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Western Union Partners with Travel Wallet for Expansion in South Korea

Travel Wallet is a prominent fintech company in the region.
The users of Travel Wallet in South Korea now have the option to send money through WU.

One of the world’s leading cross-border payment companies, Western Union (WU) has recently announced its expansion in South Korea through a collaboration with Travel Wallet, a financial technology firm in the region.

Western Union has announced the launch of its money transfer services on the Travel Wallet app. Users of the Korean fintech company now have a choice to send money through WU. Additionally, clients can fund their cross-border money transfers via local bank accounts.

According to the details shared by the company, Travel Wallet’s users will be able to receive WU money transfers through the Travel Wallet app in the coming months.

“At Travel Wallet, we adopt a customer-centric approach, and are glad to collaborate with a like-minded company like Western Union,” said Hyungwoo Kim, the CEO of Travel Wallet. “We are excited to enable our customers to connect to their loved ones around the world through one of the world's widest-reaching financial networks. We look forward to putting our collective strengths to work and catering to who really matters—our customers.”

Earlier this month, Western Union reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2021. For the reported period, the financial services provider saw a marginal increase in revenue as the number touched $1.3 billion. Adjusted EPS in the fourth quarter came in at $0.64, compared to $0.45 in the same period last year.

Western Union and South Korea

The overall cross-border payment volumes across South Korea have surged substantially in the past few years. According to WU, the partnership with Travel Wallet will make cross-border payments more convenient and secure for the users.

“Remittances connect people, places, economies and societies. We are delighted to offer our services to Travel Wallet users, enabling convenient and reliable financial flows powered by technology,” K. Premmananth, the Head of Network, Singapore, Indonesia and North Asia at Western Union, said.

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Western Union, Travel Wallet offer in app cross-border money transfers

Western Union and Travel Wallet , one of the leading fintech companies in South Korea, have come together to launch Western Union money transfer services on the Travel Wallet App.

Travel Wallet customers can now transfer money abroad

Travel Wallet customers in South Korea now have the option to send money internationally through Western Union. Travel Wallet, which operates through its app, is available to both Android and iPhone users. Those receiving the transfers overseas can collect their funds in cash or have it deposited directly into their bank accounts. At the moment, customers can transfer money to select countries. Soon, they will be able tap into Western Union’s global network of over 200 countries and territories.

Western Union services to soon broaden to include receive capability

In the next few months, Travel Wallet customers will also be able to receive Western Union money transfers to their Travel Wallet app. The incoming transfers can be sent through Western Union’s digital services or retail agent worldwide.

“For 170 years, Western Union has put technology to work connecting people—bringing boundless possibilities within reach,” said K. Premmananth, Head of Network, Singapore, Indonesia and North Asia, Western Union. “Remittances connect people, places, economies and societies. We are delighted to offer our services to Travel Wallet users, enabling convenient and reliable financial flows powered by technology.”

“At Travel Wallet, we adopt a customer-centric approach, and are glad to collaborate with a like-minded company like Western Union,” said Hyungwoo Kim, CEO, Travel Wallet. “We are excited to enable our customers to connect to their loved ones around the world through one of the world’s widest-reaching financial network. We look forward to putting our collective strengths to work and catering to who really matters—our customers.”

For more information about the service, customers can email [email protected] .

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Mon, May 13, 2024

Travel Wallet attracts Series C investment, plans to launch cloud-based B2B payment solution

Travel Wallet is a global payment service

Korean FinTech startup Travel Wallet, a global payment service, has secured 19.7 billion won ($15 million) in Series C investment from investors including SK Securities, Golden Oak Investment, Smilegate Investment, CJ Investment, and BNK Investment & Securities. This investment brings the cumulative amount of investment in Travel Wallet to 50 billion won ($38 million).

With this latest funding, Travel Wallet’s financial stability is expected to be further enhanced. The company now has 37.5 billion won in equity capital and 70 billion won in cash assets, a scale more than 10 times that of its customer prepaid charges.

Travel Wallet provides a global payment service that eliminates payment and exchange fees when traveling abroad or making purchases overseas. Users can exchange currencies of 38 countries through the Travel Wallet app and pay at over 100 million VISA online and offline stores worldwide, without any payment fees. The payment service is available in 38 currencies, including the US dollar, euro, yen, and various Asian currencies. Travel Wallet only charges the lowest level of fees in the country for other currencies.

By simplifying the complex international settlement and payment process, Travel Wallet has built its own modern foreign exchange trading system, drastically lowering the costs of existing international transactions. The company also offers Travel Pay, a service that provides the lowest level of overseas payment fees.

This year, Travel Wallet plans to launch a cloud-based B2B payment solution after three years of development. This solution aims to help domestic and foreign companies enter the payment business without initial cost investment by providing the necessary infrastructure for domestic and international payment business on a cloud basis.

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Digital Payments

Western Union Expands in South Korea with Travel Wallet

Collaboration will Enable Customers to Send and Receive Western Union Money Transfers on the Travel Wallet app

Western Union, a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments, and Travel Wallet, one of the leading fintech companies in the country, have announced the launch of Western Union money transfer services on the Travel Wallet App.

“Remittances connect people, places, economies and societies. We are delighted to offer our services to Travel Wallet users, enabling convenient and reliable financial flows powered by technology.”

Travel Wallet users in South Korea now have the choice to send money through Western Union. The Travel Wallet app is available for both Android and iOS users. Customers can fund their cross-border money transfers through their local bank accounts. Cash and bank account payout in select countries is currently available, with plans to scale up to the entire scope and reach of Western Union’s global payout network.

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Over the next few months, Travel Wallet users will also be able to receive Western Union money transfers via the Travel Wallet app, for transactions sent through Western Union’s digital money transfer services or Western Union’s worldwide retail Agent network.

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“At Travel Wallet, we adopt a customer-centric approach, and are glad to collaborate with a like-minded company like Western Union,” said Hyungwoo Kim , CEO, Travel Wallet. “We are excited to enable our customers to connect to their loved ones around the world through one of the world’s widest-reaching financial network. We look forward to putting our collective strengths to work and catering to who really matters—our customers.”

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Western Union, Travel Wallet Team on Remittances in S. Korea

Western Union, Travel Wallet, South Korea

Western Union, which works in cross-border and cross-currency payments, announced Tuesday (Feb. 15) that it has teamed with Travel Wallet to offer money transfer services on that company’s Travel Wallet app.

In South Korea, Travel Wallet users will now gain the option of sending money through Western Union. The app will be available for both Android and iOS users, and customers will be able to fund cross-border money transfers even through their local accounts.

Cash and bank payouts in some countries is available and will further expand later on. In the next few months, Travel Wallet users will gain the ability to receive Western Union money transfers from the Travel Wallet app.

That will apply to transactions sent through Western Union’s digital money transfer services or Western Union’s Agent network.

“For 170 years, Western Union has put technology to work connecting people — bringing boundless possibilities within reach,” said K. Premmananth, head of network, Singapore, Indonesia and North Asia, Western Union. “Remittances connect people, places, economies and societies. We are delighted to offer our services to Travel Wallet users, enabling convenient and reliable financial flows powered by technology.”

Meanwhile, Travel Wallet CEO Hyungwoo Kim said the company was “excited to enable our customers to connect to their loved ones around the world through one of the world’s widest-reaching financial network.”

Western Union, posting its fourth-quarter results, showed more forward momentum in digital transactions, which were up in double-digit percentages year over year.

See also: Western Union’s Digital Money Transfer Business Now 24% of C2C Revenues

The consolidated top line for the period hit $1.3 billion, and was up 2% year over year as measured on a constant currency basis.

However, there were still difficulties — the revenue for the quarter was affected by the growth of digital money transfers and its Business Solutions segment, with a fall in retail money transfers.

According to new CEO Devin B. McGranahan, “The digital business has generated strong growth while our retail business declined due to uneven economic recovery negatively impacting our customers.”

5 Best Travel Cards for South Korea

Getting an international travel card before you travel to South Korea can make it cheaper and more convenient when you spend in South Korean Won. You'll be able to easily top up your card in USD before you leave the US, to convert seamlessly to KRW for secure and flexible spending and withdrawals.

This guide walks through our picks of the best travel cards available for anyone from the US heading to South Korea, like Wise or Revolut. We'll walk through a head to head comparison, and a detailed look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.

5 best travel money cards for South Korea:

Let's kick off our roundup of the best travel cards for South Korea with a head to head comparison on important features. Here's an overview of the providers we've picked to look at, for customers looking for ways to spend conveniently overseas when travelling from the US:

Each of the international travel cards we’ve picked out have their own features and fees, which may mean they suit different customer needs. Keep reading to learn more about the features, advantages and disadvantages of each - plus a look at how to order the travel card of your choice before you head off to South Korea.

Wise travel card

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to order a Wise travel card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in South Korea. Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies, so you can top up in USD easily from your bank or using your card. Whenever you travel, to South Korea or beyond, you’ll have the option to convert to the currency you need in advance if it’s supported for holding a balance, or simply let the card do the conversion at the point of payment.

