replace older versions frequently. If you want to buy a BTS-themed T-Money Card, you can find them in some convenience stores or in K-Pop merchandise stores in areas such as Gangnam, Hongdae, or in the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Where Can You Use T-Money In Korea?

The T-Money Card is primarily a transportation card that can be used to pay for bus and subway journeys in most Korean cities . However, it also functions as a payment card that can be used to make small purchases in certain Korean shops, cafes, restaurants, and attractions.

If you bought the Korea Tour Card from the Incheon Airport Transit Centre, you will be eligible for discounts at tourist attractions, shops, entertainment, restaurants, and other locations. For example, you get 30% off entry fees at N Seoul Tower and 20% off entry fees at COEX Aquarium.

Here are the places you can use the T-Money Card in Korea:

Use T-Money On Buses

It’s really simple to use T-Money on Korea’s buses. Touch the T-Money Card to the card reader when you enter the bus to start your journey, then touch it again when you exit the bus. In most city buses in Korea you enter at the front of the bus and get off in the middle. There will be a T-Money Card reader in both locations.

Most bus journeys cost the same price, however, if your bus travels more than 10km, you will be charged an extra fee. If you don’t tap-off when you leave the bus, you may be charged this fee.

Use T-Money On The Subway

The T-Money Card is accepted on all subway systems in Korea, including in Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, and Gwangju, Touch the T-Money Card when you enter the security gates at the start of your journey, then touch again to exit. If you run out of credit, there are machines inside the gates to top-up (but you’ll need cash).

Like bus journeys, most short journeys on the subway will be the same fee. If you travel a long way on the subway, or make many transfers, the fee can be higher.

Transfer discounts : When you transfer between subway or bus rides within 30 minutes, you’ll get a discount on your next ride as long as you tapped-off when on your previous journey. Also, if you accidentally enter the wrong subway gate, you can leave within 10 minutes for free on some lines.

Use T-Money For Taxis

You can use a T-Money Card to pay for taxis in Korea . It’s quick, easy, and allows you to avoid using a credit card or having the right change. As long as the taxi driver has the T-Money logo displayed, you can pass your T-Money Card to the driver who will touch it to the card reader and complete the payment.

You can call taxis directly to you using the Kakao Taxi app, which is available on Android and iPhone and can be used in English, Korean, and Chinese. My guide to using Kakao Taxi will show you how to order and pay for a taxi in Korea.

Use T-Money For Shopping

The T-Money Card is really useful when you want to buy small items, such as a bottle of water, coffee, or some snacks. When you see the T-Money logo, you can use the card to pay for goods and services. You can use T-Money to pay for purchases in convenience stores (CU, GS25, Emart 24, 7/11).

You can use the T-Money Card in Korea’s supermarkets and chain stores, including Home Plus (supermarket) Emart (supermarket) Face Shop (cosmetics) Innisfree (cosmetics) Tony Moly (cosmetics) and others.

Using the T-Money Card for shopping : As the T-Money Card needs to be topped-up in cash (KRW), using it for shopping isn’t really that convenient. Instead, I recommend getting a WOWPASS in Korea, or bringing a travel money card like the Wise Travel Card or Revolut Travel Card .

Use T-Money In Cafes

Food and beverage outlets also accept the T-Money Card, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, Angel-in-Us Coffee, Ediya Coffee, Gong Cha Tea, and Paris Baguette and more.

It’s best to check for the T-Money logo before trying to pay with your T-Money Card or asking if T-Money is accepted. Again, using the T-Money Card is possible for this, but usually not the most convenient way to pay.

Use T-Money At Attractions

You can use T-Money to pay for entry fees for major attractions, including theme parks and sports stadiums, as well as other locations like pay-phones and vending machines.

Here are some of the locations you can use T-Money: vending machines, public pay-phones, Everland theme park, sports stadiums (including Wyverns Baseball Club), and at festivals (to pay for food and drinks).

Where Can’t You Use T-Money In Korea?

You can’t use T-Money to pay for intercity train tickets, including the KTX – Korea’s high speed train network. You also can’t enter intercity buses and pay with T-Money like you can when entering a regular city bus. However, you can use T-Money to buy intercity bus tickets and board with those.

Generally, the T-Money Card is accepted in major cities across Korea, especially destinations popular with tourists. If T-Money isn’t accepted, there will be other options available, such as using Cashbee or paying with cash.

The T-Money Card can be recharged (reloaded) at subway stations and convenience stores throughout Korea. Vending machines at subway stations are the easiest locations to recharge a T-Money Card and will also allow you to check your balance before or after the top-up

You can only top-up the T-Money Card with cash . Credit cards aren’t accepted for top-ups.

These machines can be found in each major city in Korea where you can use T-Money. They are available in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. These T-Money recharging machines only accept cash and the T-Money Card can’t be reloaded with a credit card.

This is how to top-up a T-Money Card using a ticket machine in subway stations in Korea. The T-Money card can only be topped-up using cash and can’t be topped up using credit or debit cards or money transfers. This method works for other transportation cards in Korea, too.

1: Go to a ticket machine in a subway station

Go to a ticket vending or transportation card at a subway station. These machines are usually close to the entrance barriers to the subway inside the station.

2: Select ‘Recharge Transportation Card’

Change the language of the ticket recharge machine as desired, then select ‘Recharging the Transit Card’ or a similar option to begin to top-up your T-Money Card.

3: Select the value to top-up your T-Money Card

Select the amount of money that you wish to add to your existing T-Money balance. The screen should show you what balance the T-Money Card already has. New T-Money Cards usually have no balance. You can recharge the T-Money Card with as little as 1,000 Korean won.

4: Confirm the value to top-up your T-Money Card

Once you’ve selected the desired amount you wish to top-up the T-Money Card with in Korean won, confirm the top-up value by pressing ‘confirm’ on the screen.. You should select the amount that you have available in cash as you can’t top-up the T-Money Card in any other way.

5: Insert cash to recharge your T-Money Card

To top-up a T-Money card, enter cash into the ticket vending machine up to the value you wish to top-up. Insert each bank note separately. Please note : only KRW can be used to top-up a T-Money Card.

6: Place the t-Money Card on the card reader

After inserting cash to top-up your T-Money Card, place your T-Money Card on the card recharge plate, which is usually located below the main screen of the recharging machine. Make sure the card is placed flat on the reader.

7: Wait for the T-Money Card to be recharged

The T-Money Card will be recharged once the recharging machine recognised the T-Money Card placed on the card recharge plate. Wait for the recharge to complete, which should take about 5 to 10 seconds in total.

8: Take the T-Money Card and start using it

Once the T-Money Card has been topped-up, take the card from the card recharge plate and you can use it to travel on the subway, on buses, and in other places. Tap to start your journey, and tap again when you finish.

Besides subway stations, you can also recharge a T-Money Card at a convenience store. The same rule about only charging with cash applies. You can’t recharge a T-Money Card with a credit or debit card. Here’s how to top-up the T-Money Card at convenience stores in Korea:

1: Go To A Convenience Store

Go to any major convenience store in Seoul or other towns and cities across Korea, including CU, GS25, Emart 24, and 7/11.

2: Ask To Top-Up T-Money

Show your T-Money Card to the cashier and ask to top-up the balance. Use Papago to translate into Korean if you’re not sure what to say.

3: Give the amount of cash to top-up to the cashier

You can only use cash to top-up T-Money balances, so make sure you have cash available to pay with. Give it to the cashier.

4: Place your T-Money Card On the Card Reader

Place your T-Money Card on the electronic card reader and wait for confirmation from the cashier that the balance has been updated.

There is a T-Money office at Seoul Station where you can ask for advice, purchase & reload the card, and get your remaining balance refunded when you leave Korea. T-Money Headquarters Address: 1st Floor. T-money Town, Seoul City Tower Building, Namdaemun-ro 5-Ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.

How Much Money Should I Add To A T-Money Card?

How much money to add to a T-Money Card depends on how you intend to use it. If you will use your T-Money Card mostly for transportation , I recommend adding ₩10,000 per day. This should cover all subway / bus travel costs within a city like Seoul, which cost ₩1,400 /₩1,500 per journey.

If you plan to use your T-Money Card to pay for small purchases , such as snacks, bottled water, and coffee, then add ₩20,000 per day, which includes transportation costs. A coffee in Seoul costs between ₩2,000 – ₩5,000, water is ₩1,000, and snacks from ₩1,000 – ₩5,000.

When you first top-up a T-Money Card, add ₩50,000 for the starting balance. This balance should last most travellers for a week if they use their T-Money Card just for bus and subway rides. You can check your balance during your travels and top-up when the balance gets low (under₩ 5,000).

Can You Recharge A T-Money Card With A Credit Card?

It is not possible to recharge a T-Money Card with a credit or debit card. Only cash can be used to top-up the T-Money Card. There are restrictions that only allow cash top-ups. The app version of T-Money can be topped-up by card payments or online transfers, but not physical T-Money Cards.

How To Your Check T-Money Card Balance

There are a number of ways to check your T-Money Card balance. When you use the T-Money Card on the subway or a bus, the electronic card reader will show you the fee for the ride and the remaining balance on your T-Money Card. This is the most common way to check your balance.

You can also check your T-Money Card balance at subway ticket machines and T-Money recharge stations. When you recharge your card, it will show your balance before you add credit. This is a good way to check your balance, even if you don’t intend to recharge the T-Money Card right then.

Using T-Money Mobile App To Check Your Balance

The T-Money mobile app is an online-only version of T-Money that doesn’t come with a card. Instead, you can use your phone’s NFC function to use your T-Money balance. You can also use your phone’s NFC function to scan a physical T-Money Card and check the balance when logged into the app.

However, I don’t recommend using the T-Money mobile app to check your T-Money balance. There have been reports by travellers in Korea that the app sometimes accidentally wipes the T-Money Card, making it useless. I can’t confirm this myself, but it is much easier to check your balance elsewhere.

How To Refund A T-Money Card Balance

You can refund the existing balance of your T-Money Card at major convenience stores and subway stations across Korea, as well as at the T-Money headquarters in Seoul. These are the locations you can top-up a T-Money Card. Refunds will be paid in cash and partial refunds aren’t possible.

There’s a ₩500 fee to refund a T-Money balance, which is deducted from the existing balance. The cost of the T-Money Card won’t be refunded, but you can keep the T-Money Card after the balance is refunded. The T-Money Card doesn’t expire, so you can use it if you visit Korea again.

The T-Money Card doesn’t expire. Keep it for future trips or give it to a friend who is visiting later.

Tip : The credit balance on the T-Money Card will stay active for 5 years from the date of the last top-up. If you plan to visit Korea again in the next 5 years and have a small balance left, it might be best to keep the balance on your T-Money Card so you don’t need to top-up the card when you return.

There are several alternative transportation cards to T-Money, including the Cashbee Card (pictured above), Namane Card, which uses Rail+, and varieties of the T-Money Card that offer slightly different benefits from the original T-Money Card. Here’s a summary of those cards and what they offer:

Cashbee Card

The Cashbee Card by Lotte can be purchased and used in most of the same locations as T-Money. You can purchase a Cashbee Card at convenience stores and subway stations across Korea. The CU chain of convenience stores only offers the Cashbee Card, not T-Money.

Like T-Money, the Cashbee card can be used to pay for journeys on buses and subway across Korea. Tap the card when you enter the bus or subway, then tap again when you finish your journey. Transfer discounts should also be applied. Cashbee can be used in Lotte shops, including Lotte Department Store and Lotte Cinema.

Where to buy : Convenience stores, subway

Namane Card

The Namane Card by KB Bank uses the Rail+ transportation card system by Korail, Korea’s national train service. One big advantage the Namane Card has over T-Money and Cashbee is you can use it to pay for train services, including Korea’s high-speed KTX trains.

The other big difference with the Namane Card is that you can personalise your card by uploading pictures of yourself or other designs you upload using the Namane app. The Namane Card is available from locations across Korea , including inside major train stations, department stores, stationery stores, and book shops.

Price : ₩7,000

Where to buy : Convenience stores, subway, Namane machines, online from Klook

Korea Tour Card

The Korea Tour Card was designed for tourists travelling to Korea and provides not only with the standard T-Money functions, but also offers lots of discounts . This is the version of T-Money that’s available at Incheon Airport.

Price : ₩4,000

Buy : Incheon Airport

Discover Seoul Pass

Price : from ₩50,000

Buy : Online from Klook

Creatrip X Bellygom Transportation Card

The Creatrip X Bellygom transportation card is a colourful travel card from Creatrip, which really stands out thanks to its bright pink picture of Bellygom, a popular Korean character that’s big on YouTube. With the ‘Decoration Card’ feature, you can make your own special transportation card, too. This makes it a lovely souvenir of your trip.

Please note : this card is a version of Cashbee and can be used and charged in all the same locations as Cashbee can.

This card comes with ₩5,000 loaded, which means you don’t need to worry about charging it at the airport (which should be done in cash). Simply collect the card at Incheon Airport (either terminal) or Gimpo Airport and then take the all-stop train straight into Seoul with it. It’s really convenient.

You can use the Creatrip X Bellygom transportation card to pay for public transportation across Korea, as well as in franchises such as Paris Baguette, Baskin Robbins, Angel In Us, and Lotte Mart.

Price : Around ₩10,200 (includes ₩5,000 balance)

Buy : Online from Creatrip .

Tip: The Discover Seoul Pass includes a free Airport Express journey from Incheon Airport to Seoul. This can be useful to get yourself into the city before you top-up the T-Money balance on the card. Find out more tips and ways to use the pass in my list of Discover Seoul Pass itineraries .

Is The T-Money Card Worth Buying?

So, if you’ve read all this and you’re still not sure if you should get a T-Money Card or not, here is a simple summary to show why you might want to get one. This is based on my personal experience of using a T-Money Card, as well as opinions shared from members of my Korea Travel Group .

For travellers who want to pay for transportation across Korea’s bus and subway networks, the T-Money Card will be perfect and an essential purchase. However, if you’re looking for a way to pay for goods, services, and attractions in Korea, then the T-Money Card isn’t really what you’re looking for.

Instead of the T-Money Card to pay for things in Korea, I recommend getting a WOWPASS or Wise Travel Money Card . These are both more convenient and allow you pay in Korea using your card’s balance, which can be topped up in foreign currency (WOWPASS) or by bank transfer (Wise).

Learn more : Check out my guide to using Wise in Korea to learn how to get a Wise card, who is eligible, how to activate the Wise card, and all the ways it can save on your travel money expenses.

The T-Money Card is really useful and I can’t imagine travelling in Korea without one. I’d recommend buying one when you arrive in Korea. If you want to know more about T-Money and its alternatives, you can find lots of useful information in my complete South Korea travel guide .

Here are a few quick tips to help you use the T-Money Card more effectively when in Korea:

1: Check the remaining balance as you travel so that you don’t run out by accident.

2: Don’t top-up too much. I’d recommend adding ₩50,000 starting balance and then ₩20,000 – ₩30,000 each time after that. Maybe less if you don’t plan to travel much.

3: Buy one as soon as you arrive. Get a Korea Tour Card at Incheon Airport.

4: Make use of the T-Money Card when you are shopping in convenience stores. You’ll end up with a lot less change.

5 : Store the T-Money Card away from other cards that can be used to pay by touch as card readers can be confused by multiple cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, here are a few FAQs about using the T-Money card in Korea, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

Where can I use the T-Money Card?

The T-Money Card can be used on public transportation in Korea, including for subway and bus journeys. Furthermore, the T-Money Card can be used to make purchases in convenience stores, cafes, shops, at vending machines, and in a range of attractions.

Can I use a T-Money Card on the subway?

The T-Money Card can be used on the subway in several cities in Korea, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Incheon.

Can I use a T-Money Card to pay for taxis?

The T-Money Card can be used to pay for taxis where the T-Money logo is displayed. Be sure to check the card has the correct balance remaining to cover the taxi fare before using a taxi.

What happens if I run out of credit when using the T-Money Card?