In either case you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees whenever you spend in KRW, plus some free ATM withdrawals every month - perfect if you’re looking for easy ways to arrange your travel cash.

Wise features

Wise travel card pros and cons.

Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate
Spend seamlessly in KRW when you travel
Some free ATM withdrawals every month, for those times only cash will do
Ways to receive payments to your Wise account conveniently
Manage your account and card from your phone
9 USD delivery fee for your first card
ATM fees apply once you've exhausted your monthly free withdrawals
Physical cards may take 14 - 21 days to arrive

How to apply for a Wise card

Here’s how to apply for a Wise account and order a Wise travel card in the US:

Open the Wise app or desktop site

Select Register and confirm you want to open a personal account

Upload your ID document to complete the verification step

Tap the Cards tab to order your card

Pay the one time 9 USD fee, confirm your mailing address, and your card will be on the way, and should arrive in 14 - 21 days

Revolut travel card

Choose a Revolut account, from the Standard plan which has no monthly fee, to higher tier options which have monthly charges but unlock extra features and benefits. All accounts come with a smart Revolut card you can use in South Korea, with some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion monthly, depending on the plan you pick. Use your Revolut account to hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and get extras like account options for under 18s, budgeting tools and more.

Revolut features

Revolut travel card pros and cons.

Pick the Revolut account plan that suits your spending needs
Hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and spend in 150 countries
Accounts come with different card types, depending on which you select
All accounts have some no fee currency exchange and some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly
Some account tiers have travel perks like complimentary or discounted lounge access
You need to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee to get all account features
Delivery fees may apply for your travel card
Fair usage limits apply once you exhaust your currency conversion and ATM no fee allowances
Out of hours currency conversion has additional fees

How to apply for a Revolut card

Set up your Revolut account before you leave the US and order your travel card. Here’s how:

Download and open the Revolut app

Follow the prompts to confirm your address and order your card

Pay any required delivery fee - costs depend on your account type

Chime travel card

Use your Chime account and card to spend in South Korea with no foreign transaction fee. You’ll just need to load a balance in USD and then the money is converted to KRW instantly with the Visa rate whenever you spend or make a withdrawal. There’s a fee to make an ATM withdrawal out of network, which sits at 2.5 USD, but there are very few other costs to worry about. Plus you can get lots of extra services from Chime if you need them, such as ways to save.

Chime features

Chime travel card pros and cons.

No Chime foreign transaction fees
No ongoing charges for your account
Lots of extra products and services if you need them
Easy ways to manage your money online and in app
Virtual cards available
You'll need to inform Chime you're traveling to use your card abroad
Low ATM limits
Cards take 7 - 10 days to arrive by mail

How to apply for a Chime card

Here’s how to apply for a Chime account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Chime website or download the app

Click Get started and add your personal details

Add a balance

Your card will be delivered in the mail and you can use your virtual card instantly

Monzo travel card

Monzo cards can be ordered easily in the US and used for spending in South Korea and globally. Monzo accounts are designed for holding USD only - but you can spend in KRW and pretty much any other currency easily, with no foreign transaction fee. Your funds are just converted using the network exchange rate whenever you pay or make a withdrawal.

Monzo doesn’t usually apply ATM fees, but it’s worth knowing that the operator of the specific ATM you pick may have their own costs you’ll need to check out.

Monzo features

Monzo travel card pros and cons.

Good selection of services available
No foreign transaction fee to pay
No Monzo ATM fee to pay
Manage your card from your phone conveniently
Deposits are FDIC protected
You can't hold a foreign currency balance
ATM operators might apply their own fees

How to apply for a Monzo card

Here’s how to apply for a Monzo account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Monzo website or download the app

Click Get Sign up and add your personal details

Check and confirm your mailing address and your card will be delivered in the mail

Netspend travel card

Netspend has a selection of prepaid debit cards you can use for spending securely in South Korea. While these cards don’t usually let you hold a balance in KRW, they’re popular with travelers as they’re not linked to your regular checking account. That increases security overseas - plus, Netspend offers virtual cards you can use to hide your physical card details from retailers if you want to.

The options with Netspend vary a lot depending on the card you pick. Usually you can top up digitally or in cash in USD and then spend overseas with a fixed foreign transaction fee applying every time you spend in a foreign currency. You’ll be able to view the terms and conditions of your specific card - including the fees - online, by entering the code you’ll find when your card is sent to you.

Netspend features

Netspend travel card pros and cons.

Large selection of different card options depending on your needs
Some cards have no overseas ATM fees
Prepaid card which is secure to use overseas
Manage your account in app
Change from one card plan to another if you need to
You may pay a monthly fee for your card
Some cards have foreign transaction fees for all overseas use, which can be around 4%
Selection of fees apply depending on the card you pick

How to apply for a Netspend card

Here’s how to apply for a Netspend account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Netspend website

Click Apply now

Complete the details, following the onscreen prompts

Get verified

Your card will arrive by mail - add a balance and activate it to get started

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card is a card you can use for secure and convenient payments and withdrawals overseas.

You can use a travel money card to tap and pay in stores and restaurants, with a wallet like Apple Pay, or to make ATM withdrawals so you'll always have a bit of cash in your pocket when you travel.

Although there are lots of different travel money cards on the market, all of which are unique, one similarity you'll spot is that the features and fees have always been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees for common international transactions like ATM withdrawals.

Travel money cards also offer distinct benefits when it comes to security. Your travel money card isn't linked to your United States Dollar everyday account, so even if you were unlucky and had your card stolen, your primary bank account remains secure.

Travel money vs prepaid card vs travel credit card

It's helpful to know that you'll be able to pick from several different types of travel cards, depending on your priorities and preferences. Travel cards commonly include:

Travel debit cards
Travel prepaid cards
Travel credit cards

They all have distinct benefits when you head off to South Korea or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently.

Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card. These cards are usually flexible and cheap to use. You'll be able to manage your account and card through an app or on the web.

Travel credit cards are different and may suit different customer needs. As with any other credit card, you may need to pay an annual fee or interest and penalties depending on how you manage your account - but you could also earn extra rewards when spending in a foreign currency, or travel benefits like free insurance for example. Generally using a travel credit card can be more expensive compared to a debit or prepaid card - but it does let you spread out the costs of your travel across several months if you'd like to and don't mind paying interest to do so.

What is a prepaid travel money card best for?

Let's take a look at the advantages of using a prepaid travel money card for travellers going to South Korea. While each travel card is a little different, you'll usually find some or all of the following benefits:

Hold and exchange foreign currencies - allowing you to lock in exchange rates and set a travel budget before you leave
Convenient for spending in person and through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, as well as for cash withdrawals
You may find you get a better exchange rate compared to your bank - and you'll usually be able to avoid any foreign transaction fee, too
Travel cards are secure as they're not linked to your everyday USD account - and because you can make ATM withdrawals when you need to, you can also avoid carrying too much cash at once

Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates.

How to choose the best travel card for South Korea

We've picked out 5 great travel cards available in the US - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task. Some things to consider when picking a travel card for South Korea include:

What exchange rates does the card use? Choosing one with the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually a smart plan
What fees are unavoidable? For example, ATM charges or top up fees for your preferred top up methods
Does the card support a good range of currencies? Getting a card which allows you to hold and spend in KRW can give you the most flexibility, but it's also a good idea to pick a card with lots of currency options, so you can use it again in future, too
Are there any other charges? Check in particular for foreign transaction fees, local ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account close fees

Ultimately the right card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What makes a good travel card for South Korea

The best travel debit card for South Korea really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money.

Overall, it pays to look for a card which lets you minimise fees and access favourable exchange rates - ideally the mid-market rate. While currency exchange rates do change all the time, the mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use as it’s the one available to banks when trading on wholesale markets. Getting this rate, with transparent conversion fees, makes it easier to compare costs and see exactly what you’re paying when you spend in KRW.

Other features and benefits to look out for include low ATM withdrawal fees, complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access or emergency cash if your card is stolen. It’s also important to look into the security features of any travel card you might pick for South Korea. Look for a card which uses 2 factor authentication when accessing the account app, which allows you to set instant transaction notifications, and which has easy ways to freeze, unfreeze and cancel your card with your phone.

For South Korea in particular, choosing a card which offers contactless payments and which is compatible with mobile wallets like Apple Pay could be a good plan. Card payments are extremely popular in South Korea - so having a card which lets you tap and pay easily can speed things up and make it more convenient during your trip.

Ways to pay in South Korea

Cash and card payments - including contactless, mobile wallet, debit, credit and prepaid card payments - are the most popular ways to pay globally.

In South Korea card payments are common in most situations. You’ll be able to make Chip and PIN or contactless payments or use your favourite mobile wallet like Apple Pay to tap and pay on the go. It’s still worth having a little cash on you just in case - and for the odd situations where cash is more convenient, such as when tipping or buying a small item in a market.

Which countries use KRW?

You’ll find that KRW can only be used in South Korea. If you don’t travel to South Korea frequently it’s worth thinking carefully about how much to exchange so you’re not left with extra foreign currency after your trip. Or pick a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut which lets you leave your money in USD and convert at the point of payment with no penalty.