If you run out of money on your T-Money Card when using the subway, you can top-up at a payment machine inside the subway stations before you enter or exit the station. When travelling on buses, you won’t be able to use the T-Money Card on the bus if there isn’t enough credit available. You will need to top-up your T-Money balance before boarding a bus.

Can I use the T-Money Card outside of Seoul?

The T-Money Card can be used across Korea, not just in Seoul. It can be used for public transportation in all major cities, as well as on Jeju Island. The T-Money Card can also be used for purchases in convenience stores, shops, cafes, restaurants, and attractions where the T-Money logo is displayed.

How much does the T-Money Card cost?

The base cost of the T-Money Card is 2,500 Korean won. This doesn’t include credit, which must be purchased separately. The cost of the card is non-refundable, but outstanding balances on the card can be refunded. T-Money Cards with unique designs cost more and the Korea Tour Card, which is available at Incheon Airport, costs ₩4,000.

Can I pay for the T-Money Card with a credit card?

You can purchase the original T-Money Card with a credit card, but you won’t be able to add credit or reload the T-Money Card with a credit card. Only cash is accepted for T-Money Card recharging.

Does the T-Money Card expire?

The T-Money Card doesn’t expire and can be used on multiple trips to Korea. However, credit balances on the card will expire after 5 years after the date of the last top-up or usage if not used. Once used, the 5 year period will be extended.

Which cities can you use the T-Money Card in?

You can use the T-Money card to ride the subway in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province, Incheon, Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, and Gwangju. You can also use the T-Money card on bus networks across Korea, including all major cities. The T-Money can also be used for intercity buses. However, unlike city buses, it is necessary to buy tickets for these buses before you ride.

Where can you buy a T-Money Card at Incheon Airport?

You can buy the T-Money Card from multiple locations at terminals 1 and 2 of Incheon Airport. There is a transportation centre on Basement 1 level of Terminal 1 that sells T-Money Cards (Korea Tour Cards) in a vending machine. You can also buy T-Money Cards at Incheon Airport from convenience stores, such as 7-11 and GS25. The CU convenience store chain in Terminal 1 doesn’t sell T-Money Cards, only Cashbee Cards, which are similar.

Where can I create a personalised T-Money Card?

You can create your own T-Money Card with your own photos on the card at certain subway and train stations in Seoul. These include Seoul Station, Hongik University Subway Station, and Digital Media City Subway Station. Upload photos from your phone or take a photo in front of the machine. Once you’ve chosen your design, the card will be printed and will be ready to use once you’ve topped it up. You can top-up the personalised T-Money Card at nearby top-up machines at Seoul Station or subway stations across Seoul.

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Hi! My name is Joel, I'm the author of In My Korea and writer of this article. I've lived, worked and travelled in Korea since 2015 and want to share my insights, stories and tips to help you have the best experience during your trip to Korea.

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21 thoughts on “Korea’s T-Money Card Guide 2024: How To Buy And Use T-Money”

Quick question… For the Korean T-Card, is there ability to get a transaction history (or Ride History) of where I tapped my card?

For example, my Los Angeles Tap Card for my and kids use for Buses and Trains, I register the TAP Card… If I need to know Ride History, I can go the TAP card website and obtain “Ride History.”

I’ve not actually tried it, but you might be able to see the history if you use the T-Money app with the mobile version of the card.

I had a look on the T-Money site (which is very basic), but couldn’t see any details about it. I guess just try it and see is the best answer I can give, sorry. I use the card function myself but never see the history of it.

Great article. Plan on trip starting at Incheon Airport Apr 2023. Can both myself and my wife use the same card at the same time. ie. we get on and off a bus together. Like scan twice or will we each need a separate card? Thanks-Mark.

Hi, thanks for reading. You will need a separate card for each person travelling. On some buses you can ask to charge for two people, but that won’t work on the subway, so it’ll be easier to get one each.

Thanks for the info. Will get two cards, myself and wife. If people were traveling as a family, such as with children, using a “Family Card” of some type would be much easier. Thanks again. -Mark.

It would be much easier, yeah, I hope they consider it in the future.

Hi! I really appreciate the detailed information you’ve included about T-money!

I have some questions. I’m a foreigner and I’ll be teaching English soon. I’m already in South Korea (I arrived beginning of March).

I didn’t manage to get a T-money card at the airport as I had to quickly be picked up. I’m aware that I can purchase one at a convenience store near me.

As I have just arrived, there are things I don’t have yet, such as: 1) My ARC (Alien Registration Card) 2) Korean bank card – I have my home debit bank card (Mastercard). I also have cash in ₩ on me. 3) Korean SIM plan

Will any of this affect me buying and topping up my T-money card?

Thank you in advance!

Hi, welcome to Korea. None of those things will stop you getting a T-Money card or topping it up. However, if you’re going to sign up for a Korean bank card, you can ask to have the ‘pay-on’ feature in your bank card so it will work just like a T-Money card. Therefore, you won’t need to get a T-Money card once you have your bank account. People here don’t really use T-Money cards when they can use their bank cards.

Hi, thank you for this article. I just got a T-Money card from a Korean store here in India. It’s the BTS PROOF edition T-Money card. Sitting in India, I was wondering how I could recharge it right away? I am visiting Korea next month. 🙂

Hi, thanks for reading. You can recharge the T-Money card as soon as you arrive in Korea at the airport. Either recharge it at the travel centre at Incheon Airport, or go to any convenience store and ask them to add credit to it. You can only top up with cash, so you’ll need some Korean won to do that. Have a good trip.

Thanks for the info… We’re a family of 4(2 adults & 2 teens), do we need to purchase 4 T-Money cards?

Hi, yes, each person will need a T-Money card.

A detailed guide of someone who has done his research/has a lot of experience with the card. Well done!

Thanks very much 🙂

Hi there! I have Cashbee cards from a previous trip, I can’t remember why I picked those over T-money cards last time around but suppose if I did it’s because they were fairly equivalent. Do you know if that’s still the case? No reason for me to leave them at home and get T-money cards, right?

Cashbee does work, yeah, but it’s not as widely used outside of the major cities. As per their own website “Transportation : Bus, Subway, Taxi (Some buses at Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, Gyeongbuk, and Gyengnam Will be available later on.)” Those are all large provinces in Korea and if you plan to travel to more places in Korea, T-Money might be a better option as it works in those places (as far as I know). The only place I’ve had a problem with T-Money is Sokcho, so maybe bring both just in case.

Hi! Thank you so much for the info. For the T-money vending machines in the airport, do they open 24 hours? My flight arrives at 2AM-ish, and I wonder if I can still get the t-money 😀 Thank you

Yes, they should be open 24 hours. I haven’t actually checked in the early hours of the morning, but I don’t see any reason for them to turn them off. If the machines aren’t available, you can always try at a convenience store instead.

Thanks a lot!

Is it still 2,500 Korean won, (Feb 2024) if you know?

I believe the base card is still 2,500 KRW, but the cost depends on where you buy it. Most places at Incheon Airport charge a bit more because they offer T-Money cards with their own designs, but usually no more than 3,000 or 4,000 KRW. If you get a WOWPASS , which is only 5,000 KRW, you get a T-Money card included with that.

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Transportation Cards

Home Transportation Useful Tips Transportation Cards

Some attractions subject to closure or limited entrance due to COVID-19. Please check before visiting.

Tmoney and Cashbee are transportation cards that can be used on public buses and subways in several different metropolitan cities and locations throughout the nation. With this transportation card, travelers can save the hassle of purchasing single journey subway tickets for every ride and enjoy discounts on rides during transfers from one bus to another, one subway line to another, or from bus to subway or vice versa (within a transfer time limit). Tmoney cards can be divided into a basic Tmoney card, integrated cards, foreigner exclusive cards, customized card, and mobile Tmoney. Tmoney cards can be used as a transportation card as well as a method of payment at affiliated stores. Cashbee card also functions as a transportation card and a method of payment at affiliated shopping centers and convenience stores.

From 2,500 won

Areas of use

Retail locations.

Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Ministop, etc.) bearing the Tmoney or Cashbee logo in areas of use listed above. * Tmoney card can also be purchased from ticket vending and card reload devices inside subway stations within the Seoul metropolitan area.

Reload & refund locations

All retail locations   * Card price and service fee of 500 won are not refundable. Travelers are advised to load their card in small amounts as the refund process for over 50,000 won can be complicated and time-consuming.

To use the card for public transportation in Seoul, you must tap your card when boarding and getting off buses or entering and exiting subway stations. Transfer discounts are also available, limited to four times a day, within a transfer time limit of 30 minutes (up to 1 hour from 21:00 to 07:00 next day). However, the transfer discount will not apply if you are transferring to the same numbered bus even if it’s within 30 minutes or re-entering the same subway station after exiting.

Upon boarding the bus, place your card on the sensor located at the front of the bus until it beeps. The sensor will display the amount charged on the top and the remaining balance at the bottom. Before getting off the bus, place the transportation card on the sensor located at the rear doors of the bus until it beeps. If you do not tap your card before getting off the bus, you will not be able to benefit from the transfer discount.

Place your card on the sensor located on top of the subway turnstile until it beeps. The sensor will display the amount charged on the top and the remaining balance at the bottom. If you are transferring, the amount charge may appear as “0” (zero). Upon arriving at your destination, tap your card at the sensor on the turnstile again in order to exit.

In a taxi with the Tmoney or Cashbee logo affixed, inform the taxi driver that you want to pay with a transportation card, tap your card on the terminal, and your taxi fare will be automatically paid from your transportation card’s balance. However, please note that this payment method will only work if there is enough balance on your card to pay the full fare.

Seoul Transportation Fare Information (Transportation Card vs. Cash)

<mode of transportation>.

• Adults: Tmoney: 1,250 won / Cash: 1,350 won
• Teenagers: Tmoney: 720 won /Cash: 1,350 won
• Children: Tmoney: 450 won /Cash: 450 won

Blue Bus (main line bus) / Green Bus (branch bus)

• Adults: Tmoney: 1,200 won / Cash: 1,300 won
• Teenagers : Tmoney: 720 won /Cash: 1,000 won

Green Bus (village bus)

• Adults: Tmoney : 900 won / Cash : 1,000 won
• Teenagers: Tmoney: 480 won / Cash: 550 won
• Children: Tmoney: 300 won / Cash: 300 won

Yellow Bus (circulation bus)

• Adults: Tmoney: 1,100 won / Cash: 1,200 won
• Teenagers: Tmoney: 560 won / Cash: 800 won
• Children: Tmoney: 350 won / Cash : 350 won

Red Bus (rapid bus)

• Adults: Tmoney: 2,300 won / Cash: 2,400 won
• Teenagers : Tmoney: 1,360 won / Cash : 1,800 won
• Children: Tmoney: 1,200 won / Cash: 1,200 won
• Adults: Tmoney: 2,150 won / Cash: 2,250 won
• Teenagers : Tmoney : 1,360 won / Cash: 1,800 won

* Children and teenagers are eligible for discounts only upon registration of their date of birth at the retail location after card purchase. (ID required. Adults who take advantage of youth discount privilege are subject to a fine of 30 times or more of the card price.)

* To use the subway with cash, purchase a single journey ticket from the ticket vending machines. The fare will depend on the final destination, in addition to a 500 won deposit. The deposit can be obtained by returning the card to a Card Refund Deposit machine after exiting at the final station.

* Distances under 10 km by subway cost the base fare, with an additional 100 won charged for each 5 km increment for travel distance 10-50 km, and 100 won additional for each 8 km increment over 50 km.

How to Use Tmoney Card Reloading Device

- Tmoney: www.tmoney.co.kr (Korean, English) - Cashbee: www.cashbee.co.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)

Related pages

- City Buses - Subways - Taxi

This page was last updated on September 10, 2021, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.

T-Money Cards in Seoul – A Complete Overview for Foreigners

Overview hide, where can you buy t-money cards, how much do t-money cards in seoul cost, how/where can you recharge your card, can i get a refund for the balance left on my t-money card, how do i use my t-money card, should i rescan my card when exiting the bus.

A rechargeable transportation card is a must for any foreigner traveling to Korea . South Korea’s transportation system runs on rechargeable smart cards and smart devices. These smart cards are called T-Money cards in Seoul . They are used for subways, buses, taxis, and at some convenience stores like CU/GS25/7-Eleven. T-Money cards are embedded with chips that are readable by card-reading machines. These machines are installed in all Seoul subways, buses, and taxis. However, you don’t have to get a card as this chip technology can be put into key chains, rings, bands, and even portable memory sticks. Below we will guide you through the most commonly asked questions regarding T-Money cards in Seoul . If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave your questions in the comments below.

You can buy T-Money cards at most retail convenience stores, such as GS25 , CU, 7-Eleven, and kiosks near bus stops. They can also be purchased inside subway stations if they have T-Money Card machines that dispense Them. The newer rechargeable machines will all have options for buying a T-Money card.

If you want to immediately buy your T-Money card when arriving at Incheon International Airport, there will be a CU convenience store near Gates 5 and 10 of the Arrival section.

Depending on the design, a T-Money card will cost between 2,500 and 5,000. You can get your T-Money Card with your favorite K-pop star or group.

You can recharge your T-Money card at most retail convenience stores, such as GS25, CU, Ministop, and 7-Eleven. Place the card on the card reader and pay the cashier the amount you want to go on the card. However, most people charge their T-Money cards at subway stations. There are charging machines inside all subways.

There will be an English option that will guide you through the process. Through this machine, you can reload your T-money card or even purchase a new T-money card. In order to recharge your T-money card, simply place your T-money card in the charging area and select the amount of money you would like to add, insert your cash and the T-money card will be loaded with that amount.

Yes! This is something most foreigners who visit Korea don’t know. Most take their T-Money card with a balance when they leave Korea. However, you can get a refund by handing your T-Money card to any staff member inside Subway Station’s help desk. The refund will be given in cash (Korean won) along with the card. Just ensure it is not over 20,000 won, as that is the max they will be allowed to refund.

For subways, there will be an area with a “tab here” sign where you can put the T-Money Card. Tap your T-Money Card, allowing you to go through the turn gate once scanned. The card balance will be shown immediately, so you will know exactly how much you have remaining on your card. All you have to do for buses and taxis is tap the NFC area. You can even pay with your T-Money card at convenience stores. Therefore, if you ever need a quick Korean snack , pay using your T-Money card.

Yes! When transiting to another bus or subway, you will get a 100 won fare discount. You will get the added discount if you’re transferring within 30 minutes. Make it a habit of scanning your T-Money card when exiting a bus, even if you don’t think you will be transferring.

Now armed with this information, it is time for you to check out all the free things to do in Seoul .

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Hallo, Can I use the TMoney Card also to travel form Seoul to other places in Korea and in other provinces? What is the best deal to buy separate cards for sim and transport or 2 in 1?

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Survival Tips for Travelers to Seoul: T-money Card

 In South Korea, travelers can buy a Single Journey Ticket or a rechargeable card called  T-money Card . We advise you to get a T-money Card as it is a magic wand that will make your journey super convenient!

These cards can be used not only for all the buses, subway, and taxis but also as a method of payment at affiliated stores.

1. Where to Buy Your T-money Card

You can easily purchase the basic T-money Card at retail convenience stores, such as CU, GS25, Ministop, and 7-Eleven. The card itself costs KRW 3,000 . There is a variety of T-money cards with cute designs from Kakao Friends, BT21, and many more. These special T-money cards can cost extra money.

If you’re already in Seoul, you can even find T-money cards of your favorite idols and celebrities at vendors in Myeongdong and Hongdae underground shopping centers. 

2. How to Reload or Refund T-Money

There are 3 ways to recharge your T-money Card.

1) Use a ticket vending machine that is located inside all the subway stations and train stations.

• Select your preferred language on the screen (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese).
• Click the third button with the T-money logo on the far right and touch the “Reloading the transit card” button.
• Place your card on the loading pad and then select the amount of money you want to add.
• Insert a coin or cash and wait briefly while your T-money card completes reloading.
• Confirm your T-money card’s balance.