What should you be aware of when travelling to South Korea

You’re sure to have a great time in South Korea - but whenever you’re travelling abroad it's worth putting in a little advance thought to make sure everything is organised and your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Double check the latest entry requirements and visas - rules can change abruptly, so even if you’re been to South Korea before it’s worth looking up the most recent entry requirements so you don’t have any hassle on the border

2. Plan your currency exchange and payment methods - you can change USD to KRW before you travel to South Korea if you’d like to, but as card payments are common, and ATMs widely available, you can actually leave it until you arrive to get everything sorted as long as you have a travel money card. Top up your travel money card in USD and either exchange to KRW in advance or at the point of payment, and make ATM withdrawals whenever you need cash. Bear in mind that currency exchange at the airport will be expensive - so hold on until you reach South Korea to make an ATM withdrawal in KRW if you can.

3. Get clued up on any health or safety concerns - get travel insurance before you leave the US so you have peace of mind. It’s also worth reading up on any common scams or issues experienced by tourists. These tend to change over time, but may include things like rip off taxis or tour agents which don’t offer fair prices or adequate services.

Conclusion - Best travel cards for South Korea

Ultimately the best travel card for your trip to South Korea will depend on how you like to manage your money. Use this guide to get some insights into the most popular options out there, and to decide which may suit your specific needs.

FAQ - best travel cards for South Korea

When you use a travel money card you may find there’s an ATM withdrawal fee from your card issuer, and there may also be a cost applied by the ATM operator. Some of our travel cards - like the Wise and Revolut card options - have some no fee ATM withdrawals every month, which can help keep down costs.

Travel money cards may be debit, prepaid or credit cards. Which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Debit and prepaid cards are usually pretty cheap and secure to spend with, while credit cards may have higher fees but often come with extra perks like free travel insurance and extra reward points.

There’s no single best prepaid card for international use. Look out for one which supports a large range of currencies, with good exchange rates and low fees. This guide can help you compare some popular options, including Wise, Revolut and Monzo.

Yes, you can use your local debit card when you’re overseas. However, it’s common to find extra fees apply when spending in foreign currencies with a regular debit card. These can include foreign transaction fees and international ATM charges.

Usually having a selection of ways to pay - including a travel card, your credit or debit card, and some cash - is the best bet. That means that no matter what happens, you have an alternative payment method you can use conveniently.

Yes. Most travel debit cards have options to make ATM withdrawals. Check the fees that apply as card charges do vary a lot. Some cards have local and international fees on all withdrawals, while others like Wise and Revolut, let you make some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fee kicks in.

Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in South Korea.

The cards you see on this page are ordered as follows:

For card providers that publish their exchange rates on their website, we used their USD / KRW rate to calculate how much South Korean Won you would receive when exchanging / spending $4,000 USD. The card provider offering the most KRW is displayed at the top, the next highest below that, and so on.

The rates were collected at 15:54:21 GMT on 19 February 2024.

Below this we display card providers for which we could not verify their exchange rates. These are displayed in alphabetical order.

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More travel card guides.

Western Union expands in South Korea through Travel Wallet app

Juanmonino/E+ via Getty Images

Western Union (NYSE: WU ) partners with Travel Wallet, a popular fintech app in South Korea, to expand its presence in that country.
Travel Wallet users in South Korea will be able to send and receive money through the app. They can fund their cross-border money transfers through their local bank accounts.
Cash and bank account payout in select countries is currently available with plans to scale up to Western Union's global payout network.
In November, Western Union partnered with Metrobank for inbound money transfers in the Philippines and, separately, with Mastercard (NYSE: MA ) to integrate Mastercard Send into its global money movement network.

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Collaboration will Enable Customers to Send and Receive Western Union Money Transfers on the Travel Wallet app

SEOUL, South Korea–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Western Union , a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments, and Travel Wallet , one of the leading fintech companies in the country, have announced the launch of Western Union money transfer services on the Travel Wallet App.

For more information about the service, customers can email [email protected] .

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments. Western Union’s platform provides seamless cross-border flows and its leading global financial network bridges more than 200 countries and territories and over 130 currencies. We connect consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments through one of the world’s widest reaching networks, accessing billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and a substantial global network of retail locations. Western Union connects the world to bring boundless possibilities within reach. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com .

About Travel Wallet

Travel Wallet is a leading fintech company in Korea providing mobile based currency exchange, remittance and cross-border payment services. Launching the app service in 2019 under the same name, Travel Wallet is the first company in Korea to target such cross-border related financial services to overseas travelers, especially visiting the Asian region. Travel Wallet also became the 1st fintech company in Asia to receive a principal card issuing license from Visa in 2020, and launched the cross-border payment service TravelPay in 2021. TravelPay supports payment in 15 currencies at the lowest payment and currency exchange fees in the Korean market. Travel Wallet has received over 20 million USD in investments and currently has over 100k active users.

Western Union Karen Santos; [email protected]

Travel Wallet Robert Lee; [email protected]

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Home » Gear » best travel wallets

Best Travel Wallets to Match Your Style in 2024

You might well be thinking ‘do I really need a travel wallet?’ Isn’t my everyday wallet good enough? And here’s our answer: yes, and, no, in that order. How’s that then? Why should you get a dedicated travel wallet? And why isn’t what you use every day good enough when you’re traveling?

For one thing, being on the road requires supreme organization – there are different currencies, passports, insurance details, and a whole lot more than normal to keep hold of.

But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered, with the best travel wallets on offer reviewed and examined in the greatest of detail.

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Wallets

Overall best travel wallet, best tri fold wallet, best minimal travel wallet, best rfid-blocking security travel wallet, best travel wallet with a passport holder, best travel wallet for europe, best travel wallet for women, best travel wallet for men, best travel wallet belt, best of the rest, how to choose the best travel wallet, faq about the best travel wallets, happy holidays.

Overall Best Travel Wallet – Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet
Best Minimal Travel Wallet – Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet
Best Thin Travel Wallet – Big Skinny Slimline bifold wallet
Best Leather Travel Wallet – Harber London RFID Travel Wallet
Best RFID-Blocking Security Travel Wallet – Pacsafe RFIDsafe Bi-Fold Wallet
Best Travel Wallet for Europe – Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet
Best Travel Wallet for Women – Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet
Best Travel Wallet with a Passport Holder – VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet
Best Travel Wallet for Men – Visconti Leather Travel Organiser Wallet

Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet

Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet

> RFIDsafe blocking material
> Not too bulky

Big Skinny Tri Fold Wallet

> Full-length banknote section
> RDIF-blocking tech

Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet

> As minimal as they come!
> Great price point

Harber London RFID Travel Wallet

> Several organisation pockets
> Main zip closure for security

Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet

> Full RFID-protection
> Water resistant

VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet

> Fun designs
> Big enough for a passport and smart phone

Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet

> Eco and ethical
> RFID-blocking

Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet

> High capacity
> Detachable hand strap

Visconti Leather Travel Organiser Wallet

> Good number of pockets

Security Belt

> Combined belt and money pouch
> Very discreet

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When it comes to organizing the most important personal items, you need a wallet that is practical, functional and keeps your s*** safe. The Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is just the unit to do that. Along with using a portable travel safe , its a great way to keep your stuff safe.

The Pacsafe V50 is tough , and provides enough in the way of of security and organizational features to keep your money and cards easily accessible to you and away from the hands of potential thieves. A wallet is one of those things you don’t think about too much – but for backpackers a fine balance of practical and secure is what we are after – and I think Pacsafe achieved both of those things here.

Need more ideas? Check out the best travel organisers out there.

RFIDsafe blocking material
Well priced
Wrist strap included
Not too bulky
No space for a passport
Coin pocket is a bit small
Doesn’t automatically refill with money after a night at the bar

Is the Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet for me?

If you’re looking for a slimlined minimalist wallet that’s going to provide a place for your cards (5), cash, and ID while traveling without being over bulky and immediately obvious to those pickpockets out there, then the Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is undoubtedly the overall best travel wallet for you, with card and cash space without the drama!

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Big Skinny Trifold Wallet

This traditionally styled slimline tri-ifold wallet by Big Skinny is equally balanced and incredibly lightweight for what it is, meaning no awkward moments with one side flapping about as you try and retrieve something from the second. There’s a full-length section for bank notes, pockets for up to 4 credit cards (do you need more when traveling? It’s unlikely!), a clear fronted pocket for an ID card or driving license, and an additional two hidden pockets. What’s more, its pockets are lined with RFID-blocking technology, so you have no need to worry about your electronic data getting scanned and stolen!

Equally balanced sides
Full-length banknote section
RDIF-blocking tech
Hidden pockets
Just 4 credit card pockets
Imported for UK customers
Designed for US banknotes
Not fully waterproof

Is the Big Skinny Tri Fold Wallet for me?

Like an everyday wallet in slimline form, the Big Skinny Slimline Bifold Wallet manages to provide a full-length banknote section and place for credit cards, so if you’re looking for a travel-friendly version of your main wallet, we say go for the Big Skinny!

Update : We no longer recommend this product. As of November 2020, many Nomatic customers have experienced problems with their orders and zero customer support – therefore we do NOT recommend you buy products with Nomatic. Instead, go with one of our other top picks above.

Has someone made a mistake here? Haven’t we already reviewed the Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet as our overall best travel wallet? Well, yes we have! But this wallet is so perfect we just had to bring it up again! There’s simply no arguing with its minimalist tendencies, its lovingly small overall size, or its weight of just a few grams. Then there’s the fact it can hold a whopping 15 cards should you be traveling like Jeff Bezos, with a tab that makes it super easy to grab the top four you use most often. And there’s still that little pocket for cash or keys too!

Looking for more info? We wrote a more detailed post on the Nomatic Wallet for your reading pleasure!

As minimal as they come!
Great price point
Easy access tab for most used cards
Small change/key pocket
Not large enough to hold a passport
Just four color choices
No RFID-blocking pocket
Too small for some users?

Is the Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet for me?

We can’t quite believe how much can be stored in such a small size with the Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet! So for anyone looking for a travel wallet that’s going to keep their valuables safe and in one place without the need for a daypack for oversized pocket, we’ll just shift the Nomatic in your direction!

Best Leather Travel Wallet

Harber london rfid travel walle t.

For those of you who want a high end, stylish, cool as f**k leather wallet then come and meet Harber London. This lush leather RFID protected wallet is exactly what James Bond would carry if he ever bothered to pay for anything. So, there are enough credit card slots for more cards then it’s likely you’ll need when traveling, sections for keeping those freshly-minted banknotes crisp, and a further zipped pocket which you can either use for coins, keys, or other small valuable items.

Minimal yet spacious, this wallet will last you for many a year.

Several organization pockets
Internal zip close pocket
RFID Protected
Leather is not an ethical choice for some people

Is the Wildman Travel Document Wallet for me?

Add a touch of class to your business trips or family vacations with the Wildman Travel Document Wallet! Not only does it have a classically styled look about it, but an unbelievable amount of space for all those items you need when traveling – including space for your passport!

Unzip the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet and it falls open like a book, which is great for being able to rapidly spot what you’re looking for. It is fully RFID-protected, meaning data thieves are unable to scan your credit card of ID details without your knowledge, but also means you don’t have to worry about the exact placement of your most at-danger valuables. Just slip them anywhere inside the wallet! Also included are card pockets, one with a clear window for your ID, banknote sleeves, and an additional two stash pockets. To round things off, this wallet-cum-lifesaving organiser also comes with a slash-proof wrist strap.

Full RFID-protection
Banknote sleeves
Change pockets
Slash resistant
Larger style travel wallet
Four credit card slots
Just one colour available

Is the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet for me?

For anyone who wants a larger travel wallet to keep everything organised and in one place the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is the answer. With full RFID protection, there’s space for cards, banknotes, change, and passports and documentation too!

The VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet is certainly worthy of the name, with enough space to include all the valuables and items you need when traveling. Not only are there pockets for banknotes, coins, and credit/debit cards, there is also a dedicated passport pocket, all securely enclosed within a zip-close book-style opening. On the outside surface, you’ll also find a smartphone-friendly pocket suitable for phones the size of the iPhone 7, meaning users are able to keep all their valuables together in one place! The Tuscall Travel Wallet is also lightweight when empty and weatherproof, and comes in a number of fun, attractive patterns.

Cool designs
built RFID-protection
Weatherproof
Big enough for a passport and smartphone
Too large for most pockets
Too small for a whole family

Is the VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet for me?

Keep everything from your passport to your smartphone safe and in one place with the TVULKIT Passport Holder Wallet. Pretty much the perfect size – large enough for a passport but not so large you don’t know what to do with it – this travel wallet also offers some protection from the weather, and looks great too!

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The Zoppen travel wallet has a tri-fold design for a slimmer overall design while still being large enough to hold a passport, banknotes, and even an airline boarding card – without the need to fold it up! Made from eco and ethical PU faux leather, its classic style comes in a huge range of colors. The banknote sleeve is suitably-sized to fit US dollars – longer than many other currencies, all the while protecting your data from theft due to its in-built RFID blocking materials. On top of that, there are credit and ID card slots as you might expect, and the possibility to slip your smartphone inside too!

Can hold a passport
Eco and ethical
Range of colors
RFID-blocking
Faux leather
Slightly heavier than other travel wallets
Not the trendiest look
Not for the great outdoors

Is the Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet for me?

Buy the Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet and you’re pretty much guaranteed to have space for all the valuable items you need to travel with, from passport to boarding card and credit cards. The RFID-blocking technology also means you’re safe from data theft wherever you are in the world!

The Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet is another of the higher capacity travel wallets we’re bringing to your attention in this review. This nature makes it incredibly easy to keep everything not only in one handy place but organized throughout too. The book-like form provides an almost unending series of pockets, some zipped, for passports, documentation, and money. There’s a detachable hand strap that can be slipped over the wrist to make this travel wallet even more secure when being used.

High capacity
Great organization
Detachable hand strap
Intended for women only
250 grams delivery weight

Is the Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet for me?

Are you the one responsible for the family’s documents? Or maybe you’re just a woman who likes to be organized and have everything in one place? If either is you, then the Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet is going to make your life a hell of a lot easier, thanks to its huge array of pockets!

This delightful travel wallet is constructed from soft leather for a luxurious feel and has a simple but stylish look. There’s a zip close pocket the size of the whole wallet on the outer rear side, which has a multitude of users. Inside, the travel wallet opens out to reveal a variety of pouches and a further zip close pocket, as well as a good number of credit card slots on the flap opening. For supreme organization, sections are labeled ‘tickets’, ‘passports’, ‘documents’, and ‘cheques’. What’s more, there’s an additional slip sleeve hidden beneath the credit card slots that’s perfect for banknotes.

Stylish look
Good number of pockets
Organisational sleeves
‘Cheques’?, who uses cheques?
No RFID-blocking pockets
Wallet closes with studs rather than zip
Large for the average male pocket

Is the Visconti Leather Travel Organiser Wallet for me?

This stylish travel wallet will leave many a person asking where you’ve got it from! Not only does it look and feel great, but its highly usable too. There are zip close pockets inside and out, as well as helpfully-labeled sleeves to keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to organization while away from home.

If you’re worried about the need to carry high-denomination banknotes on you when you’re traveling, the a Security Belt could be the answer. Combining the belt you’ll probably be taking in any case with a wallet, the basic premise is a belt that incorporates a hidden zipped pocket on its inner side. Made from sturdy black nylon, the belt weighs just four ounces and fits men’s and women’s waists of 26 to 42 inches. The downside to a security belt is that it cannot be used as an everyday wallet since the money is nicely tucked away, and banknotes need to be folded lengthways to fit.

Combined belt and money pouch
Zip close pocket
Sturdy nylon construction
Very discreet
Cannot be used as an everyday wallet
Banknotes must be folded
Cannot take credit card/passport
Plastic buckle

Is a Security Belt for me?

A further feather in the cap for security when traveling, this Security Belt is a nice way of separating out some emergency cash from your other valuables. Alternatively, it’s a way of minimizing spending and the risk of pickpockets.

Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet

Using environmentally certified leather, the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet is another of the slimline travel wallets in this review. However, that doesn’t mean this travel wallet doesn’t have the capacity to hold everything you need for a successful time away. In fact, the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet has a dedicated passport pocket, as well as another two for banknotes of different currencies, documents, and up to 10 credit cards too! Flipping open like a police notebook rather than a paperback book, there’s a narrow pen has been cleverly added into the center fold. In addition, the Bellroy also includes protection from electronic snooping, with RFID-blocking incorporated!

Environmentally certified leather
Passport pocket

RFID-protection

High delivery price for UK customers
Won’t take a family’s passports
No outer zip

Is the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet for me?

A crisp, clean look is just the start of the benefits of owning this leather travel wallet from Bellroy. Designed with travel in mind, there’s a dedicated passport pouch, pockets for multiple currencies, and place for a good number of credit cards too! And then there’s the RFID-blocking technology we should also mention again….

Valante Travel Wallet

The Valante Travel Wallet opens out in the same way a book does, giving easy access and even easier sighting of all the items you’re storing within. The rear exterior side has a large pocket in which you could slip in your smartphone, while inside there are a further three large pockets big enough to take a passport. There are two sleeves for holding banknotes of various currencies, an identity card or driving license pouch, and slots for an additional seven credit cards. Its lightweight, but is still made from water-resistant nylon. Finally, the Valante travel wallet also includes RFID-blocking technology too!

Book opening
Smartphone and passport pockets
RFID-blocking tech
Polyester material
Weight of 9.1 oz.
Just one color available

Is the Valante Travel Wallet for me?

If you need a travel wallet capable of holding all of your travel documents, the Valante is a good way to go. There are pockets large enough for a smartphone and passports, as well as those for banknotes and slots for credit cards. There’s also the fact it has RFID-protection, and resistance against the rain too!

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The best travel wallet for one person isn’t necessarily the best travel wallet for the next person in the queue. So which is the best travel wallet for you? Here are a few points to take note of when working out which of our top picks might be the best for you.