2) Newstands near a bus stop with a display of the T-money sign. You can find them usually next to the subway station exits and entrances.

3) Head over to almost any convenience stores. This is the easiest way to recharge your card! Just hand your card to the cashier, let them know how much you’d like to add and pay.

Tip: Some Student IDs offer the T-money card service, but may not be recharged at convenience stores. Therefore, find the closest subway station to reload your card.

Top-up: You can top-up the card in the unit of KRW 1,000, in the range of KRW 1,000 to KRW 90,000. The amount of money deposited in the Tmoney card may not exceed KRW 500,000.

Refunds:  You can get a refund at all retail locations, however, the card price and service fee of KRW 500 are nonrefundable. Partial refunds are available only for amounts between KRW 10,000 and KRW 50,000 and will be refunded in units of KRW 10,000. (Plate money cards only) Therefore, it is suggested to charge your T-money card up to KRW 50,000.

3. How to Use T-Money

First, you should keep in mind that you must tap your card when boarding and getting off buses or entering and exiting subway stations. Transfer discounts are available, but they are limited to four times a day , within a transfer time limit of 30 minutes (up to 1 hour from 9pm to 7am the next day). If you are transferring to the bus with the same numbers or re-entering the same subway station after exiting, the transfer discounts won’t be applied even if you are transferring within 30 minutes.

1) Bus: When you get on the bus, place the card on the sensor. It will tell you how much money has been charged and remained. If an error occurs, give it a second or two, and try again. If this continues, the bus driver will let you know what the issue is. When you exit the bus, tap the sensor one more time to get a discount on the transfer. If you don’t tap your card before getting off the bus, you won’t be able to get the benefit of a transfer discount. You can enjoy 4 discount transfers in a day.

• Tip : Make sure you tap your card again and you hear a beep. If you don’t, you will be charged extra for the distance traveled.

2) Subway : When you enter the subway station, place the card on the sensor until it beeps. It will show the amount charged on the top and the remaining balance at the bottom. If you are transferring, you won’t be charged and the amount that appears on the sensor will be zero. Tap your card again upon arriving at your destination and then you will be able to exit the gate. If an error occurs, press the red “help” button, and the staff will come and help you.

3) Taxi: Not all but some taxis do accept T-money as a form of payment. Look out for the signs of the “T money” logo on the taxi and inform the driver that you want to pay with a T-money card. Please be aware that you should have enough balance on your T-money card in advance to pay the full fare.

When you arrive at your destination, simply tap your card on the sensor and the screen above the gray box (see picture below) will let you know your remaining balance.

4. T-Money Only for Foreigners 

1) unlimited data sim card (5~60 days) + t-money card.

If you need a SIM card and T-money, get this data-only SIM card & T-money combo to stay connected 24/7! You can conveniently pick it up at Incheon International Airport Terminals 1 & 2, Gimpo International Airport, and Gimhae International Airport (Busan). You can still use the T-money card even after your SIM card expires. Click here to get 17% OFF on Trazy!

2) Discover Seoul Pass 

With Discover Seoul Pass , you can explore the tourist attractions in Seoul with special discounts! You can gain free admission to over 50 major tourist destinations in Seoul including palaces, museums, and more. Check out the free admission attractions here . Also, you can take advantage of getting 10~15% discounts at over 100 tourist sites including traditional experience and DIY activities. Check out the special discount benefits here . The pass duration options are 24, 48, and 72 hours . You can pick it up at Incheon International Airport Terminals 1 & 2, Gimpo International Airport, and Myeongdong Tourist Information Center. The t-money card function is optional.

3) Korea Tour Card

With this card, you can enjoy various discount benefits for shopping, F&B, culture, tour, and entertainment, such as ski resorts, aquariums, theme parks, and many more!  It costs KRW 4,000 and you can buy it online on the Korea Tour Card website or on-site at various service points .  To pay public transport fares using this card, you should top-up it at a convenience store or a subway station. Up to KRW 500,000 can be loaded and only Korean Won is accepted. Check out more information here .

4) AmazingPay T-money

With this card, you can get a 10% discount when taking an airport limousine! There are also discount benefits for various tourist attractions, F&B, and cultural performances, such as Lotte World, 63 Square, NANTA, and many more. It costs KRW 50,000 (credit KRW 46,000 + card fee KRW 4,000) in cash only (Korean currency). You can buy it at the airport bus ticket office (No. 4 & 9 gates at 1F Incheon Airport Passenger Terminal) or CU Incheon International Airport branch. Check out more information here .

5) Alipay T-money

This is a T-money card for Alipay users, the payment app used by most Chinese people. It’s KRW 23,500 (credit KRW 20,000 + card fee KRW 3,500) and it’s available for purchase on the Alipay in Chinese Yuan. The price in Yuan is subject to change according to the daily exchange rate. It can be used for shopping at retail brands, including convenience stores, marts, bakeries, cafes, theme parks, cosmetic shops, and many more. Check out more information here .

If you’re looking for a train pass that travels throughout all Korean regions, we recommend a KR Pass or an Express Bus ! Also, don’t forget to read the blogs below to learn more about the transportation system in Korea for your hassle-free trip.

A Complete Guide to Public Transportation in Seoul

• Getting Around Seoul: Finding the Right Travel Pass
• How to Travel by Train in South Korea Pain-Free with KR Pass

Don’t forget to visit Trazy.com , Korea’s #1 Travel Shop , for more tips and advice about new locations and things to do in Korea!

[Photo Credit]

• Newsis.com (https://newsis.com/ar_detail/view.html?ar_id=NISX20160502_0014058544&cID=10401&pID=10400)
• Business Korea (https://trazy.com/things-to-do/korea?ch=0004&label=tmoney card guide&link_id=14786)
• inews24.com (http://www.inews24.com/view/738044)
• News Wire (https://www.newswire.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=306729)
• VisitKorea Official Website
• Korea Smart Card 
• T-money Official Website

61 thoughts on “ Survival Tips for Travelers to Seoul: T-money Card ”

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Thanks for the run down on t-money cards! We’re on a bus in Busan now and your post helped us immensely. 🙂

Hello Thomas & Katherine! Very glad to hear that it helped you guys out. 🙂 Have a great trip in Busan!!

If you need to purchase a t-money card once you are in s.korea, is the money you pay for the card in us dollars or korean dollars. I will be going to S.K in a few months and will be there for about 10 days

Thanks so much for this! I will be traveling to SoKor for the first time and I am gathering as much info as possible. Thanks again!

You’re welcome. Hope you have a great time in South Korea! 🙂

• Pingback: Trazy’s Survival Tips for Travelers to Korea: Seoul’s Public Transportation System – TRAZY.COM

Hi, thank you for your informative post! I have a question though, it is possible to recharge the T-money in Busan? I have read somewhere that you can use the T-money in Busan but not able to recharge it there.

Hello! The T-money card itself is rechargeable, so it is possible to recharge T-money in Busan as well. 🙂

Thank you so much for your prompt reply!

You’re welcome!

Hi, I was wondering because we are travelling to Busan first before heading to Seoul. Would we still be able to get a T-money card or do we need to purchase another card instead in Busan?

Hello jbeano! If you are going to travel both Seoul and Busan, we recommend you to purchase T-money card as you can use the card in both cities. Hope this answers your question! 🙂

hi there is it possible to recharge t money card using my credit card as payment? thank you

Hi memee manaol! Credit card option is not available for tourists. Please be noted that it’s available only for very limited credit cards which are issued in Korea. Instead, you can recharge T-money card at any subway stations and convenience store with T-money sign with cash.

HI THERE TRAZY THANK YOU SO MUCH. YOURE REPLY WAS SUCH A RELIEF! SO HELPFUL. THANKS AGAIN.

HI AGAIN TRAZY IM PANNING TO GET AN EG SIM CARD BUT NOT SURE WHICH ONE TO GET. MAY I ASK THAT IF I GET THE UNLIMITED ALL DATA WILL I BE ABLE TO USE VIBER ON THAT SIM. BECAUSE ALL DATA SIM CARD DOESNT ALLOW CALLS INCOMING OR OUTGOING. I WANT TO KNOW HOW IT IS WITH VIBER? THANKS AGAIN

Hi memee manalo! We advise you to purchase this SIM card via the link, https://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/korea-sim-card-prepaid-mobile-data-eg-sim-card . With this SIM Card, you are able to use mobile data and also make or receive local and overseas voice calls. Hope this info helps!

Hi, I am traveling to Busan first, before going to Jeju & Seoul. Is it possible to buy T-money card in Busan? Where can I buy it in Busan? According to some references I found, there are Hanaro Card & MyBi Card available in Busan.

Hello Lilik! Sorry for the belated reply. Yes, it’s possible to buy T-money card in Busan at convenience store chains like GS25, CU and Seven Eleven, or from ticket vending and card recharging devices inside subway stations as well. We highly recommend T-money Card because you can use it in both cities, Busan and Seoul, where as the usage of Hanaro Card and MyBi Card is limited to Busan and its neighboring cities. Hope this info helps! 🙂

Hi thank you very much. Your information is really helpful.

Hello! May i check if the T-money card price is still 2500won and is it possible to top-up ~10,000won for the first time or is there an fixed amount? Thanks!!

Hello JyKel! Yes, the basic T-money Card costs 2,500 KRW and there is no fixed amount when you charge for the first time. You can top up any amount from 1,000 KRW to 90,000 KRW at a time and up to 500,000KRW in one day. Hope this answers your question! 🙂

Kindly update your article please! the basic card itself is 4,000 won and maybe your article is too old and you haven’t updated the new price.

Hello, thank you for your comment. The basic card itself is 3,000 won. We will make every effort to update the article as often as we can. Thank you!

Hi Trazy, I would like to recharge my T-money card with credit card. You mentioned that it is possible to do that in convenience stores. Do all stores accept that? 7-11, GS25, CU? Could you teach me how to request for credit card topup in Korean? Would be really helpful!

+are there any extra charges by using credit card to recharge the T-money card?

Hi Kinlet 🙂 Unfortunately, the credit card option is available only for those who have a specific credit card (Pop-new Woori V Card), which is issued in one of the banks in Korea. If you are planning to visit T-money card during your trip in Korea, please top up the balance at any convenience store/subway stations in cash. Recharging is available at any convenience store that has the T-money sign at the entrance.

Thank you Trazy! was hoping to not bring so much cash but no choice ><

Where can I top-up a T-Money card using Credit Card for payment?

Hi Garry 🙂 If you are a traveler, credit card option is not available. Please recharge your T-money card at subway stations or at a convenience store with cash. If you have a credit card issued from Woori Bank (one of the banks in Korea), you can top up at Woori bank ATMs or at GS convenience store.

hi trazy, i am travelling from seoul to busan. i have purchased from your guys the Seoul Discovery Pass which also acts as a T-Money Card. As i understand from your replies above, the T-money option is available in Busan for top up and usage in Metro and Buses. How about using the T-money for purchases at shops? Also how about refunds? if i have balance money, how do i get a refund?

Hi Bob Yu, Unfortunately, we do not provide booking service for the Discover Seoul Pass at the moment. T-money purchase is available depending on the shop. We highly recommend you to check the details directly with each shop 🙂

My family of 4 is traveling in Korea next week. Can we all use the same T-money card and scan it 4 times to ride the subway, or do we each need a card? Can we purchase it with U.S. dollars, or do we need to convert to KRW first? Thanks.

Hi Janel 🙂 Unlike public buses, each person must have their own T-money card to use the subway. T-money card can easily be purchased at retail convenience stores such as CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven. The card itself costs from 2,500~4,000 KRW (USD not available) depending on the design.

Hi. does my son (below 2 years old) need to have t-money card to use the subway too? or he can travel using the subway for free?

Hi Dye, Children under 6 years old are free of charge (up to 3 children). Your son may use the subway for free in Seoul.

Hi, Can i use the T-money card to take intercity bus from Busan to Gyeongju and local buses in Gyeongju? Thank you.

Hi May, It is not possible to purchase intercity bus tickets with T-money card but you can use it for local buses in Gyeongju.

Hi Trazy. I have two tmoney cards, one is empty and the other has some cash. Can I pass the money from one to another?

Hi, Vitoria! Please inquire it to T-money customer center.

Hi, I live in Muju and want to try using it on the buses (they use Cashbee but I know its interchangeable). Do I need to tap on AND off? I have seen people who use Cashbee only tap on and NOT off. I’m just confused, I don’t want to be charged twice. Thank you!

Hi Ayunda! We are sorry for the late reply. If you aren’t transferring to another bus or metro, you don’t need to tag the card when you get off from the bus.

Hi Trazy! Do you happne to know where to get the tmoney cards from gimhae airport? I’ve read online that it is pretty difficult to get it there a few years back. So I’m wondering if its more common now. Look forward to your reply!

Hi Joshua! You can purchase the Tmoney card at most of the convenience stores in Korea.

Hi, If I use the Discover Seoul Pass as a Tmoney does the first use of Tmoney start the countdown of my 72 hours or does it only begin after I use it for free admission to an attraction?

Hello, please send your inquiries to [email protected] Thank you!

Can I top up my T money card with American Credit cared or debit card or you have to use only cash? If cash, can I use US dollars?

Hello, we couldn’t find information that T money card can be recharged with overseas credit card or debit card. We recommend you to use cash in Korean won. Please check the link https://www.t-money.co.kr/ncs/pct/ugd/ReadFrgnGd.dev for more accurate information. Thank you!

Hi.. ive had a problem with my tmoney today.. ive been lacked of balance when i exit.. and i had no choice but to exit and reload my card.. when i enter again the subway it works.. but when i exit again error comes.. whenever i tap it it says error.. i had no xhoice but to exit again.. would there be a problem for me here in korea?

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Korean T-money Card Quick Guide

Korea is a country where cash is rarely used, even when using public transportation. Instead, most people use credit cards with transportation card functionality. By using a T-money card , you can enjoy a more convenient and affordable trip in Korea!

1.1 What is T-money?

Think of T-money as a transportation card used in Korea. It can be used on buses, subways, taxis , and more throughout the country. You can also use it at convenience stores, vending machines, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and other places displaying the T-money mark.

1.2 How to Use

Tmoney is a rechargeable card that eliminates the hassle of purchasing bus and subway tickets each time. When you use the card for transportation, you automatically receive a discount of around 100 won. Additionally, if you transfer within 30 minutes (between bus-subway or bus-bus), you can use the transfer with just a small additional fee. However, transfers within the same bus route are excluded.

To Purchase and Recharge

2.1 how can i purchase t-money in korea.

You can purchase and recharge T-money at convenience stores with the T-money mark and subway self-service machines . The transportation cards are sold for around 3,000 to 5,000 won. Purchasing and recharging can only be done with cash , and you can recharge in increments of 1,000 won (ranging from a minimum of 1,000 won to a maximum of 90,000 won per recharge). Using the self-service machines at subway stations is a convenient way to recharge.

2.2 Additional Discounts for Children and Teens!

If you are traveling with children or teens, pay attention to this. When purchasing the card, you can register their date of birth at the point of purchase to receive additional fare discounts for children and teens. While it’s also possible to register on the Tmoney website, it doesn’t support English, so it’s recommended to register at the point of purchase. You can receive discounts ranging from 20% to 50% , so don’t miss out on the benefits!

When using buses or subways and getting off, don’t forget to tap your transportation card! Otherwise, additional fees may be charged.

3.1 Transfers

With T-money, you can make transfers within 30 minutes . If you transfer between buses and subways or switch to a different bus route, you can enjoy discounted fares. Depending on the distance, you can use other modes of transportation for a reduced additional fee of around 100 to 400 won.

3.2 Refunds

If you still have a remaining balance on your Tmoney card when you’re leaving Korea, there’s no need to worry too much. You can receive a refund for the entire amount, excluding a refund fee of 500 won, as long as your card is still functional. You can utilize this refunds service at convenience stores or customer service centers within subway stations.