Most of the travel wallets in our review list are made from water-resistant synthetic materials, which are ideal for anyone worried about getting caught in the rain (or even ruined by a splash of spilt coffee). But we’ve also covered a few travel wallets made in faux or real leather, for that extra look of sophistication!

Do you want your travel wallet to contain RFID-protection ? Firstly, let’s explain exactly what RFID stands for: Radio-Frequency Identification Devices. Basically, the wallets that promise RFID-protection stop electronic pickpockets from stealing your data by scanning the data stored on credit cards, identity cards, and even in passports, which could then be used to spend, spend, spend, or even duplicate your identity. You have been warned!

Frequency of use

If you’re only going to use your travel wallet once or twice a year, you’re probably going to be looking for a travel wallet at the lower end of the price bracket. However, if you’re a regular traveler, you definitely do get what you pay for, so keep this in mind when working out how to choose the best travel wallet for you!

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What makes a travel wallet so different?

Travel wallets need to be more durable and offer more organisation than normal wallets. In the best case, they’re also made from cut-proof material.

Are there wallets that fit passports?

Yes, the VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet fits all of your cards, money and even your passport. It’s obviously not the size that you can put into your pocket, but to keep all of your valuables together, it’s perfect.

What is the safest travel wallet?

The Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is a great anti-theft wallet. It is fully RFID-protected, meaning data thieves are unable to scan your credit card or ID details.

What is the overall best travel wallet?

Our favorite is the Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet . It offers plenty of compartments which makes organisation a breeze.

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One of the best ways to ensure a stress-free and happy vacation period is by buying the best travel wallet you can afford. Then all your most valuable travel items will be safe and secure, leaving you to relax and have fun!

These travel wallets not quite cutting it for you? How about checking out the best travel purses instead!?

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Nice Post. very well written and very impressive

WOWPASS Korea Review: How To Use WOWPASS With T-Money 2024

Travelling to Korea soon and worried about high fees when you use your credit card? Not sure if you will be able to withdraw cash at an ATM or use your credit card when shopping? Want to avoid paying high rates to exchange cash at home or in Korea? Then you should definitely learn about the WOWPASS card, the Korean travel card that comes with T-Money.

WOWPASS is a new type of travel card and truly one-of-a-kind. It allows you to pay in local currency in Korea, but can be topped up using 15 different foreign currencies. Because it’s issued in Korea, it’s more reliable and is accepted almost everywhere that local Korean bank cards are.

What’s more, there’s a package designed for tourists to Korea that offers not only a WOWPASS travel card, but also an extremely useful Korean sim card and 10,000 KRW T-Money balance, which is perfect for getting around Korea on day 1 of your journey to Korea. Full details in this article.

Table of Contents

Affiliate Disclaimer : This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

What Is A WOWPASS Card?

Using WOWPASS To Pay Like A Local In Korea

The WOWPASS card is an all-in-one prepaid Korean travel money card that allows you to pay like a local in Korea and pay for public transportation using foreign currency or Korean won. The WOWPASS allows you to avoid expensive fees or bad exchange rates from using your home bank card in Korea.

One of the biggest benefits of the WOWPASS is the ability to top it up in one of 15 foreign currencies and use it straight away to pay for things in Korea with no fees. The exchange rates are better than you’ll find at the airport and you can avoid the problem of having to carry loads of cash with you.

Here are some more benefits of the WOWPASS card:

How much does the WOWPASS card cost? Only 5,000 KRW. That’s less than $5 USD. WOWPASS includes a T-Money card, which can cost 4,000 KRW alone. If you use an invitation code (such as INMYKOR1) you’ll get 0.5% cashback when you top-up your WOWPASS with a foreign currency.

Korea is fast becoming a cash-free society… and the WOWPASS is an answer to this issue.

As you can see in the pictures below, Korea is fast becoming a cash-free society with more places only accepting card payments, including buses, restaurants, cafes, and attractions. The need for a travel money card in Korea has never been stronger and the WOWPASS is an answer to this issue.

WOWPASS Airport Package: Saving You More

As well as all the great benefits of getting a WOWPASS card, there is also a special package for tourists to Korea called the Airport Package . This complete package includes a WOWPASS , 10,000 KRW T-Money balance , and a discounted uSim or eSim with unlimited data to connect to the net.

The Airport Package is great value for money as it offers all of those benefits but at a lower price vs. buying them separately at the airport. Here’s what you get and how much you can save:

*The price of the WOWPASS Airport Package depends on the cost of the sim card you get and all of them are cheaper than what you’ll pay at the airport counters. The sim cards are available for 3 / 5 / 10 / 20 / 30 days so there’s something to suit you, however long you plan to travel in Korea.

A regular WOWPASS card doesn’t come pre-loaded with a 10,000 KRW T-Money balance, so the Airport Package allows you to jump straight onto the subway from Incheon Airport into Seoul. Use the WOWPASS from the Airport Package and touch the barriers at the subway station to travel.

The Airport Package allows you to jump straight onto the subway from Incheon Airport into Seoul.

A T-Money card is an essential purchase for any traveller to Korea. Getting a tourist sim card is also really useful for staying connected so you can surf the web, use apps, and check the weather. The WOWPASS Airport Package gives you both of these at a discount and a WOWPASS card, too.

In the rest of this article, I’ll tell you about how to issue a WOWPASS card and how to get the Airport Package, as well as provide details about where and how you can use WOWPASS in Korea. I’ll also explain some of the key benefits of the WOWPASS app and share my experience using WOWPASS.

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.

How To Issue WOWPASS At A WOW Machine

Getting a WOWPASS card is really simple for travellers to Korea. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you download the app, collect your WOWPASS and start using it when you travel in Korea. That’s why I recommend it in my South Korea Travel Guide , which is full of essential Korean travel tips.

How To Issue WOWPASS In Korea

1: Download The WOWPASS App

The WOWPASS app is available for Android and Apple and is essential for using your WOWPASS in Korea. You’ll need to download the app to be able to issue the card.

2: Create A WOWPASS Account

To use the WOWPASS app, you’ll need to create an account. This is simple and all you need to do is enter an email address, password, select your preferred currency, and accepts the T&Cs. Click ‘Finish Sign-Up’ to complete your account and confirm your email address.

3: Enter Your Invitation Code

Open the WOWPASS app and there is an option to enter an invitation code at the top of the screen. If you enter an invitation code, you will receive up to 0.5% cash back on foreign currency top-ups worth a maximum of 1,000,000 KRW. Invitation Code : INMYKOR1

4: Go To A WOW Exchange Machine

WOW Money Exchange Machine At Incheon Airport

Bring your passport and phone with the WOWPASS app installed to one of more than 90 WOW Exchange machines across Korea, including at Incheon Airport inside the Airport Express non-stop train terminal. Select your preferred language and touch the start screen. Select the service ‘WOWPASS Card’ to issue your WOWPASS.

5: Select ‘Get A New Card’

After reading about the benefits of the WOWPASS card, select the option to ‘Get a New Card’ on the WOW Exchange machine.

6: Select The Currency You Want To Top-Up With

To issue a new WOWPASS card, you need to add credit to the card. You can do this in 16 different currencies, including Korean won. If you registered an invitation code when you registered your app, you will get 0.5% cash back when adding credit with a foreign currency.

7: Scan Your Passport

Before you actually add any money to the WOWPASS card, you first need to validate your identity by showing your passport. This rule applies any time you exchange money in Korea, whether it’s at a WOW Exchange machine, a money changer, or in a bank.

8: Agree To The WOWPASS Membership Agreement

After you confirm your identity, you need to confirm one last time that you accept the WOWPASS terms and conditions. You can view these on the WOW Exchange machine and they’re also stated in the app. Select ‘Agree All’ to continue to

9: Deposit Cash Into The WOW Exchange Machine

Add cash in your selected currency to the WOW Exchange machine. You need to add each bill separately. The screen will show you your current balance as you add more notes.

10: Confirm The Deposit And Get WOWPASS

Once you’ve finished adding cash to the WOW Exchange machine, your WOWPASS card will be issued. Please note, the 5,000 KRW fee for the WOWPASS will be deducted at this stage. Press ‘Get Card’ to receive your WOWPASS card from the machine.

11: Insert The WOWPASS Card To Activate It

Collect the WOWPASS card from the WOW Exchange machine and insert it into the card reader slot at the front. Make sure to push it in firmly. Once the card has been inserted, it will be active.

12: Withdraw KRW To Top-Up T-Money (Optional)

After you activate the card in the WOW Exchange machine, it will ask if you would like to withdraw KRW to top-up the T-Money balance of the WOWPASS. The T-Money feature of the WOWPASS doesn’t come with any preloaded balance (unless you buy the Airport Package) and needs to be topped-up in KRW. T-Money balances can only be topped-up in cash. This is an optional step.

13: Remove Your WOWPASS Card From The Machine

When you have finished topping-up the WOWPASS and withdrawing cash (if needed), select ‘Finish’ on the WOW Exchange machine and withdraw your WOWPASS.

14: Register Your WOWPASS With The WOWPASS App

After issuing your new WOWPASS card from the WOW Exchange machine, you will need to register it in the WOWPASS App. Select the ‘Add Card’ button and it will request permission to access your phone’s camera. This is to allow it to scan the barcode on the WOWPASS.

15: Scan The Barcode On Your WOWPASS

On the back of your WOWPASS card is a barcode, as well as your card’s account and T-Money card details. Register your WOWPASS on the WOWPASS app by moving the barcode into the camera window. The app will read the barcode and register your WOWPASS.

16: Start Using Your WOWPASS Card In Korea

Now that your WOWPASS card has been topped up and activated, you can start using it throughout Korea. You don’t need to activate it or top it up at Incheon Airport, you can activate it and get the card at any WOW Exchange location in Korea.

The regular WOWPASS card doesn’t come with any T-Money balance (the Airport Package does). You will need to add money to the T-Money balance on your WOWPASS to be able to use the T-Money functions. I’ll explain more in the section about How To Use WOWPASS T-Money Features .

As you can see from the guide to getting a WOWPASS card above, it is necessary to use your phone to get a WOWPASS, which means you’ll need an active Internet connection. There is free WiFi available in Incheon Airport, but getting a Korean sim card is a more convenient option when in Korea.

That’s one of the reasons why a WOWPASS Airport Package is a great option for travellers to Korea. You can activate the sim card straight away at the airport and use your phone instantly.

How To Pre-Order WOWPASS Airport Package

The WOWPASS Airport Package is a great deal for those who want to start their Korean journey with a pre-loaded T-Money card, a discounted sim card, and their own WOWPASS card to spend like a local in Korea. It’s available at 5 locations in Korea, including Incheon Airport and Busan Harbour.

Here are the steps required to pre-order the WOWPASS Airport Package from the WOWPASS app. Don’t forget to enter your invitation code before you sign up. If you don’t have an invitation code, you can enter mine – INMYKOR1 – or you can ask if any of your friends have a code.

1: Select ‘Airport Package’ In The WOWPASS App

To reserve the WOWPASS Airport Package, open the WOWPASS app and click on the blue banner.

How To Reserve the WOWPASS Airport Package

2: Confirm The WOWPASS Membership & T-Money Costs

The next step of reserving the Airport Package is to accept the WOWPASS & T-Money Costs.

3: Choose Your Sim Card

Choose the sim card you want to use. Both USIM and ESIM have the same costs.

4: Select Your Pickup Date

After choosing your sim card, select the date you will arrive in Korea and collect your package.

5: Choose Your Pickup Location

Choose the collection point from one of the five available locations, including Incheon Airport.

6: Enter Your Personal Details

Enter your personal details, including your email address and name as per your passport.

7: Choose Your Payment Method

Choose your payment method (JCB, Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or UnionPay) and currency, then agree to the terms and conditions.

8: Reservation Successful

After entering your payment details and paying for the Airport Package, you will receive a voucher code and confirmation email.

You can reserve the Airport Package any time before you travel to Korea. I recommend doing it at the same time as you choose your flights to Korea so you don’t forget later on. The next section of this guide will show you how to issue your WOWPASS when you arrive at the airport.

How To Issue WOWPASS Airport Package At Incheon Airport

As long as you’ve reserved the Airport Package in the WOWPASS app, you can quickly and conveniently collect your WOWPASS card with built in T-Money and your discounted sim card at your selected airport or port. It took less than 3 minutes to issue my WOWPASS Airport Package.

Here are the steps required to issue the WOWPASS Airport Package at Incheon Airport:

1: Open The WOWPASS App

Open the WOWPASS App to check your Airport Package voucher code. You will need to show this to the staff at the SK Telecom counter.

2: Go To The SK Telecom Counter

Go to the SK Telecom counter in Terminal 1 of Incheon Airport. You can check the location of the counter in the WOWPASS App.

SK Telecom Booth At Incheon Airport Terminal 1

3: Take A Waiting Ticket

Take a waiting ticket to join the queue at the SK Telecom counter. If there is no one waiting, you can go straight to the counter instead.

4: Provide Passport For ID Check

Show your Airport Package voucher code and provide your passport to confirm your identity. The staff at the counter will check it quickly.

Providing Passport For WOWPASS Airport Package

5: Sign For The Airport Package

You will be asked to sign your name on an electronic signature machine to confirm that you have received your WOWPASS Airport Package.

6: Receive Your Airport Package

The staff will hand you your WOWPASS Airport Package, which includes your chosen sim card and a WOWPASS card with T-Money credit.

Once you’ve received your WOWPASS card, you can top it up at any WOW Exchange machine locations, including the one inside the Airport Express terminal. You can add cash the same way as you would when you issue a regular WOWPASS card (step 6 onwards shows you how to top up).

One major benefit of the WOWPASS Airport Package is that it comes with 10,000 KRW in T-Money credit which you can use right away to take the All-Stop train to Hongdae or Seoul Station. The next section will explain how to use the T-Money function of WOWPASS to travel in Korea.

How To Use WOWPASS T-Money To Travel In Korea

The T-Money card is an essential purchase when you travel to Korea as it allows you to pay for buses, subways, taxis, and more across Korea. WOWPASS comes with T-Money functions, which means you save money and wallet-space as you don’t have to buy a separate T-Money card.

Please note : The WOWPASS Airport Package comes with a pre-loaded 10,000 KRW T-Money balance. However, the regular WOWPASS doesn’t, so you will need to top-up before using it. That’s why I strongly recommend getting the Airport Package if you’re flying into Incheon Airport.

Travel From Incheon Airport To Seoul With WOWPASS T-Money

There are several options for getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul, including trains, taxis , buses, and private airport transfers . There are two trains that go to Seoul – the Airport Express (non-stop) and the All-Stop train, which stops at several locations, including Hongdae subway station.

The All-Stop train accepts T-Money, so you can use your WOWPASS from the Airport Package to ride this train into Seoul. Unfortunately, the Airport Express train doesn’t accept T-Money, so you’ll need to buy a separate ticket to ride that. It also only stops at Seoul Station.

Here’s how to ride the All-Stop train from Incheon Airport into central Seoul:

1: Go To The All-Stop Terminal

You can take the All-Stop train to Seoul from Terminal 1or 2 from Incheon Airport. Go to the transport centre on floor B1 of the terminal.

All-stop train terminal at Incheon Airport

2: Use Your WOWPASS To Enter

Place your WOWPASS on the card reader to enter the All-Stop train platform. The cost will be deducted from your T-Money balance.

Entering the all-stop train at Incheon Airport

3: Ride The All-Stop Train

Enter the All-Stop train carriage at Incheon Airport and ride the train to your desired stop. The journey to Hongdae takes about 50 minutes.

4: Exit With Your WOWPASS

When you leave the train, you will need to place your WOWPASS on the card reader again to finalise your payment through T-Money.

The process of using WOWPASS T-Money is the same when riding the subway in Seoul and other cities in Korea. For buses, tap the WOWPASS to the electronic card reader when you enter the bus, and again when you leave the bus. When you transfer, you’ll get a discount on your next ride.

If you are staying in Hongdae (there are some great hotels in Hongdae ), then you can get off at Hongdae subway station and top-up your WOWPASS inside the station or at one of several hotels in the area. Use the WOWPASS app to check WOW Exchange machine locations near you.

How To Top-Up The WOWPASS T-Money Balance

The WOWPASS Airport Package comes with 10,000 KRW T-Money balance, which is enough to take the All-Stop train to Seoul and ride the subway or buses several more times. A one-way subway ride starts at 1,250 KRW and short journeys on buses and subways in Seoul will be the same price.

You can check your T-Money balance on the WOWPASS app by using your phone’s NFC reader to scan your WOWPASS. You can also top-up and check your T-Money balance at ticket machines in train stations, as well as convenience stores across the country.

Here’s how to top-up the T-Money balance on your WOWPASS at a subway station:

1: Go To A Subway Ticket Machine

Go to any subway ticket machine in Seoul or other cities. The machine should say ‘Card Reload Device’ at the top.

2: Select Recharge The Card To Top-Up

Change the language settings as you like, then select ‘Recharge the card’ to top-up the T-Money balance on your WOWPASS.

Option to recharge T-Money Card on ticket machine

3: Place WOWPASS On The Card Reader

Place your WOWPASS on the electronic card reader. This will be a flat area with a picture of a card, it changes depending on the machine.

4: Add Cash To Top-Up T-Money Balance

Add cash to top-up the T-Money balance. You can only use cash to top-up a T-Money card, which is standard for any T-Money device.

Once you’ve added the desired amount of cash to top up your T-Money balance on your WOWPASS, select finish and the card balance will be electronically adjusted. Make sure you don’t remove your WOWPASS from the card reader until the machine has finished topping up the balance.

If you’re not close to a subway station and you want to top-up or check your T-Money balance, you can also go to any major convenience store (GS25, CU, 7/11, Emart 24) and do it there.

Here’s how to top-up the T-Money balance on your WOWPASS at a convenience store:

1: Go To A Convenience Store

Go to any major convenience store in Seoul or other cities across Korea.