Korea Tour Card: T-money Card for Foreigners

Among the T-money cards, there is a T-money card specifically for foreigners. It can be purchased directly at Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport for 4,000 won . In addition to the same transportation card discounts, it provides additional discounts for shopping, restaurants, performances, and more!

Please refer to the Korea Tour Card website and the accompanying leaflet for more details on how to make the most of this card.

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A Complete Overview of T-Money Card

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Make your trip to South Korea hassle-free with convenient cashless payments using the T-Money Card which doubles up as a transportation card as well.

T-money is a type of rechargeable card that can be used to pay for transportation fares in and around Seoul and other areas in South Korea. It can also be used to pay for items in convenience stores and other businesses instead of using cash or credit cards. T-money works like a debit card. T-money Co., Ltd, which is operated by Seoul Special City Government, LG CNS, and Credit Card Union, manages the T-money System.

Table of Contents

Why is It Necessary in Korea?

The T-money card makes public transportation in Korea much more convenient. Instead of fumbling for coins or paper tickets every time you take the bus or subway, you can just tap your card and go. The cards can also be used on taxis, some private buses, and even at some stores and vending machines.

It can be used for a lot more than just travel in Korea. With it, you can now purchase things such as bottles of water and taxis on various islands. This is especially helpful for visitors who don’t want to carry a lot of cash around.

How to Get a T-money Card?

Many convenience stores sell T-Money cards, such as GS25, 7-Eleven, and CU. In some subway stations, T-Money payment terminals are available. You can buy a T-Money card from any of the newer devices that recharge them. If you want to get your T-Money card right after landing at Incheon International Airport , you can go to a CU grocery store near Gates 5 and 10 in the Landing area.

What are the rates of T-Money Cards in Seoul?

The card costs 2,500 KRW. There are many different types of T-money cards, each with its own unique design. You may even get it with your favorite K-pop star or group.

How to recharge?

Recharging your T-money Card is possible in three ways.

• Use a ticket vending machine installed inside all subway and train stations.
• Choose your preferred language (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) on the screen.
• Touch the “Reloading the transit car” button after clicking the third button with the T-money logo on the far right.
• Slide the card onto the loading surface and then enter the amount of money you wish to spend.
• Insert your T-money card and wait for it to reload.
• Confirm the balance of your T-money card.
• You can find newsstands near a bus stop that display the T-money sign. They are usually next to the subway station exits and entrances.
• Some convenience stores, such as GS25 and CU, have machines where you can reload your card. This is the simplest method to charge your card!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 티머니 l Tmoney (@tmoney_insta)

T-Money Card: How to Use It?

You should first remember to tap your card when boarding buses or entering and exiting subway stations. You can save on your trips, but only up to 4 times each day and for a maximum of 30 minutes each time. If you switch to a different transportation line or come back to the same metro station within half an hour, you will not get the transfer savings. It can be used in South Korea for a variety of things. Here’s a summary of each one:

Bus:  To ride the bus, put your card on the sensor. The machine will display how much money is left on your card. If there is a problem, wait a few seconds and try again. If there is still a problem, the bus driver will help you. When you get off the bus, tap your card to receive a discount on the next one. You won’t be able to earn the benefit of a transfer price if you don’t tap your card before getting off the bus. In a single day, you may use up to four discounted transfers.

Subway :  When you enter the subway station, place the card on the sensor. The sensor will beep and show how much money was taken from your card and how much money is left on your card. If you are transferring, you will not be charged, and the sensor’s amount will be zero. When you get to your destination, tap your card a second time and you’ll be able to exit the gate. If something goes wrong, press the red “help” button to contact a representative.

Taxi:  Only some taxis accept T-money as a payment. On the taxi, look for the “T money” sign and tell the driver that you want to pay with it. 

When you get to your destination, simply press your card on the sensor and the screen above the gray box will show how much money you have left.

Restaurants and Café

The T-Money card is useful when buying minor products, like cold drinks or snacks. You can also use it for other products and activities, as long as the T-Money sign is visible.

In Korea, you can pay with your card wherever the T Money logo appears.

Is it possible to get a refund for the remaining amount on my T-Money Card?

If money is left on your T-Money card, you can get a refund by handing in your card to any Subway Station help desk. The cash (Korean won) refund will be provided with the card, and it will be equivalent to the amount paid. Just make sure it isn’t more than 20,000 won because that is the maximum amount they are allowed to return.

Some Tips For Using The T Money Card

Here are a few quick pointers to help you make the most of the T-Money card while traveling in Korea. :

1: Make sure to check your balance while you are traveling, so you don’t run out of money by accident.

2: Don’t add too much money each time. You should add between 20,000 and 30,000 won. But if you don’t plan on traveling much, you might not need to add as much.

3: You might want to get one as soon as you reach, or even before arriving.

4: When you are shopping in convenience stores, use your card. This way, you will not have to carry a lot of change.

The T-Money card is a useful tool while traveling in South Korea. It makes getting around much easier, and you’ll save a lot of money. Be sure to check your balance so you don’t run out by accident! Thanks for reading, and happy travels!

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Anyaa is a versatile writer with an insatiable wanderlust and a deep love for all things Korea. Her passion for exploration and storytelling shines through in her diverse articles covering every aspect of Korean travel. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the tranquil beauty of Jeju Island, her articles serve as a virtual passport for readers, providing them with insider tips, detailed itineraries, and practical advice to ensure an unforgettable journey through Korea.

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KOREA TOUR CARD

• Smart Tourist Information System

Korea’s public transportation system is well-known for being convenient, inexpensive and clean. The KOREA TOUR CARD is a transit card for international tourists. Use it to pay for different types of public transport and enjoy a wide range of benefits offered by some 180 tourist attractions, performance venues, restaurants, shops, and many others in South Korea!

Going to visit Busan, Yeosu, Tongyeong, or other southern coastal areas? Use KOREA TOUR CARD Namhaean Coast. Some 220 benefits offered by existing KOREA TOUR CARD affiliates and by special attractions of the Namhaean coast are waiting for you.

How to purchase KOREA TOUR CARD

KOREA TOUR CARDs are available in airports, major convenience store branches, vending machines in subways, banks, etc. at KRW 4,000. (Money for transportation should be added separately)

For more information on KOREA TOUR CARD online reservation, visit the website.

Mobile KOREA TOUR CARD

Mobile KOREA TOUR CARD is the mobile app version of the KOREA TOUR CARD. With the NFC function of your mobile phone, users can use it to pay not only for public transportation (subway, bus, taxi, etc.) but also for purchases at Starbucks, McDonalds, and convenience stores. Don’t miss out the benefits for cultural events and tourist destinations provided to you on the KOREA TOUR CARD.

Just run the App on boarding!

Charge and refund with your credit/debit card

Check balance anywhere, anytime!

Precautions

Before use, check your wireless connection and make sure NFC is enabled.

Enable the app and use the card when the screen is turned on.

Works only on mobile phones with Android OS 5.0.1 or above and NFC function.

The credit card/debit card supports VISA / Master / JCB / Amex / Union Pay only.

Where to Purchase

Where to Top Up and Refund

KOREA TOUR CARD can be topped up at the following locations.

Please noted that the card price(4,000KRW) is not refundable.

Inquiry: 1330 Korea Travel Hotline

KOREA TOUR CARD’s maximum balance cannot be more than 500,000 KRW.

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Wander with Jin

The Seoulo Wanderer

in Korea Travel Guide · July 18, 2019

T-Money a Transportation Card for Tourists

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T-Money a Transportation Card for Tourists, this article is about how to use it, recharged it and where to purchased it. A card that a tourist must-have. Here are some guidelines and tips for you K-wanders.

In Korea, we all know that transportation cards are the ones we use every day upon taking the buses nor subways. There are 4 types of payments that can be used when taking public transportation in Korea. Being a traveler or tourist in Korea, T-money is one of the things must-have. 

4 Types on How to Pay Bus/Subway Fare

• T-Money Card : This is a prepaid transit card, known as a T-money card that can be used until the balance runs out. This card can be recharged to continue using it. It can be purchased and recharged at convenient stores or using the “Ticket Vending and Card Reload Device” that we can see inside the subway stations. This is the most common transportation card that a tourist can have during their travel to Korea.
• Credit Card: Locals mostly use credit cards upon paying for their transportation because you don’t need to recharge the card before using it. The total amount of transportation fees will be included in their credit card payments.
• Cash: If you don’t have a credit card and the t-money card was run out of money, you can still pay cash. Coins and 1000 won bills are accepted but you cannot pay using bigger bills like 5,000 won, 10,000 won, and 50,000 won.
• Single Journey Tickets: Single journey tickets can be purchased from the “Ticket Vending and Card Reload Device” that you can see in subway stations. You’ll pay 500 won for one ticket where you can return afterward in the”Deposit Refund Device” after arriving at your destination.

Checking the Bus/Subway Fare and Remaining Balance

When you take a bus or subway you need to tap your transportation card, but do you know what’s the 요금 and 잔액 means? Do you know how much you have paid and how much remaining balance you have on your transportation card?

You can see that in the picture (left, subway terminal; right, bus terminal ) that they have the same 요금 and 잔액 . 요금 means fare and 잔액 means balance . Whenever you take the bus or subway, you can check this all the time so you can monitor how much money left on your card and this will help you to know when do you need to reload your card.

But, you haven’t checked how much money in your card and you are worried about taking the bus or subway, don’t worry there’s another way on how to check your balance.

Going to the nearest convenience store (like CU, 7-11, GS25, and MiniStop) near you is the fastest way to know how much money left on your card. Just ask the staff to check your balance by saying “내 카드 잔액을 확인해 주세요” (Ne ka-kadeu jan-ek-oul hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo) means “Please kindly check the balance of my card”. If you want to recharge your card you can say “ 내  카드를 충전해 주세요” (Nae ka-deu-reul chung-jeon-hae ju-se-yo) means “Please kindly reload my card)

Another way is by using the “Ticket Vending and Card Reload Device” you can also check your card balance.

How to reload your t-money/cashbee using the “Ticket Vending and Card Reload Device”

Select “ENGLISH” for you to understand better how to reload your card. Select the option “RELOADING T HE TRANSIT CARD” . ( Free tickets are for the older citizen of Korea and single journey tickets are for those who doesn’t have t-money cards.)

After selecting the designated language that suits you, you need to put your transportation card in the square box below. Let it stay there until you finish reloading your card. Do not remove it while the machine is processing.

Select the amount you wish to reload. F a tourist who will not stay longer or will just stay in Seoul for about a week 30,000 won is enough.  But if you will travel going to the province you can charge the card around 50,000 won.

(NOTE: But if you are using KTX, the ticket should be purchased at KTX stations or you can do reservations online.) Don’t worry if you have left money in your card it will not expire and you can use it again when you came back to Korea.

Upon choosing the amount you want to reload in your card, you can not insert the bills. Pay an exact amount and do not use higher bills unless you’re reloading 30,000 won to 50,000 won.

After inserting your payment, please wait until the reloading is complete. After completion, you can remove the transit card already. When the “Reloading has been completed” screen appears you can now remove the card. You can use this card in city buses, provincial buses, taxis, subways. You can also use this in convenient stores like CU, 7-11, Ministop, and Gs25 to pay for your goods.

Other Information:

※ You can get a 100 discount on each ride when you use a transportation card. However, foreign tourists like children cannot receive children’s discount the same as Korean children in Korea.

※ Children ages 5 and under can ride for free. (Up to 3 children allowed per adult.) Want to make a personalized transportation card? Read here: How to Make a Personalized Transportation Card First-time traveler in Korea? Check this article, Guide and Tips on Using Subway and Bus

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P.S. Let us connect with each other! Find me on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Twitter , and  Pinterest . You can also contact me by using this  contact form .

Reader Interactions

February 25, 2021 at 11:15 am

The convenience of having this kind of card! I use a Japan-version when I was in Japan. And here in Melbourne, I use the myki card. We just tap and go!

February 25, 2021 at 1:40 pm

Most countries talaga are cashless na when it comes to transportation. I will have to keep this in mind whwn we go visit.

February 25, 2021 at 3:34 pm

This is similar to the one we had when we travelled to Hong Kong 3 years ago, but I only got to experience buying the single-journey tickets. I hope we can also visit South Korea in the near future, and when that happens, I’ll remember the tips you shared here about T-money transportation card. Very helpful!

February 25, 2021 at 3:43 pm

I think that we’re on our way here. Public transport nowadays since the lockdown has been cashless except that I dont think reloading is done by machine yet, just like in Korea. But soon!

February 25, 2021 at 4:28 pm

Yes having T-money transpo card is very convenient just make sure na topped up ano? so example you frequent naman visiting SoKor, like quarterly, you can use ba that same card, or does it expire or you have to return it?

February 25, 2021 at 4:34 pm

Yes you can use the same card, if wala ka namannplan bumalik you can refund the remaining balance before you leave SK.

February 25, 2021 at 9:36 pm

I wish ganto din ka convenient mag reload dito sa pinas. Makakabawas talaga to sa haba ng pila lalo sa lrt.

February 25, 2021 at 10:42 pm

Sana lahat ng countries ganito na ang ginagamit lahat no. Very efficient talaga lalo na sa mga nagmamadali pag may work. HEHE happy ako kasi dito sa Pilipinas may ganito na rin

February 26, 2021 at 12:59 am

This is a nice and safe idea instead of carrying cash all the time. How I wish they could do this here in the US too, it’s nice to see how S Korea is growing, their technology, mode of transp are really blooming.. how I wish to visit the place soon…:)

February 26, 2021 at 7:40 am

Sobrang efficient nito. Kaya ang sarap magbakasyon sa ibang bansa e. I don’t like to sound political pero kung hindi kinorrupt and NBN ZTE deal natin, we would probably have started with this. Andun na ang mga e-cards and beep cards natin e… The government must only consolidate everything and put them together para hassle free.

February 26, 2021 at 10:21 am

This can be really helpful to tourists. And will make travels convenient

July 16, 2021 at 9:22 pm

This is a very informative blog since it was all about T-Money Transportation Card, how to use it, recharged it and where to purchase it. Its really amazing they you have shared about this especially about those guidelines and tips for K-wanders. This is really helpful.

July 16, 2021 at 10:55 pm

Thankyou for sharing this po, Very informative po itong blog nyo and Very helpful po talaga itong shinare nyo about T-money transportation card. Having T-money transpo card is very convenient ❤️

July 16, 2021 at 11:19 pm

T-Money is very convenient way to pay for the fare. It’s like a nol card in Dubai. This blog is very informative and well explained. I’ll take this on mind in case I’ll have a chance to visit SK

July 17, 2021 at 9:57 am

That was very Impressive and Convenient too and laking tulong narin po nito for all the workers and people na laging nagmamadali or late sa kanilang mga trabaho.. easy to use at maganda dito makikita mo agad yung balance ng money mo sa card at pwede mo pa pong maiRefund if hindi mo na gagamitin..

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wanderwithjin

2024 Korea Tourist Card Guide: Transport, Shopping & More!

We regret not preparing our Korea tourist cards including the T-Money Card as well as other travel essentials such as the  SIM card , eSIM , and pocket WiFi on our previous Korea trips. We just winged it and thought we could easily buy them upon arrival anyway.

Don’t be like us – it pays to have these Korea travel essentials ready before your trip. This will save you the hassle of having to look for stores offering them in Korea. And, you may actually save on costs since you can strategically plan your Korea itinerary with all the benefits in mind.

Best Korea tourist cards for transportation, shopping, and e-money

1. t-money card.

It’s a no-brainer. A T-Money Card should be the first thing that you should prepare before your Korea trip. It is the most popular Korea transport card with the largest number of affiliated partners. You can mainly use your T-Money Card to pay for public transportation like trains, buses, and taxis. Aside from that, you may also use it to pay at convenience stores, vending machines, and retail brands.

Read our T-Money Card guide for more information on the costs, where to buy, and benefits.

BUY T-MONEY CARD

Cashless payments are a thing in South Korea. In fact, many stores no longer accept cash payments. With the WOWPASS , you can use it as a prepaid debit card to pay for your purchases in Korea. Aside from that, it also serves as a Korea transport card so you can pay for public transportation including trains, buses, and taxis. You can top-up, withdraw, or exchange currencies at machines found in airports, subways, and even hotels.

This special Korea tourist card offers better exchange rates than banks, airports, or money changers, and accepts 16 currencies including USD, EUR, SGD, HKD, and even PHP. What’s even better is that it also offers brand cashback benefits, which is really great for tourists who love shopping and dining in Korea. You can check your balance, history, and benefits by downloading the WOWPASS mobile app .

BUY WOWPASS

3. NAMANE Card

A NAMANE Card is a prepaid travel card in Korea you can use as payment for transport and offline purchases. But what sets this card apart from the rest is that it is customizable. This means you can design your own card, making it a cute souvenir item from Korea .

Another advantage of this Korea tourist card is that there is no authentication needed and no limit to who can use the card, so even minors can use it. You may download the NAMANE Card app to check your balance and transactions.

BUY NAMANE CARD

Best Korea tourist cards and passes for attractions

4. discover seoul pass.

If you are mainly exploring the capital city of Seoul and nearby places, we highly recommend that you get a Discover Seoul Pass . With this Korea tourist card, you get FREE or discounted access to over 100 tourist attractions in Seoul and beyond like Lotte World , N Seoul Tower , Nami Island , and so much more!

Choose from 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour validity, depending on your trip duration. The card itself also serves as your Korea transport card where you can top-up to pay for public transport.

Check out our Discover Seoul Pass guide where we discussed the benefits, costs, and sample itinerary in greater detail.

BUY DISCOVER SEOUL PASS

5. Klook Seoul Pass

If you are staying longer in Korea, we recommend the Klook Seoul Pass as it is valid for 30 days. You can handpick the top attractions you want to visit without squeezing them into a number of days like the Discover Seoul Pass, which will force you to use it within 24 hours to 72 hours, depending on what you avail.

With the Klook Seoul Pass, you have the freedom to pick the attractions you want to visit and when to visit them. Choose from 2, 3, or 4-attraction passes and get up to 52% discount. Some of the top attractions include Everland, Nami Island, N Seoul Tower, Lotte World, and COEX Aquarium to name a few.

BUY KLOOK SEOUL PASS

Korea travel essentials for communication and connectivity

6. korea sim card.

South Korea is one of the countries with the fastest internet speed so you are assured that the data from their SIM cards are of top quality. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, we recommend that you get a SIM card since it’s handy and more efficient than getting another device like a pocket WiFi. You can even get an eSIM if you don’t want to insert another SIM card into your mobile phone.

There are various Korea SIM card options to choose from. You may read our Korea SIM card guide so you can compare the prices and advantages.

BUY KOREA eSIM

7. Korea Pocket WiFi

If you are traveling in groups, we suggest that you get a pocket WiFi instead since it can be shared with up to 5 devices. A pocket WiFi actually costs less than a SIM card, but there are also disadvantages to it like the battery life may only last for 7 to 9 hours, and you need to physically return the device before you fly back home.

You may read our Korea pocket WiFi guide so you can see the costs and benefits before making a decision.

RENT POCKET WIFI

These are some of the best Korea tourist cards, transportation cards, and travel items we wished we paid more attention to and actually bought when we went to Korea. So, if we were you, secure your Korea tourist card ahead and you’ll thank us later!

Before you go, you may be interested to read our 5-day Korea winter itinerary , 5-day Korea spring itinerary , and Korean street food guide .

Popular Korea experiences

Premium accommodations in seoul.

T money card in Korea: What is it and what does it do?

Some links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you purchase something through my links I may make a small commission at no extra charge to you. See my disclaimer .

Travelling around a new country can seem complicated, especially if it’s a completely new transport system to deal with.

In Korea, the best way to navigate the transportation systems around the country is by using some helpful apps as well as a T Money (transportation) card.

I’ll be honest when I first moved to Korea on a working holiday visa, I was nervous as I didn’t speak a word of Korean and didn’t think I’d be able to find my way around very easily. Luckily I was made aware of the T Money card which helped make paying for each journey as seamless as possible.

Now, I’m paying it forward as I want to help you all in the same way.

I’ll be covering what exactly a T Money card is, why they’re useful, how they’re used, and anything else that might help you travel around Korea!

If you arrive in Korea on a working visa, check out this post on how to get yourself set up as an expat .

Don’t forget to get travel insurance to cover you if something bad happens. One company I have personal experience with is Safety Wing . Not everyone needs the same coverage, so make sure you get a personalised quote that suits you and your trip plans.

When you need to transfer money or check exchange rates during your overseas trip, consider using Wise . They have competitive rates and make exchanging foreign funds easy. I’ve been using them since 2015.

What is a transportation card in Korea?

T Money & Cash bee are brands of transportation cards. They’re small, plastic and roughly the size of a bank card that allows you to top up cash and use it for travel around metropolitan areas.

In large cities like Seoul and Busan, these cards can be used for the underground metro, overground trains as well as buses. They can be used in most large cities in the country which means you don’t have to get a new card for each destination you visit. This is convenient for tourists and those on work visas who don’t yet have an ARC or Korean bank account.

Locals with a bank here have the option to pay for their journeys using their bank card (similar to the TFL system in London). However, at the time of writing, foreign bank cards do not allow you to tap in and out on the subway machines.

Where to get a T Money card in Korea?

It’s very easy to get a T money or transportation card in South Korea and you have multiple places to choose from. One place to get these cards is using a subway station card machine.

The other option is to head over to one of the many convenience stores in the cities and purchase one there.

Some typical stores to find these cards are: 7-Eleven , Daiso , CU , Ministop and GS25 to name just a few.

These cards are normally purchased at a cost of 2,500 won at the counter which is roughly £1.60. Simply ask the staff and they will get one for you. If the store carries different types of cards you’ll be able to choose which one you like best (more on the different picture cards later!)

How to top up your Korea T Money Card?

There are two main ways to top up (ie add money to) your T Money card in Korea,

• Top it up in a convenience store
• Top it up using the machines in the subway

To top up your T Money card in convenience stores, it’s just as easy as speaking to the checkout staff and letting them know the amount you’d like to add.

Simply give them your card (they will place it on a small square block next to the till), then hand them the money you want on your card. It is completed pretty much instantly so you can use your card straight away afterwards.

To top up your card yourself in the subway, you can use the T Money machines. These machines are found in every subway station so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one. They always have multiple languages to choose from so you shouldn’t have any trouble using them if you can’t read Korean. Simply click the “English” button in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

You can even check your balance using the “Transit Card Balance” app which is one of the most useful apps in Korea to have. Download it on Android below:

Apple devices can’t use this app, but a great alternative is: BucaCheck-Korea Transit Card

To make sure you can use the apps throughout your trip, consider getting an eSIM with a data plan. These SIMS can be downloaded directly onto your device and used almost instantly.

How do T Money cards work?

To put it simply, as you travel using public transportation in the cities of Korea, you will need to tap your card on the card readers to activate your journey.

The general rule is you must tap in with your T Money transportation card when entering each subway in Korea and also tap out when leaving. This shouldn’t be hard to remember as the barriers will stop you from walking through the station if you haven’t tapped in.

When you tap in, a small screen on top of the barrier will beep and show you the cost of the open “ticket”. When you finish your journey and tap out the other side, you will see the total cost of the whole journey you have taken as well as the total balance remaining on your card.

It is also slightly cheaper to transfer from one transport type to another on the same journey – but only if the transfers are within 30 minutes of each other. The only exception to the discount is if you leave the station and reenter the same one.

When using the bus, you need to tap when you get on, and you only need to tap off if you plan on transferring.

To learn about the most accurate costs relating to transport fares with (or without a card) check out this link which will take you to the T Money transport website.

Where can you use T Money Transportation card in Korea?

So we’ve already spoken about how they are used in most metropolitan areas, but let’s get more specific before your trip. That way, you’ll know ahead of time if a T Money card will actually be suitable for your trip to Korea.

In alphabetical order I have listed the cities below and where they accept the T Money cards for payment:

• Busan (Lines 1-4, Busan-Gimhae Light Rail & the Donghaenambu Line)
• Daegu (Lines 1-3)
• Daejeon (Line 1)
• Gwangju (Line 1)
• Incheon (Lines 1-2)
• Seoul & Gyeonggi-do (Lines 1-9, Airport Railroad, Shinbundang Line, Uijeongbu LRT, Suin-Bundang Line, Gyeongchun Line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Yongin EverLine, Ui-Sinseol Line, Maglev Line, Seohae Line, Gimpo Goldline and lastly the Silim Line)

Bus Regions that accept T Money cards

Chungju, Yeongdong, Cheongju, Okcheon, Danyang, Jecheon, Jincheon, Goesan, Boeun, Eumseong, Jeungpyeong

Cheonan, Asan, Hongseong, Gongju, Nonsan, Cheongyang, Boryeong, Yeongi, Yesan, Geumsan, Buyeo, Taean, Seosan, Seocheon, Dangjin, Gyeryong

All areas available by bus

Pohang, Yeongju, Mungyeong, Sangju, Andong, Gumi, Gyeongju, Gimcheon, Uljin, Uiseong, Gyeongsan, Yecheon, Ulleung, Chilgok, Yeongcheon, Cheongdo, Seongju, Goryeong

Tongyeong, Geoje, Changwon, Yangsan, Haman, Miryang, Sacheon, Sancheong, Hadong, Changnyeong, Hamyang, Jinju, Goseong, Geochang, Namhae, Hapcheon, Gimhae, Uiryeong

Daejeon (BRT), Daegu, Ulsan, Gwangju, Busan, Sejong (BRT)

Gunsan, Wanju, Sunchang, Jeonju, Gimje, Imsil, Iksan, Jinan, Gochang, Jeongeup, Buan, Namwon, Muju, Jangsu

Yeosu, Mokpo, Gwangyang, Naju, Hwasun, Haenam, Jangseong, Muan, Hampyeong, Damyang, Gurye, Gangjin, Goheung, Boseong, Yeongam, Suncheon, Gokseong, Jangheung, Yeonggwang

What else can T money cards be used for?

Not only can these cards in Korea be used for transportation, but they can also be used for making small purchases in convenience stores.

For convenience (get it?) you can buy bottles of water or small snacks using the existing balance of your T money card instead of having to carry cash around with you.

This is helpful if you need to buy something small but forgot to take your wallet or if you get stuck without your bank card.

You can only make purchases in this way if you see the T money symbol. If this symbol is not shown at the point of purchase, you won’t be able to pay this way.

Different versions of transportation cards in Korea

Typically, T Money and Cash Bee cards in Korea only have their logo on the front and are of a simple design. From time to time, these cards will have different designs on them to advertise an upcoming event or just add a little bit of colour to an otherwise simple card.

As a lover of all things bright, I love cute cartoon character designs better than the originals.

Some themes and examples of popular T Money cards are below:

• Little Muzi
• K-Pop band Seventeen
• BT21 cartoon designs
• BTS photo cards

Note: Not every style of card will be available at every convenience store. I’ve been to many 7-11s and only found the black cards, yet my friends had different experiences.

Occasionally there are even machines that allow you to upload your own image to have printed onto the cards, however, many of these machines are hiding (I haven’t spotted one in a while at any subway stations so keep an eye out).

What T Money card will you choose?

Need help planning your trip?

Check out how to plan a trip abroad & see my travel resources for more. WayAway – Great for booking flights. They even have a cashback feature for those who fly frequently. Skyscanner – A comprehensive comparison website showing where to purchase flights. HostelWorld – The biggest selection of hostels & sociable accommodations. Booking.com – The largest collection of accommodations worldwide. Safety Wing – A travel insurance brand for long-term travellers and nomads. Airalo – An eSIM card company that lets you stay connected during your trip. Wise – Perfect for transferring foreign currencies. iVisa – For applying for tourist and visitor visas. Viator – Great for finding tours and activities worldwide. Get Your Guide – Another company for finding activities. Klook – Have some of the best activity deals in Asia.

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• Seoul Travel Blog

Seoul Public Transport: Getting Around Seoul

· Updated April 11, 2023 THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS

Where to buy T Money card? How to use Seoul public transport? What are the Seoul Subway operating hours? Where to find a Seoul subway map in English? Is there a Seoul Subway pass for tourist?

Seoul is a huge mega city which is stretched over 605.2 km², not a surprise if you know there are over 10 million people living in Korea’s capital. With so many inhabitants, it is no wonder that the Seoul public transport system is excellent. Not only is the whole city well connected, using public transportation in Seoul is affordable, fast and convenient to use for foreign visitors. Read on to learn more about getting around Seoul.

What To Know About Seoul Public Transport

1. t money card, 2. m pass card, 3. discover seoul pass, 4. pay by cash, 5. korean bank card, 1. seoul subway, 2. seoul bus, 3. seoul taxi, 4. seoul city tour bus, 5. seoul city bike, seoul navigation apps, frequently asked questions.

• Data: To navigate on the transportation in Seoul you’ll need a WiFi connection. Get data or a WiFi egg upon arrival at the airport and never get lost again. More info here.
• Water : Compared to other countries in Asia, tap water in Korea is some of the safest water. In many subway stations, you’ll fund water fountains, so don’t be afraid to use them.

Seoul Public Transport: Tickets

Even though you can buy individual tickets for the Seoul subway, it is recommended to buy a Seoul transportation card. These cards can be used on the bus, subway and taxi in Seoul and the rest of the country. The benefits of using a T Money or other transport cards are listed below.

• Each ticket for the bus and subway is 100 won cheaper than when buying individual tickets
• Saves time . Once in a while you need to top up your card instead of buying a ticket for each ride.
• No additional fare when transferring between bus and subway (up to 5 free transfers). Without a transportation card you will end up paying two fares. This free transfer only counts if you get onto another bus or metro within 30 minutes after leaving the previous one. Between 9 PM and 7 AM, it is within 1 hour.

There are different types of transportation cards available to buy, but for most travelers getting a simple T Money Card will be good enough.

A T Money Card is a rechargeable card used to pay transportation fees and it can be used on all public transportation in Korea including buses, subways and taxis. A T Money Card can be purchase online and be picked up at Incheon Airport upon arrival, delivered to your home or bought at any convenience store (cash only) and tourist information centers . The price of the card is between 2500 and 4000 krw. The price depends on the design which is on the card. The fare for the subway using the T Money card on the subway is as follows:

Note: when buying a T Money card for children under 19, make sure to mention this to the sales person.

An additional fee is charged for the Airport Railroad Line and the Sinbundang Line. After 10 kilometers, an additional fee of 100 won is charged for every additional 5 kilometers.

1.1 Buy T Money Card Online

Listed below are different T Money Cards that can be purchased online. Check what package suits your needs and where the pick up point is located.

• T Money Card – 3500 krw – Incheon Airport Pick Up – Buy here
• T Money Card – 3500 krw – Taoyuan or KL Airport Pick Up – Buy here
• T Money Card – 3000 krw – Malaysia Home Delivery – Buy here
• T Money Card – 2400 krw – Incheon Airport Pick Up – Buy here
• 4G Sim Card + T Money Card – 23 000 krw – Incheon Airport Pick Up – Buy here

1.2 Korea Tour Card T Money

If you are planning on doing a lot of shopping while in Seoul, it might be worth buying the special Korea Tour Card from T Money. This card is exclusive for foreign travelers and it offers additional discounts at department stores and touristic attractions. This card costs 4000 krw and can be purchased at convenience store in major tourist areas, Incheon Airport Railway Travel Center and Seoul Metro vending machines. The card works just like a regular T Money card. More info here.