2: Ask To Top-Up T-Money

Show your WOWPASS and ask to top-up T-Money. Use Papago to translate into Korean .

3: Give Cash 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 WOWPASS On Card Reader

Place the WOWPASS on the electronic card reader and wait for confirmation from the cashier that the balance has been updated.

Card reader used to recharge WOWPASS T-Money Balance

Whenever you use your WOWPASS T-Money balance to travel on buses or subways, you should see the fee for the ride and also your remaining T-Money balance. This is the easiest way to check how much you have left to spend and how expensive each journey is.

How To Pay With WOWPASS In Korea

Using WOWPASS To Pay Like A Local In Seoul

You can travel Korea conveniently with a WOWPASS and T-Money. WOWPASS can be used to pay for street food, souvenirs, attractions, shopping, and everywhere else you’d normally use a card. T-Money can be used to travel on Korea’s amazing public transportation, including subways and buses.

When you want to pay with the WOWPASS, for example in a shop or restaurant, you only need to insert the card into the card reader and it will deduct the payment in a few seconds. When paying with T-Money, simply tap the WOWPASS to the electronic card reader and the payment will be done.

With WOWPASS you can pay like a local in Korea as the card is issued by a Korean company. It will be accepted in locations where regular Korean cards are accepted and paying with WOWPASS is really simple. I’ve used the WOWPASS in lots of different locations across Korea, as shown below:

Paying to enter Gyeongbokgung Palace with WOWPASS

You can use WOWPASS to pay for entry to attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, to pay for goods in shops, souvenirs, snacks, meals, coffees, taxis, train tickets, and lots more. With the T-Money function, you can also pay for bus and subway rides, too.

Paying with WOWPASS is really simple. Most payments in Korea are made by inserting your card into a payment terminal or on a card reader. WOWPASS can be used in both of these situations and the card was never rejected when I went to pay. It’s so easy and convenient using WOWPASS.

Get Cashback When Using WOWPASS

There are extra benefits from using WOWPASS in certain shops in Korea, including cashback when paying with WOWPASS. When you use WOWPASS in Starbucks, for example, you’ll get 10% of the value of your purchase back to your card. That means you’re getting 10% off your coffee fix.

Here are some of the other great cashback and discount offers currently available with WOWPASS:

CU Convenience Store : 20% cashback*

Olive Young : 1,000 KRW cashback*

Lotte Duty Free : 20,000 KRW discount and 10% cashback*

Starbucks : 10% cashback*

BBQ Chicken : 1,000 KRW cashback*

Seven Luck Casino : 60,000 KRW Casino chips*

*Terms and conditions apply. Some cashback may only be eligible after spending a certain amount.

How To Withdraw Cash Using WOWPASS

Most purchases in Korea can be made by card, which is why WOWPASS is so helpful for travellers to Korea. However, sometimes you’ll also want to use cash to make small purchases at food stalls, leave a tip for a tour guide, or to give as spending money to children.

You can withdraw cash from your WOWPASS to spend in Korea using a WOW Exchange machine. Here’s how to withdraw cash using your WOWPASS app and a WOW Exchange machine:

1: Go To A WOW Machine

Use your WOWPASS app to locate the nearest WOW Exchange machine. There are more than 90 in Seoul and other parts of Korea.

2: Select ‘Withdraw Cash’

Choose your desired language and then select ‘Withdraw Cash’ from the 4 options on the WOW Exchange machine home screen.

3: Insert Your WOWPASS

Insert your WOWPASS card into the WOW Exchange machine so it can check your balance. Make sure to push it in firmly.

4: Open Your WOWPASS App

Open your WOWPASS App and go to the settings (cogwheel). Select ‘Manage Card’ and then ‘Verify PIN at Machine’.

5: Authenticate Your Transaction

On the WOWPASS Exchange machine, you will be asked to authenticate the transaction. Enter the PIN from the machine into your app.

6: Withdraw Cash From WOWPASS

Select the amount of cash you want to withdraw (max 100,000 KRW at once). 1,000, 10,000, and 50,000 KRW bank notes are dispensed.

Please note : There is a 1,000 KRW fee to withdraw cash from a WOW Exchange machine. This is a flat fee for each withdrawal, regardless of how much you withdraw. Global ATMs can charge considerably more for cash withdrawals from other credit or debit cards, often up to 4,000 KRW.

Learn more : Discover more options for exchanging money and ways to pay in Korea with this article about travel money in Korea and whether you should bring cash or card with you. There’s also details about alternative payment methods, including mobile apps and multi-currency cards.

How To Use The WOWPASS App

The WOWPASS app is key to using WOWPASS, from registering your card to checking balances, tracking your spending, and protecting your WOWPASS. You can see the latest exchange rates for the 16 currencies the WOWPASS accepts and see how much cashback you’ve earned.

Using The WOWPASS App To Track Your Spending

Staying on top of your spending when you’re on holiday can be really hard, especially if you’re using a foreign currency that’s very different from your home currency. Thankfully, it’s really simple to check your spending history and see your current WOWPASS balance, both in KRW and your own currency.

The WOWPASS app not only shows your current balance and transaction history, it can also show you more details about where you’ve spent money and whether the transaction was successful, refunded, or cancelled. You can also see where you earned cashback from certain vendors.

Using The WOWPASS App To Protect Or Replace Your Card

Problems can happen at any time and should the worst happen, you’ll be happy to know that you can protect and replace your WOWPASS card at any time by using the app. In the ‘Manage’ section of the app, you can see options and instructions about how to pause your WOWPASS and how to reissue it.

Pausing your WOWPASS means that the balance will be protected and no one can spend the money you put on there. If you find your card later, you can unpause your card and use it normally. If you need to reissue the card, you can do so at a WOW Exchange machine by following the instructions.

Using The WOWPASS App To Invite Your Friends

Help your friends discover the benefits and savings of WOWPASS by inviting them to join through the WOWPASS app. Both you and your friend will benefit. If your friends use an invitation code, they’ll get 0.5% cashback when they top-up. You’ll receive 1,000 KRW in WOWPASS credit to spend in Korea.

My Experience Using WOWPASS In Korea

For this review, I ordered the Airport Package with a 10-day 4G SK Telecom sim card. The sim card works really well and SK Telecom are one of the main phone companies in Korea. You can always rely on their sim cards to provide great coverage and secure network connections across Korea.

I signed up for the WOWPASS in summer 2023 and have been using the card since then to purchase goods, meals, snacks, and lots of coffee in various cities in Korea. The card has worked everywhere I’ve tried it, just the same as my regular bank card and T-Money card, which is awesome.

The WOWPASS app is convenient for checking my balance and I get a notification every time I spend money with the card. I can keep track of my spending and top it up when I need to at a nearby WOW Exchange machine. If I lose the card, I know that it’s safe as I can pause and reissue it, too.

I think the WOWPASS can be a great asset for travellers to Korea and can make their life easier.

My only criticism of the WOWPASS is it’s convenience outside of Seoul. Most of the WOW Exchange machines are located in Seoul, with a few in a couple of other major cities. However, if I am travelling outside of those locations and need to top-up, then I won’t be able to. I wish there was another way.

However, that’s not a major issue and one that I think can best be avoided by topping-up with your planned spending money when you first issue the card. I saw plenty of people adding 1,000,000 KRW balance to their card (the maximum allowed) at the airport. This seems like a sensible idea.

I hope to see more WOW Exchange machines in the future, along with more cashback opportunities for using the card in various shops. I think the WOWPASS card can be a great asset for travellers to Korea and can make their life easier. It can certainly save them some money, too.

WOWPASS Korea FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about WOWPASS and how to use it 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.

How Do You Top-Up WOWPASS?

You can top-up the WOWPASS at WOW Exchange machines in Seoul and other cities in Korea. At the WOW Exchange machine, you need to select ‘Top-Up Balance’ from the main screen, then insert your WOWPASS into the machine. Next, select the currency you want to top-up with and insert the currency into the machine one note at a time. When you’ve finished, take your card and your balance will be available immediately.

Where Can I Use WOWPASS?

You can use WOWPASS all over Korea in shops, cafes, restaurants, attractions, and other locations where you would normally be able to pay by card. The WOWPASS can also be used on public transport thanks to the embedded T-Money functions of the card.

Does the WOWPASS Card expire?

The WOWPASS card lasts for 6 years from the date of purchase and can be renewed by issuing a new card at a WOW Exchange machine. The balance on the WOWPASS lasts for 6 years since the last top-up date or card reissue date.

Does the WOWPASS come with T-Money?

The WOWPASS comes with embedded T-Money functions which allows you to use the card just like a T-Money card. You can use the WOWPASS to travel on Korean public transportation wherever T-Money is accepted. However, you will need to top-up your T-Money balance, which is separate from your WOWPASS balance and can be checked in the WOWPASS App.

how Do You Top-Up T-Money In WOWPASS?

You can only top-up the T-Money balance in WOWPASS by using cash and can’t transfer balances from WOWPASS to T-Money. Topping-up the T-Money balance of a WOWPASS card can be done at a convenience store or T-Money recharging station at subway or bus stations across Korea. Recharging is instant, but can only be done with cash.