1.3 T Money Refund

If you have money left on your T Money card and want to get a refund you can go to any convenience store and ask for a remaining balance refund. This is only possible if the balance is between 500 krw or 20 000 krw. If you balance is over 20 000 krw you need to go to the Smart Card Office ( address: 10th Floor, Seoul City Tower #581, Namdaemunro 5ga, Jong-gu, Seou, 100-741). 500 krw is charged when asking for a refund.

An M Pass is a Seoul subway pass for tourist traveling multiple days (also valid in Jeju). The pass offers 20 rides a day from the moment the pass is activated. Normally tourist won’t take 20 rides a day but if you need to be all over the city, this pass might be worth it. The pass can be bought in Incheon Airport, Seoul Station and Myeongdong Tourist Information Center. More info here.

The Discover Seoul Pass is a special pass for tourist coming to Seoul. The pass is a T Money card and gives instant free access to over 35 attractions. Additionally, the card offers discounts for certain big department stores and performances in Seoul. If you are planning visiting major sites and attractions, this pass is really worth it. The DSP can be purchase online for Incheon airport pick up or in major tourist information centers in Seoul. The passes bought online are 5% cheaper then on location purchases. More info here.

Note: the special BTS limited edition Discover Seoul Pass does not have the T Money function.

To use the DSP as a T Money card it first has to be topped up. The card can be topped up in the subway and convenience stores. Initially there is no credit on the card. When the 24/48/72 hours of the card run out, you can continue to use the card as a transportation card.

Instead of buying a transportation card, it is also possible to purchase individual tickets on the Seoul public transport like bus or subway. This can only be done using cash and it has a couple of disadvantages. Namely, each ride is 100 won more expensive than when using a card and when transferring from bus to subway an additional ticket has to be purchased.

4.1 Pay By Cash In Subway

Single journey tickets can be bought at the vending machines located in each subway station. The instructions on the machine are in English and are very straightforward. Namely: pick the English menu, select ‘Single Journey Ticket’, pick your destination, select the amount of passengers, insert cash into the machine.

When purchasing a single journey ticket a 500 krw deposit is required. You can get back the deposit upon arrival at the destination when returning the card.

4.2 Pay By Cash In Bus

Upon entering the bus, next to the driver there will be a money box which you can put your cash money in. Try to pay the exact amount in coins or bills and avoid paying with bills over 10 000 krw as you will receive your change in 100 krw coins.

If you are permanently living in Korea and have a Korean bank account, you can go to your bank and get a bank card which is both a debit card and T money card. This means you won’t need to recharge your transportation card and you get charged once a month. The money gets taken automatically from your bank account. This card can be used on all public transportation methods in the whole country including on the bus, subway and taxi. The transportation fare using a bank card is the same as when using a T Money Card.

Seoul Public Transport

Listed below is everything you need to know about using the Seoul public transport system. It includes how to use the metro, buses, city tour buses, taxis and city bike.

The metro or subway is a convenient type of Seoul public transport as its easy to use and fast. You can get from one side of the city to the other in less than an hour. The total distance of all the subway lines in Seoul is 287 km, with 70% of this running underground. On the Seoul subway network there are over 22 subway lines, 291 subway stations and it connects Seoul, Incheon, the Gyeonggi and Chungnam province. The subway is by far the most convenient way for getting around Seoul. An English Seoul subway map can be found here .

Each subway line has its own colour and name in both Korean and English. In all subway stations and inside the Seoul metro all maps, signs and announcements will be both in English and Korean. On popular lines these will also be in Chinese and Japanese.

Note: bikes can be brought on the subway (except for the Sinbundang line) but only in the last carriages and on weekends. Small pets are allowed on the subway, only if they can be carried in a bag or stroller.

1.1 Seoul Subway Operating Hours

The Seoul subway operation hours are from 5:30 to 24:00, but this differs from line to line. The estimated travel time between two stations in central Seoul is 2-3 minutes and the time it takes to transfer in between 2 lines is usually around 3 minutes. Most trains come every 5 minutes, but again, this differs from line to line.

1.1 Seoul Subway Fare

The starting price for a regular subway ticket using a T Money card is 1250 krw for the first 10 kilometers. For every 5 kilometers and additional charge of 100 krw will be added. After 50 kilometers an additional charge of 100 krw will be charged per 8 kilometers.

The Incheon airport railroad line and Sinbundang line are the only lines that are more expensive than the other lines.

Using the Seoul bus is very convenient, but for first timers to Seoul, taking the bus is more difficult than taking the subway. Most main bus routes have signs in both English and Korea but there are quite a few buses and bus stops that don’t. Many bus drivers in Seoul speak no or little English.

There are 8 types of buses running in Seoul and each one has a different colour. Namely the blue, green, yellow, red, long distance, town, airport and midnight bus. Each bus has a different fare and operation frequency.

1.1 Seoul Bus Fare

The most common type of bus, the blue and green one have a starting fee of 1200 krw for an adult. After the first 10 kilometers you will be charged an additional 100 krw per 5 kilometers. Children under the age of 6 ride the bus for free if they are accompanied by a guardian (maximum 3 children).

If you want to get somewhere fast and you don’t mind paying a bit extra, than getting a taxi is another good option, especially when traveling in group. Taxis in Seoul are rather inexpensive compared to other countries in the world and they are easy to find. Just a 5 minutes wait at the side of the pavement and you’ll get a taxi. Standard taxis can fit up to 4 people. Tip : if you are planning on using taxis regularly, install Kakao Taxi App. On the app you can request a taxi and see the ratings of the driver.

Note: during peak hours it is not recommended to take a taxi, getting there by subway will be way faster as you can be stuck for hours.

3.1 Types Of Seoul Taxis

There are 5 different types of taxis, each with a different colour. The standard taxis are the orange, white, grey and sky blue taxis. These are mid-sized sedans and are the cheapest ones to take. The sky blue taxi is an electronic taxi which was only introduced earlier this year. Deluxe taxis are black and more comfortable than regular taxis, they are also more expensive. The black jumbo taxis can accommodate up to 10 passengers, these are more expensive, but usually due to the size of the group it works out cheaper per person. International taxis are orange but have a sign on the top of their taxi saying ‘international taxi’. The drivers of these taxis can speak a foreign language like English or Japanese. These taxis are more expensive than regular taxis.

If you are going to or coming from the airport it is recommended to book a taxi online, you can leave the time and pick up address when booking. This is more convenient than waiting at the side of the street and certain taxis won’t be willing to take you to the airport as then they have to drive all the way back. Book a taxi here.

3.2 Seoul Taxi Fare

The fare depends on the distance and the type of taxi you’ll be taking. Listed below are the fees for the regular and deluxe taxi. Each taxi has a meter and the taxi driver should turn on the meter when starting to drive.

3.3 Paying In A Taxi

There are 3 ways of paying in a taxi, by card, cash or using the T Money Card. Make sure to ask for a receipt when leaving the taxi, just in case you would forget your wallet or phone, you can call the number on the receipt.

It is acceptable to tip taxi drivers in Korea. Normally tipping in South Korea is not done, but when paying with cash in a taxi you can tell the driver to keep the change.

There are Seoul City Tour Buses driving around the major attractions in Seoul to make visiting the highlights easier for foreign tourists. For only 18 000 krw (13 000 krw for the Gangnam Tour) you can use the city tour bus all day and get off or on at any stop you want. There are 4 different courses to pick from, namely the Downtown Palace Namsan Course, Panorama Course, Night Course and the Around Gangnam Course. Tickets have to be purchased in advance online or at one of the ticket selling points in Seoul. Buy tickets for here .

The last option is the Seoul City Bikes which can be rented at multiple points around Seoul. Renting one of these bikes is especially worth it when spending time at the Han River . A map of all the Seoul city bike points can be found here .

If you have a Discover Seoul Pass , you can rent a bike free of charge. Otherwise it is 5000 krw for one day or 1000 krw per hour (less than 5 hours).

When looking to use the Seoul public transport like subway or bus it is recommended to download some of the navigation apps on your smartphone. The best apps to have are Seoul Subway, Kakao Maps or Naver Maps.

The Seoul subway app is the best to navigate on the Seoul Subway. The app is in English, doesn’t require an internet connection and gives real time updates. Download it here. More info here if you want check the Seoul subway map English desktop version. If you want to use the bus then getting Kakao Maps or Naver Maps is necessary. For using Kakao or Naver Maps an internet connection is required and most of the text on the app will be in Korean. Google Maps also works in Korea when it comes to taking the bus or subway. It doesn’t work for navigating in a car or on foot.

You can pay for public transport in Seoul using a T-money card, which is a rechargeable card that can be used on buses, subways, and taxis. You can purchase a T-money card at convenience stores or subway stations, and recharge it with cash or a credit card.

The subway system in Seoul is extensive and efficient, making it a popular option for getting around the city. Buses are also widely available and can be a good option for shorter trips or if you need to go to a specific location that is not easily accessible by subway.

Yes, public transport in Seoul is generally very safe. There are CCTV cameras installed on buses and subways, and there are often security guards or police officers present at major stations. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you to prevent theft.

Like this post about getting around Seoul using public transport. Why not pin it ?

Are you coming to Seoul and will be using the Seoul public transport system? Have any questions about getting around Seoul? Is there anything to add to this article? Let me know in the comment section below.

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This is a really great article! Although I did not read ‘every’ word, there was one thing that jumped out at me because of my own experience. Regarding transfers using the T-Money card, when leaving a bus to transfer to another, you must ‘check out’ of the bus with the card. Otherwise, when going to the next bus for transfer, you’d be charged again as if starting out. I paid ‘double’ a few times! This point is worth mentioning, I think.

Ah yes! This happened to me so many times in the beginning… I will include this in the article. Thanks for pointing it out.

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DON’T MISS OUT

How to Recharge Your T-money Card in Seoul, South Korea

• Post author: Tim Stadel Clausen
• Post category: South Korea
• Post published: July 4, 2022

Once you’ve acquired a T-Money card for public transportation in Seoul, Busan, and the rest of South Korea, it’s time to use it.

Before you can use your T-Money card, though, you need to charge money onto it, also known as reloading the card.

There are two ways to reload your T-money card – by using the square machine on the counter in convenience stores or by using the card reloading machine located in every subway station. I found it most convenient to use the reloading machine in the subway.

Recommended Read: Where to Buy Bed Linen and Sheets in Seoul, South Korea

To recharge your T-money card in a convenience store, head up to the counter and tell the cashier that you wish to reload your T-money card and the amount you wish to add. Then place the T-money card on the square machine on the counter and give the amount you wish to charge in cash. They only accept cash for recharging.

To recharge your T-money card in the card reloading machine, head to any subway station and find the Ticket Vending and Card Reload Device machine, which can be found before the card check-in area, and then follow the instructions on the screen – find detailed steps below.

Table of contents

How to recharge your T-money card in South Korea

Once you have purchased a T-money card and are ready to travel around Seoul, Busan, or another city in South Korea, you need to charge money onto the card.

The T-money card cannot be used before you put money onto it, and it doesn’t come with any money on it upon purchase unless you buy it in a convenience store and ask to add money to it as you purchase it.

There are two ways to reload your T-money card. You can either go to a convenience store and reload it at the counter by asking the cashier, or you can use the card reloading machine, which you can find inside all subway stations.

I’ve personally found it most convenient to use the reloading machine in subway stations, as you come by those all the time when you’re traveling around, and you don’t have to interact with anyone.

Whether you choose to recharge your T-money card in a convenience store or in a subway station, you’re going to need cash , as you cannot recharge your T-money card with cards.

To recharge your T-money card in a convenience store, head up to the counter and ask the cashier to recharge or reload your T-money card. You then have to tell them the amount you wish to add, give them the amount in cash, and then place the T-money card on the square machine located on the counter. The cashier will then add the amount to the T-money card.

You can find convenience stores everywhere, and you can recharge your T-money card in nearly all of them. To find the nearest convenience store, if you don’t see any, use either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps.

To recharge your T-money card at a card reloading machine in a subway, head to the nearest subway and look for a machine that says Ticket Vending and Card Reload Device. These machines are usually located right before or close to the card check-in area.

Once at the Ticket Vending and Card Reload Device machine, follow these steps to reload your T-money card:

• Click ‘English’ at the bottom of the screen
• Click Reloading the transit card on the right side
• Place your T-money card in the Ticket Vending and Card Reload slot below the screen
• Select the amount that you wish to charge onto your T-money card on the screen
• Insert cash bills and or coins under Bills and Coins under the screen to match the amount you’ve chosen
• Upon adding at least the amount you’ve selected, your T-money card will have the selected amount added

If you add more cash than the amount you chose to recharge your card, you will get the difference back after the card has been reloaded.

Remember to take your card with you from the machine after you’ve reloaded it.

That’s how to recharge your T-money travel card in South Korea!

Have any input or questions? Let us know in the comment section below.

Tim Stadel Clausen

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Top 100 biggest tourist traps worldwide

Glen Luke Flanagan

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 7:25 p.m. UTC Nov. 21, 2023

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When you’re planning the perfect vacation, you don’t want to spend your time or money on a tourist trap that disappoints. To help you avoid a case of destination letdown, we turned to the treasure trove of data found in online reviews that can help savvy travelers make the most of their vacation planning.

In July 2023, we analyzed 23.2 million Google reviews of the 500 most popular tourist attractions in the world, spanning 65 countries in six continents. For each attraction, we asked a simple question: How frequently do the reviews mention the terms “tourist trap,” “overrated” or “expensive”?

We compared attractions to one another by measuring the relative frequency of these mentions, dividing the number of mentions in each case by the total number of reviews for that attraction. We break down our findings, so you are armed with the information you need before planning to visit a popular tourist destination, and offer tips on how to travel in a way that’s good for your wanderlust and your wallet.

Key findings

• The Four Corners Monument (in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah) is the No. 1 tourist trap in the world, according to our analysis.
• The Blue Lagoon in Iceland and Penang Hill in Malaysia are the top tourist traps in Europe and Asia.
• The Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia had 397,905 reviews on Google, as of our analysis, and not a single one mentioned “tourist trap.”
• The California Academy of Sciences, Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the South Carolina Aquarium are the most overpriced attractions in the United States.
• Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon, is the most overrated tourist attraction in the world.

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Top 100 tourist traps worldwide

With the distinction of being the only place where four states meet — Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah — the Four Corners Monument sounds pretty cool. It’s also 30 miles from the closest gas station, so it might appeal to travelers seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, this attraction also topped our list in terms of the percentage of disgruntled reviews. Of 10,839 reviews analyzed, 139 flagged this spot as a tourist trap.

Meanwhile, Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin got the most mentions of “tourist trap” in the reviews we analyzed of any tourist attraction in the world, with 400 out 76,269 reviews flagging it as one. This spot is a popular stop for travelers because of its historical significance as a border crossing during the Cold War, when the city was split in half between West Germany and East Germany.

Top 25 tourist traps in the U.S.

Eight of the top 10 tourist traps in the world, as determined by our analysis, are in the U.S. Three of the top tourist traps involve paranormal phenomena — witches, ghosts and UFOs.

Those spots are the Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts, Calico Ghost Town in California and the International UFO Museum and Research Center in New Mexico. Each location had a number of reviews mentioning "tourist trap," so it seems some visitors left feeling disenchanted.

Most overpriced attractions worldwide

The U.S. is home to the third most overpriced attraction in the world, according to our analysis of reviews mentioning the word “expensive,” with spots in Iceland and Canada taking first and second places. Coming in at most overpriced is the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, with prices starting at $67 per person but nearly doubling during peak times. This is followed by the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver where tickets are $69.95 per person when you purchase them at the ticket window. The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco comes in third for an entry fee that makes consumers grumble at $49.75 for an adult ticket during a peak visiting time.

It seems that Americans feel aquariums are overpriced in general, with aquariums in South Carolina, Maryland, California and Georgia making the top 50 in our list.

California has seven of the top 25 most overpriced attractions, with Tennessee coming in next with three spots in the top 25 — including Elvis Presley’s Graceland, at No. 5 in the world.

Most overrated attractions worldwide

Unless you just really love doughnuts, one spot you might want to skip on your next vacation is Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon. At least, you might want to skip it if you care about reviews, because our analysis found it to be the most overrated attraction in the world.

Rounding out the top five most overrated attractions are the following:

• The Little Mermaid in Denmark.
• The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Japan.
• The Manneken Pis sculpture fountain in Belgium.
• The Hollywood Walk of Fame in California.

Tips on how to avoid tourist traps

Get recommendations from your travel card concierge.

Your travel card may provide access to a concierge which can help with travel research, planning and booking. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees ) is a luxury travel card (as evidenced by its $695 annual fee) with a slew of perks and protections, including a highly regarded concierge service. Contact your concierge early on in your vacation planning and tell them you want to go off the beaten path and enjoy unique experiences rather than known tourist traps.

Consider where your rewards can take you

It’s no secret that credit card rewards can help you see the world. But are you getting the most out of your stash? Let’s consider an example using American Airlines miles.

As of the time of this writing, a flight from New York to Honolulu and back at the end of October 2023 might run you anywhere from about 53,000 AAdvantage miles to well over 100,000 AAdvantage miles. By contrast, if you were to fly from New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico and back in the same time period, you might find deals in the ballpark of 24,000 or 31,000 miles. While many variables impact the exact cost, being flexible with your vacation options can save you substantially.

Plus, when opting for destinations with less sticker shock, you can still find activities and sites that are every bit as amazing as you'd find in a pricier locale. Continuing our example from above, if Hawaii's stunning rainforests initially attracted you to Honolulu, consider that Puerto Rico is home to El Yunque National Forest — the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

If you’ve piled up the points on a card that earns transferable rewards, rather than one that’s specific to a certain airline or hotel chain , you can do even more shopping around. Compare the cost of booking award travel on the loyalty transfer partners your card offers before you commit, because the number of points or miles required can vary dramatically between different airlines.

Plus, savvy travelers know that travel credit cards sometimes offer deals, such as double value when transferring points from your card to a specific airline partner. For instance, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® offered a deal on Aug. 1, 2023 where cardholders with Bilt Silver Status could get double the number of Virgin Red points for their Bilt points when transferring their rewards to the airline. Keeping a sharp eye out for deals like this could help your earnings take you farther than you’d normally go.

Finally, great deals on award travel aren’t just for people willing to pay an annual fee for luxury cards, either. See our list of best travel cards with no annual fee for budget-friendly options.

If you’re going abroad, it’s best to use a credit card without foreign currency surcharges. Check out our picks for the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees .

Follow a trusted travel newsletter

What better way to avoid tourist traps than by getting curated recommendations from a trusted source? By getting a travel newsletter in your email inbox, you can make note throughout the year of enticing destinations and enriching activities, and plan your next vacation accordingly.

For example, people with an Amex Platinum or the invite-only American Express Centurion Black Card * The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. can receive the Departures newsletter, which the issuer describes as a “lifestyle resource”. Examples of the content you can expect, based on a recent issue of Departures, include "7 Hotels Worth Planning Your Whole Trip Around" with recommendations for stays in Paris, New York City and more, and "How I Escaped City Life and Moved My Family to a Mexican Surf Town".

All information about American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

In short, smart travel recommendations are just a few clicks away — and can help you craft the dream vacation while avoiding tourist traps that might not leave you feeling fully satisfied.

Seek out lodging that isn’t part of a mega-chain hotel collection

If you have a travel rewards credit card , check if it grants you special access to a hotel collection. For example, Capital One announced the Lifestyle Collection in mid-2024, designed to be exclusively available via Capital One Travel for people with specific Capital One cards .

The Lifestyle Collection is a list of curated boutique hotels allowing guests to stay in popular destinations but avoid the crush of an overcrowded megahotel lobby.  While your choice of lodging won’t necessarily prevent you stopping by a tourist trap, finding a great stay can make it easier for you to have a wide selection of possible vacation activities.

If picking the right credit card has you overwhelmed, we’ve got you . Here are our picks for the best credit cards for every type of person.

Methodology

In July 2023, we analyzed 23.2 million Google reviews of 500 popular tourist attractions in the world, spanning 65 countries in six continents.

We focused our analysis on mentions of certain keywords that indicate a common negative sentiment among visitors. Those keywords are: “tourist trap”, “expensive”, and “overrated”.

It’s true that a few uses of these keywords do not fit in a negative context (e.g. “It’s kind of a tourist trap but we loved it!”). Based on our analysis, these positive instances of usage were not frequent enough to be statistically significant, and in any case, they are consistent enough across attractions to cancel each other out.

We began with a list of 1,600 tourist attractions for consideration, before narrowing to our final 500. We removed from this list, with only a few exceptions, all national parks, state parks, lakes, and mountains. We also removed sports stadiums. The list was further reduced based on the total number of reviews submitted for each attraction.

All reviews analyzed were written in English.

For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page .

*The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Glen Luke Flanagan is a deputy editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint credit cards team. Prior to joining Blueprint, he served as a deputy editor on the credit cards team at Forbes Advisor, and covered credit cards, credit scoring and related topics as a senior writer at LendingTree. He’s passionate about helping people understand personal finance so they can make the best decisions possible for their wallet. Glen holds a master's degree in technical and professional communication from East Carolina University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Radford University.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card review 2024: rewards, benefits, and more

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers generous travel rewards for a reasonable annual fee, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers who prioritize earning points on hotels, airlines, and dining expenses.

Marc Guberti

Marc Guberti is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) and Bankrate contributor. He also writes articles on finance and investing for US News & World Report, InvestorPlace, Benzinga, and other publications.

Hanna Horvath

Hanna Horvath is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Bankrate's senior editor of content partnerships.

Updated April 24, 2024, 2:34 PM EDT

Fox Money is a personal finance hub featuring content generated by Credible Operations, Inc. (Credible), which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. The Fox Money content is created and reviewed independent of Fox News Media. Credible is solely responsible for this content and the services it provides.

Advertiser disclosure: Content provided by Bankrate.com. Fox and its content partners earn compensation from the affiliate companies below. This content doesn’t include all available offers, and compensation may impact how and where links appear in the content.

The new Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card is a great travel card with a reasonable annual fee. This card is best for frequent travelers thanks to its unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel, and 1X points on all other purchases.

In this review, we'll dive into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card, helping you determine if it's the right fit for your wallet.

Key takeaway

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers great rewards on hotels, airlines, and dining expenses alongside travel protection benefits, making it a valuable tool for those who spend heavily in these categories and want to maximize their travel rewards.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

• 5X points back on hotels and other great travel rewards
• Generous welcome bonus
• Annual statement credit for airfare purchases
• No portal that restricts which travel purchases qualify for bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel protection benefits
• Rewards primarily focused on travel and dining categories
• No introductory APR period
• $95 annual fee

Key features

• Unlimited 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x  points on other travel and dining, 1x on other purchases
• $50 annual airfare statement credit 

Travel protection benefits 

Benefits and rewards.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card comes with a generous welcome bonus of 60,000 reward points after spending $4,000 within the first three months. This bonus can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, giving you a head start on earning points. 

One of the most attractive aspects of this card is its unlimited reward structure. Cardholders earn 5X points on hotel bookings, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently stay at hotels. 

The card also offers 4X points on airline purchases, helping you accumulate points quickly when booking flights. For other travel expenses and dining, you'll earn 3X points, while all other purchases earn 1X points.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card costs $95 per year, on par or lower than many other comparable travel credit cards. 

You’ll also get a $50 annual statement credit for any airline booking (with a $50 minimum airline purchase), effectively reducing the annual fee to just $45. This credit can offset the cost of flights, making your travel even more affordable.

Redeeming rewards

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is a flexible travel card, which means you can transfer points to hotel or airline partners.

Co-branded cards often offer 2X-5X points on travel and may restrict which airlines or hotel chains you can use points with. For example, an American Airlines credit card often requires you to board an American Airlines plane to get the maximum points back. 

Unlike other travel cards, you don’t have to use Wells Fargo’s travel portal to earn bonus points when booking travel. For example, you can earn 5X points on travel purchases with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , but you must make those purchases within the Chase Travel℠ portal to earn the bonus points.  

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card doesn’t have this type of restriction. Also, unlike many other cards, there’s no cap on the rewards you can earn, says David Shipper, Strategic Advisor at Datos Insights. 

This card offers trip cancellation, reimbursing you up to $15,000 for non-refundable expenses such as lodging, flights, and activities if your trip is canceled for a covered reason. This benefit provides peace of mind when booking travel, knowing you're protected against unforeseen circumstances. 

The Autograph Journey card also offers other travel protections, such as trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, and auto rental collision damage waiver. These benefits can save you money and hassle in travel disruptions or mishaps.

Considerations and downsides

While the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers impressive rewards, there are a few potential downsides.

The card comes with an annual fee of $95, which may be a deterrent for some (especially when there are plenty of solid no annual fee cards on the market). But, the $50 annual statement credit for airfare effectively reduces the annual fee to $45, making it more manageable. 

“The card comes with a $95 fee, which many consumers will not want to pay. However, that fee is in line with other travel-related credit cards (if not a bit lower) and will more than offset by the card's many bonus features,” Shipper says. 

Another drawback is that the card's rewards are focused primarily on travel and dining. If you don't spend heavily in these categories, you may be unable to maximize the card's rewards. 

Additionally, the redemption options for reward points may be limited compared to other travel cards . While Wells Fargo does have a list of travel partners you can transfer points to at a 1:1 rate, the network is not as diverse or large as other competitors.  

This card also doesn’t have a 0% introductory APR offer, making it not the best choice for those who may carry a balance.

Who is the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card best for?

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who spend heavily on hotels, airlines, and dining. The lack of limits on your bonus points makes this card especially worthwhile.

But if you spend regularly outside of these categories, this may not be the best card for you. 

You’ll get 1X points back on non-travel and non-dining purchases, but that’s the minimum across the industry. You’re better off using another card for groceries, electronics, gas, and everyday purchases.

Alternatives

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card offers many perks for people who like to travel often. However, you should compare credit cards before choosing the right travel card for your finances. Here are some alternatives.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also offers 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

The card offers 5X points on travel purchased through Chase’s Travel portal, 2X on other travel purchases, 3X on dining and grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 3X points on select streaming services, and 1X on all other purchases.

The Sapphire Preferred card has a greater range of spending categories that exceed 1X points back. You’ll also get 25% more value when you redeem your points through the Chase Travel℠ portal. For example, 60,000 points can be valued at up to $750 for qualifying travel expenses. The card has a $95 annual fee.  

Capital One Venture Rewards Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards card offers a straightforward unlimited 2X miles for every dollar you spend. You’ll also earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, all for a $95 annual fee.

The new cardholder offer is 75,000 bonus miles if you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your card. The card comes with travel accident insurance.

The ability to earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase is a good perk for non-travel spending categories. However, you must use Capital One Travel to book your flights and hotels to receive the maximum bonus miles.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a good starter card for those who want to earn travel rewards but don’t want to pay an annual fee.

You can receive unlimited 3X points at restaurants, travel, gas and electric vehicle charging stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. All other purchases are eligible for 1X points. You can redeem points for travel, gift cards, and cash.

The card doesn’t have as many travel benefits but has some notable perks. You’ll get up to $600 of cell phone protection against theft or damage, 24/7 roadside dispatch, and an auto rental collision damage waiver.

You can earn 20,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 within the first three months of opening your account, which is worth up to $200 in cash back. 

Citi Premier® Card 

The Citi Premier card has a 60,000 bonus point welcome offer if you spend $4,000 after the first three months of opening your account. This card has a $95 annual fee. You can earn a $100 annual hotel credit if you spend $500 or more, helping you offset the annual cost.

The card offers 3X points back on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels. You will receive 1X points back on all other purchases. Points do not expire, and there is no limit to how many bonus points you can earn.

For a limited time, you can earn up to 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding flights) booked through Citi’s travel portal. This promotional offer lasts until June 30, 2024. 

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a straightforward card with no annual or foreign transaction fees. You’ll earn a flat 1.5X points on every purchase. You can also receive 25,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Unlike the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card, this card has a 0% introductory APR offer. You’ll get 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchase. The intro balance transfer fee is 3% for the first 60 days, and this balance transfer fee goes up to 4% after the initial promotion.

Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%-75% additional points on every purchase. Your membership level depends on your two-month combined average daily balance across your Bank of America bank accounts.

Outside of that, the card doesn’t have as many perks. It’s good for beginners who want to get started earning travel rewards. However, you may earn more rewards and access additional benefits if you use a card with an annual fee.   

The bottom line

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is a great, flexible choice for travelers with a moderate annual fee. The card also has a generous welcome bonus similar to what you will find with other travel cards.

But it’s important to consider your spending habits and travel preferences when deciding if this card is right for you. If travel and dining aren’t your primary spending categories, you may find more value in alternative cards with different rewards. Its rewards, benefits, and travel protections make this card a solid choice for travelers. 

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.  

Money: Take-home pay calculator - find out how much extra you're getting this month with National Insurance cut

Your take-home pay will likely be higher this month due to a National Insurance cut. Use our calculator to find out how much, enjoy our weekend reads and leave a comment below, and we'll be back with all the latest personal finance and consumer news on Monday.

Sunday 28 April 2024 15:22, UK

Weekend Money

• Calculate how much your take-home pay will change this month with national insurance reduction
• '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches
• Iceland's new slogan and cash for grades: What our readers said this week
• Why are mortgage rates going up?

Best of the week

• The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical and where can you go?
• Virgin Media customers share their bad experiences of customer service
• More Britons paying inheritance tax after chancellor freezes threshold - so how can you beat it?
• 'More important than a will': What are lasting power of attorneys and how much do they cost?
• 'I have a mortgage offer - will it change now rates are rising?'

Ask a question or make a comment

National insurance was cut this month, for the second time this year, from 10% to 8% on employee earnings between £12,570 and £50,270.

The change, announced by the chancellor in his March budget, impacts around 27 million payroll employees across the UK - starting this pay day.

The cut is worth almost £250 to someone earning £25,000 a year and almost £750 for those earning £50,000.

Use our tool below for a rough guide to what tax changes can be expected for most people, as there are other variables not included which might affect how much tax you pay including being in receipt of the blind person's allowance or the marriage allowance. It also assumes you are not self-employed and are under pension age...

There are also national insurance cuts for the self-employed. This includes the scrapping of Class 2 contributions, as well as a reduction of the rate of Class 4 contributions from 9% to 6% for the £12,570 to £50,270 earnings bracket.

These will impact nearly two million self-employed people, according to the Treasury.

While many campaigners welcomed the national insurance announcement last month, they pointed out that the tax burden remains at record high levels for Britons - thanks in part to the threshold at which people start paying income tax being frozen, rather than rising with inflation.

By Jess Sharp , Money team

My journey into the world of manifestation (the belief that you can attract success in your life through positive affirmations and visualisation) has taken me places I never thought I'd go.

Like woods in Edenbridge, where I stood meditating under a tree in the pouring rain. I don't yet know where my journey will end (I've been hoping for an engagement ring but my boyfriend hasn't yet seen my visualisations), but it started with a conversation with Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, one of many people who say manifestation has transformed their lives.

"About a year ago, there was something happening and I thought we just need two grand to cover the expense," Jamie, a former dancer from London, told me. "The following day £2,000 landed in my account."

It sounded like a coincidence to me, too.

But Jamie was adamant. His husband calls him "the master manifester" because of his "ability to bring in money".

"It's happened on so many occasions, like four, five times," he said. "I've become very clear on what I want and the amount of money I need and literally it can be within 24 hours that I get a phone call for a job and it's almost identical to what I asked for money-wise."

When I asked the now-psychic where the £2,000 actually came from, he said it was payment for a modelling job he had been offered.

"With manifesting you don't get caught up in the how, and often it comes in ways that you don't expect," he added, explaining it could come as the result of a claim after being in a car crash.

"It's not always coming in the way that you think but money is out there for us to take in the world. It's just having the confidence to receive it and we are worthy of it."

"Even if it is a placebo effect, does it matter?" he said.

The 43-year-old also believes he manifested his husband Fiongal after being diagnosed with cancer. While going through treatment and dating "a lot" of people, he decided to take matters into his own hands, or rather his own head, and started visualising his perfect partner.

"I decided to spend a good couple of weeks getting really, really, super clear in my mind what this person looked like. Then I started creating lists asking about personality traits, and all the things that I wanted that person to be," the former dancer said.

"The day I got the all clear from cancer I randomly met my husband and when I look at the list of the things I asked for, he pretty much ticks every single box. I really, really believe that is because I got super clear on what I wanted and I put that out to the universe to bring to me."

Jim Carrey and manifestation

If you think this is a new practice, it isn't. Jim Carrey was doing it back in the 90s. He famously wrote himself a $10m cheque for "acting services rendered" and dated it years in advance. Then in 1995, he was told he was going to make the exact amount for filming Dumb and Dumber.

The idea shot up in popularity again in 2006 after Rhonda Byrne published her self-help book The Secret.

Since then, it has hit every inch of the internet and has resurfaced on TikTok with videos posted under #manifesting accumulating a huge 13 billion views.

I tried to learn manifesting - I felt like an idiot

After hearing Jamie's story and seeing the idea was popular with so many people, I thought it best to try to learn manifestation myself. I mean, who wouldn't want money landing in their account and a work promotion from the universe?

As I stood in the woods, in the pouring rain, being told to imagine roots growing from the soles of my feet, I felt like an idiot.

I was soaking wet (of course I had forgotten a coat with a hood) and while my mind kept wandering through thoughts about being cold, if I'd hit traffic on the way home and how dirty my white trainers were getting, a gentle, soothing voice kept bringing me back to what I was supposed to be thinking about.

"How we are all connected, how the trees and plants produce oxygen that we breathe, and we breathe out carbon dioxide which they need to survive."

While some people focus their manifestation practices on being grateful to the universe, Tansy Jane Dowman believes we need to get "out of our heads, into our bodies", connect with nature and find our true selves before we can practice it successfully.

My meditation in the woods was just one part of a six-hour workshop run by Tansy, which aimed to send me off with a clearer vision of what I truly desired.

Tansy charges anywhere from £25 to £580 for her courses, which range from one-on-one sessions and an online six-week programme, to forest bathing workshops and weekend-long nature retreats.

But some courses have popped up online which cost more than £1,000.

Tansy started practising manifestation in 2018 after going through a difficult period in her life. She eventually quit her job in events management and started teaching others how to do it successfully.

"The way I manifest is not to focus on material wealth or gain. I would ask my clients what an abundant life means to them in terms of feelings, experiences, connections, people and places," she explained.

"The more authentic you are, the more of a beacon you become for those things to find you."

After spending time walking in the rain and meditating under a tree, Tansy and I sat in her dining room and explored some of the happiest moments in my life and the feelings I experienced. It became clear I like feeling accomplished, needed and excited.

We also spoke about challenging times, but the conversation focused on the positives, like how I had overcome them and what I had learned.

"It's so important to bring in your values with manifestation because sometimes we can get really confused with what we want, with social media especially," she told me.

Throughout her house, Tansy has a number of "abundance boards" proudly on display - some she has made with her children, others are from her annual January tradition of setting out her desires for the year.

"I've had some really wonderful goosebump things happen to me. I did a board at the beginning of 2020... I put a picture of a microphone on it. I just thought I really like that image and I didn't immediately place any meaning onto it," she said.

"Then as the world was shutting down for lockdown, I did a press event and I met a lady who worked for Wellbeing Radio and she wondered if I would be interested in trying out as a presenter."

She explained that some people will be very specific with their desires, like selecting a photo of the exact car they want, or the perfect house, but that isn't how manifestation works. There needs to be an element of trust in the universe giving them what they attract.

As we created my abundance board, which Tansy describes as being like a "personal algorithm", she told me to select images and words from heaps of magazines that called to me intuitively.

As you can see from the picture below, mine calls for being "financially fabulous", travelling, getting engaged (coughs loudly in earshot of boyfriend) and living stress-free.

And while I'd love a big cash injection, Tansy explained to me that money is "only a stepping stone to a feeling" and, ultimately, I'm aiming to create an emotion with it.

Manifesters more likely to go bankrupt

While all the manifestation believers I spoke to said there was no downside to the practice, a researcher has been looking into whether it really does pay off.

Based in Australia, Dr Lucas Dixon (who specialises in consumer psychology) created a scale from one to seven to rank a person's strength of belief and found those who practice it are more likely to have been victims of fraud and declared bankruptcy.

He said there was a "danger" that manifesting could become harmful if taken to an extreme level.

He found those who believe in manifesting tend to think more positively and have a confident attitude when it comes to success, and while that can be helpful in business, it can also cause them to take unnecessary risks.

"They weren't more objectively successful in terms of having higher income or higher education attainment," he said.

"We also found that they are more likely to believe in get-rich-quick schemes, more likely to take higher risks... to have risky financial investments and more likely to have investments in cryptocurrency rather than traditional stock."

Using the scale he created, Dr Dixon found those who have "very strong beliefs", ranking at a seven, were 40% more likely to have gone bankrupt.

"The danger comes in a couple of different forms," he said, explaining that a "worst case scenario" could see people getting into financial difficulty by being encouraged to "just look at the positives".

"Someone might say it's not harmful because it is really just thinking positively but I think even that can be harmful because of what you might call an opportunity cost," he said.

"You're spending time, energy and money doing something that doesn't have a lot of evidence behind it. We found it does make you feel good but you don't need to pay thousands to do it."

Okay, so back to me...

I did my manifestation course about two months ago, and I have done as I was instructed - my abundance board is up in sight inside the flat, and I often have a cup of coffee in front of it.

But, so far I'm still using a credit card, the most travelling I've done has been to work and back and there is still no rock on my finger. I have been given an annual pay rise, though, and would say I am less stressed.

Perhaps believing that I'm just doing my best and there's a chance that I'll be rewarded for that one day, eventually, in the future, maybe, is making me feel better... who knows?

Each week, Money blog readers share their thoughts on the subjects we've been covering, and over the last seven days your correspondence has been dominated by these topics...

• Iceland's new slogan
• Rising mortgage rates
• Giving kids cash for grades

Iceland's new catchphrase

We learnt on Monday that Iceland had dropped its tagline "That's why mums go to Iceland", replacing it with "That's why we go to Iceland".

The move was made to reflect the store is for everybody, said brand ambassador Josie Gibson. Readers were split - with some feeling so strongly that they're prepared, they suggest, to sacrifice those frozen Greggs steak bakes forever...

I previously contacted Iceland about their slogan because I didn't think it did single dads justice, as dads can go to Iceland too. Their response was that people understood that it's not just mums that go to Iceland. It's about time they changed the message. Dave T  

Neither I, my wife or my children will shop in Iceland again due to this stupidness and woke attitude. To hell with you [Iceland boss] Richard Walker. John  

Banks hike mortgage rates

This week we reported that high street lenders such as Halifax, TSB, NatWest, Barclays, Leeds Building Society, HSBC and Coventry had all hiked mortgage rates. 

You said...

With house prices at already extortionate levels, now mortgage rates rising again, is there any hope for first-time buyers? Honestly, the situation is so bleak, people may need to consider other countries. GenZ 

Why would this happen? So many young couples struggling to get on the property ladder. I live in Dorset - a one-bedroom flat costs from £230,000. In Scotland, one can get a beautiful two-bed house for that price. Feel sorry for all couples living down in the South. Need huge deposits. Barbs

Why are they called high-street banks? Most banks in my town have closed. Martin J

Parents offering cash for good grades

A lot of views came in after our feature exploring the positives and negatives of parents incentivising good school grades with cash...

We had scores of comments on this - with a fairly even split...

We did it for our son at GCSE time. We think it made a difference of about a grade on most subjects. Got a two-grade lift on maths. Cost us £350. Thought it was good value as it has taught him how things work in the world. Andy

The whole world is built on a reward system which symbolises access to money commensurate with effort and excellence. The Nobel prize goes with a cash reward! Tom Deggs

Employees are offered incentives for achieving targets, so why not offer kids incentives for better grades? Claire228 

But others had concerns...

I think it puts too much pressure on kids who are under enough pressure at exam time. Parents should encourage their kids to do the best they can, not add to their stress levels. Emma

Children should value their education without it being monetised. My parents expected my brother and I to have the motivation, maturity and self-discipline to work hard for our GCSEs. We both achieved all As and A*s. Eliza 

When I was at school, from 1964-83, my parents never gave me money for good exam results, because "I should want to do well for myself". No matter what my grades were, they said that they would be proud of me if I had tried my best. Cash kills self-motivation. Nicola B 

The money story of the week has been mortgage rates - with a host of major lenders announcing hikes amid fears the Bank of England may delay interest rate cuts.

Swap rates - which dictate how much it costs to lend money - have risen on the back of higher than expected US inflation data, and concerns this could delay interest rate cuts there. 

US trends often materialise elsewhere - though many economists are still expecting a base rate cut from 5.25% to 5% in the UK in June.

The reliable Bloomberg reported this week: "Still, while some economists have since scaled back their predictions for BOE cuts, most haven't changed expectations for a summer move.

"Analysts at Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Group, Capital Economics and Bloomberg Economics are all among those still anticipating a shift toward easing in June."

The publication also quoted Sanjay Raja, chief UK economist at Deutsche Bank, as saying: "Markets have superimposed the US cycle on the UK, but the US and UK are on very different tracks.

"The UK is coming out of technical recession. Inflation is falling more convincingly. Pay settlements are following inflation expectations. And crucially, real policy rates in the UK will be higher than in the US."

None of this reassurance changes the fact that financial markets, which dictate swap rates, are pricing in delays.

This week's hikes came from Halifax, BM Solutions, TSB, NatWest, Virgin, Barclays, Accord, Leeds Building Society, HSBC and Coventry.

This is what average mortgage rates looked like as of Thursday...

The next Bank of England decision on rates comes on 9 May - and pretty much no one is expecting a cut from the 16-year high of 5.25% at that stage.

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore walked 100 laps to raise nearly £40m for the NHS during the first COVID lockdown is up for sale for £2.25m.

The Grade II-listed Old Rectory is described as a "magnificent seven-bedroom property" by estate agents Fine & Country.

In a video tour of the house, a sculpture of Captain Tom with his walking frame can be seen in the hallway, while a photo of the fundraising hero being knighted by the Queen is on a wall in the separate coach house building.

Introducing the property, an estate agent says in the tour video: "I'm sure you'll recognise this iconic and very famous driveway behind me as it was home to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden, raising over £37m for NHS charities."

It comes less than three months after the demolition of an unauthorised spa pool block in the grounds of the property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

Speaking at an appeal hearing over that spa, Scott Stemp, representing Captain Tom's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, said the foundation named after the fundraising hero "is to be closed down" following a Charity Commission probe launched amid concerns about its management.

For the full story, click here ...

"Status symbol" pets are being given up by owners who get scared as they grow up, an animal charity has said, with the cost of living possibly paying a part in a rise in separations.

The Exotic Pet Refuge, which homes parrots, monkeys, snakes and alligators among others, says it receives referrals across the country, including from zoos and the RSPCA.

"They're a status symbol. People will say, 'OK, I'll have an alligator or a 10ft boa constrictor'," co-owner Pam Mansfield told the BBC.

"But when the animal gets big, they will get too frightened to handle them, and then the pet has to go."

She added people who want to get rid of the pets sometimes call zoos for help, which then call on her charity.

In some cases, owners don't have licences to own dangerous animals, she says, blaming a "lack of understanding" for what she says is a rise in the number of exotic animals needing to be rehomed.

She says people "just don't have the space" for some snakes, for example, with some growing to as much as 12ft and needing their own room.

The cost of living crisis has also forced owners to give their pets away, she says.

Her charity has also been affected by those increased costs, with the electricity bill rising to £10,000 a month at their highest, to fund things like heated pools for alligators.

Private car parks are accused of "confusing drivers" after introducing a new code of conduct - despite "doing all they can" to prevent an official government version.

The code of practice launched by two industry bodies - British Parking Association and the International Parking Community - includes a ten-minute grace period for motorists to leave a car park after the parking period they paid for ends.

It also features requirements for consistent signage, a single set of rules for operators on private land and an "appeals charter".

Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

That comes after a government-backed code of conduct was withdrawn in June 2022, after a legal challenges by parking companies.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We're flabbergasted that the BPA and the IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own private parking code after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official government code created by an act of Parliament coming into force.

"While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of."

BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: "This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists."

IPC chief executive Will Hurley said: "The single code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules."

Sky News has learnt the owner of Superdry's flagship store is weighing up a legal challenge to a rescue plan launched by the struggling fashion retailer.

M&G, the London-listed asset manager, has engaged lawyers from Hogan Lovells to scrutinise the restructuring plan.

The move by M&G, which owns the fashion retailer's 32,000 square foot Oxford Street store, will not necessarily result in a formal legal challenge - but sources say it's possible.

Read City editor Mark Kleinman 's story here...

NatWest says its mortgage lending nearly halved at the start of the year as it retreated from parts of the market when competition among lenders stepped up.

New mortgage lending totalled £5.2bn in the first three months of 2024, the banking group has revealed, down from £9.9bn the previous year.

The group, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Coutts, also reported an operating pre-tax profit of £1.3bn for the first quarter, down 27% from £1.8bn the previous year.

An unexplained flow of British luxury cars into states neighbouring Russia continued into February, new data shows.

About £26m worth of British cars were exported to Azerbaijan, making the former Soviet country the 17th biggest destination for UK cars - bigger than long-established export markets such as Ireland, Portugal and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's ascent has coincided almost to the month with the imposition of sanctions on the export of cars to Russia.

Read the rest of economics and data editor Ed Conway 's analysis here...

Rishi Sunak has hailed the arrival of pay day with a reminder his government's additional National Insurance tax cut kicks in this month for the first time.

At last month's budget, the chancellor announced NI will be cut by a further 2p - so some workers will pay 8% of their earnings instead of the 12% if was before autumn.

The prime minister has repeated his claim this will be worth £900 for someone on the average UK salary.

While this additional cut - on top of the previous 2p cut in January - does equate to £900 for those on average full-time earnings of £35,000, there are two key issues with Mr Sunak's claim:

• Once the effect of all income tax changes since 2021 are taken into account, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reports an average earner will benefit from a tax cut of £340 - far less than £900;
• Moreover, anyone earning less than £26,000 or between £55,000-£131,000 will ultimately be worse off.

In short, this is because NI cuts are more than offset by other tax rises.

We explain below how this is the case...

Tax thresholds

This is partly down to tax thresholds - the amount you are allowed to earn before you start paying tax (and national insurance) and before you start paying the higher rate of tax - will remain frozen. 

This means people end up paying more tax than they otherwise would, when their pay rises with inflation but the thresholds don't keep up. 

This phenomenon is known as "fiscal drag" and it's often called a stealth tax because it's not as noticeable immediately in your pay packet.

That low threshold of £12,570 has been in place since April 2021. 

The Office for Budget Responsibility says if it had increased with inflation it would be set at £15,220 for 2024/25.

If that were the case, workers could earn an extra £2,650 tax-free each year.

Less give, more take

Sky News analysis shows someone on £16,000 a year will pay £607 more in total - equivalent to more than three months of average household spending on food. 

Their income level means national insurance savings are limited but they are paying 20% in income tax on an additional £2,650 of earnings.

In its analysis , the IFS states: "In aggregate the NICs cuts just serve to give back a portion of the money that is being taken away through other income tax and NICs changes - in particular, multi-year freezes to tax thresholds at a time of high inflation."

Overall, according to the institute, for every £1 given back to workers by the National Insurance cuts, £1.30 will have been taken away due to threshold changes between 2021 and 2024.

This rises to £1.90 in 2027.

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Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.