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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.

I love learning more about Korean culture, hiking the many mountains, and visiting all the coolest places in Korea, both modern and traditional. If you want to know more about my story, check out the ' about me ' section to learn why I love living in Korea.

20 thoughts on “WOWPASS Korea Review: How To Use WOWPASS With T-Money 2024”

Hi, is there a way to top up the ‘debit’ function electronically or is it cash only like it is for the T-money function? Not sure if I’m missing something but if you can’t then would you have to withdraw cash from a ATM in SK using your home card and then feed it into the Wowpass machine? Trying to decide between Wow, Wise and Revolut and want to carry as little cash as possible. Not overly bothered about the T-money aspect.

Hi, thanks for the question. Top-ups have to be done in cash (not electronically) for the WOWPASS card, so you’d need to bring either your home currency, if it’s one of the 15 that can be used for top-ups, or Korean won and top up with that. There’s a limit of 1,000,000 top-up, so if you’re worried about being able to top up extra later on or go beyond the 1,000,000, then Wise or Revolut might be better for you as there’s no limit and you can top up electronically.

Thanks for responding so quickly. I’ll probably get 2 cards Wow and one of the others. Not keen on carrying a large amount of cash from the UK. My charge free UK bank cards should work so others are just for back up. I’ll probably get separate T- money cards just to add to my ever increasing collection of transport cards 🙂 PS I l8ve your bl9g – the detailed information is so useful.

Good idea, I get charged a fortune when I try to use my UK bank card in Korea, which is why I use these other cards to manage spending in Korea. It’s helpful whether you’re an expat here or a tourist. The WOWPASS Airport Package might be good if you plan to get a sim card as it’s cheaper than buying it at the airport, but if you’re getting separate T-Money cards, then maybe not.

And thanks for the feedback, much appreciated 🙂

Great details on Wowpass, before we depart Korea and there is balance in Wowpass, what are the options or to do?

Thanks for reading. Before you leave Korea, you can withdraw cash from a WOWPASS machine (Korean won) and convert it into your home currency, or use the balance to do some last minute souvenir shopping. If you don’t want to use up the balance, you can save it for another trip to Korea as the balance will last up to 6 years.

thank you for this detailed review. I’m still planning my SK trip and I’ve stumbled upon this, very helpful. I have installed the app on my phone and used your code. I have questions.

If I have unused credits/money in my wowpass card, can I withdraw the amount in Yen? or does it have to be in Won? can the t-money balance also be taken out?

Also to confirm, if my T-money runs out balance but my wowpass still have some credits in it, I need to withdraw cash from a wowpass machine then use that cash to top up my T-money correct? Can I do it within the app? (I’m not in seoul yet so my app does not have a card)

Hi, thanks for reading and I’m glad you found the article useful. In answer to your questions, you can withdraw your balance in Korean won only. You can convert it to Japanese yen in the machine or any other money exchange. For the T-Money balance, you should be able to take it out from the WOWPASS at convenience stores or at the T-Money headquarters in Seoul, same as you would a regular T-Money card. But you can’t withdraw it from an ATM or WOWPASS machine. Here’s some more info about withdrawing money from a T-Money card . To top up the T-Money card, you’ll need to either withdraw cash from a wowpass machine if you’re using your WOWPASS for funds, or use any other Korean won cash you have available. It can’t be done in the app, no. Hope that helps.

So technically I can just use the WOWPASS system as currency exchange? Insert USD and withdraw Won?

Thanks for all the articles. Super detailed breakdowns are always appreciated.

Hi, yeah, but you get the bonus of being able to pay by card with the WOWPASS instead of having to carry lots of cash around. You can withdraw won from the card if you need it, too.

Thank for the great info. I like the reissue and transaction record features. I have a few questions and wonder if you can help answer. We are looking to visit Korea in a couple of months.

1. How good is the exchange rate compare to exchange shop? (We aren’t exchanging a ton but I am curious to know) 2. We are looking to get 5 days eSIM 500MB/day from klook.com (3G 4G 5G depend on carrier) for about $9.00. This SKT 5 days eSIM is unlimited 4G 20Mbps (SMS & Voice is probably useless for us since it is incoming only) is ₩27,500 which is about $20.00. We will get 10% off of this price, correct? If I don’t want SKT eSIM, do I need to buy the service? 3. Do you experience to compare the klook.com service to SKT service? We will be mainly in Busan and Seoul. 4. The Airport package cost ₩5,000, correct? And if I use invitation code (not sure when), the 0.5% top-up is every time I add USD to the card or just the first time? 5. Do you buy AREX ticket thru WOWPASS to get the discount? 6. You tap the WOWPASS card on train/bus, correct? Or you can use phone NFC as well?

Hi, thanks for reading. Here’s some answers to your questions: 1 – depends on the exchange rate shops. If you’re looking at the exchange places in Hongdae and Myeongdong, there’s not that much difference. Compared to airport exchange, however, the exchange rate is much better for WOWPASS. 2 – Most tourist SIMs work on 4g in Korea, which is a great connection. No need for 5g. You can buy the WOWPASS by itself without a SIM card if you buy the regular package, not the airport package. If you want the 5 day SIM (which does come with 10% off, yes), then it costs about the same price as the discounted SIM card on Klook (both Klook and WOWPASS SIM card prices are great prices). 3 – The SIM card is provided by SK Telecom and resold by Klook or WOWPASS. It’s the same SIM card and you’ll get the same service. 4 – The basic WOWPASS is 5,000 KRW, but the Airport Package is more expensive and depends on what you select (the length of the SIM card changes the price). 5 – When you reserve the airport package with AREX discounted ticket, you’ll be given a code which you use to collect your AREX ticket at the airport. 6 – Yes, you tap the card to use it when you get on and off public transport. I don’t think you can use the phone’s NFC.

Thank for more information 🙂 We might give the card a try. a. I don’t really want to go look for exchange shop and I don’t like airport rate so this is a convenient for sure. b. We were going to go with klook 5 days 500MB/day $8.00 but reservation is only a month in advance. But ₩27,500 is only $20 and it is unlimited.

Follow Up Questions: 1. Is it safe to put $200-$300 in the card (₩266,000 – ₩400,000 @1,331.34 / ₩ per $)? I read that you can reissue the card at the kiosk, could you cancel the lost card via phone app any time? 2. The card is accept as credit card (though it really is a debit card) in restaurants. Does this include like small mom and pop local eatery? I know that we’ll need paper money for street stalls but wondering if the small eatery only with cash as well. 3. One WOWPASS only receive one AREX discount code, correct? We create AREX accounts which we were planning to order AREX ahead but we’ll to get it once we land in this case. 4. Can the AREX discount code be used for the return train from Seoul to ICN again or is it one time use?

If you have any can’t miss in Seoul or Busan to recommend please feel free to advise us. I researching Korea dishes and cherry blossom timing and area in Japan (our purpose for this trip end of March to April).

PS. I understand if you don’t have answer to all of my WOWCARD questions. I was going to try to ask the provider but I figure this may be the same questions that others may have and can reach the answer here :).

Hi, hope these answers help: 1 – yes, that’s fine. I have more than 300,000 in my WOWPASS card (I use it in Korea, too) and if you lose it you can use the app to freeze it in the ‘manage card’ section of the app and you can reissue a card at a WOWPASS machine with your passport. 2 – Even street food stalls should accept cards (although they might refuse to avoid tax). Restaurants will all accept cards and I very rarely use cash in Korea. 3 – You don’t need to book AREX in advance, there’s usually enough seats and you can turn up and get your ticket when you arrive. 4 – Looks like it’s only Incheon to Seoul, but I’m not sure. You can check this article about how to book the AREX – https://wowpass.oopy.io/arex/en . Cheers, Joel

Thanks. The site is a little strange. I submitted my last reply and after a little while it disappeared. I had thought that the system removed it for some strange reason. Although the system asks for email but it doesn’t send notification when there is a reply. It is a good thing that I came back to check.

We were concern about the street stalls but it is good to hear that they accept the card and I can understand the ones that don’t. Thanks for info on AREX too. I hoped WOWPASS gives you a referrer program commission. You have been a good ambassador.

You’re welcome, hope your travels go well 🙂

I download the app and I have another question. There are WOWPASS Balance & Tmoney Balance. 1. There are WOWPASS balance and Tmoney balance. Since they are separate balance, when you use it, do you have to pick the type? I had thought that it is just one balance in the card when you top up money. 2. I assume at this point that you have to pick the top up type when you top up, right? 3. Are you able to transfer the WOWPASS balance into Tmoney balance when it is low or it can only be top up via cash? 4. If you have balance left for both, do you withdraw them individually?

Hi, for the WOWPASS and T-Money balances, you don’t need to choose which to use. It will automatically pick WOWPASS unless you’re riding on public transportation – then it’ll choose T-Money. You can check and top up the balance at the ticket machines in subways and bus stations or at convenience stores. You can only top up the WOWPASS balance at WOWPASS machines, so you don’t need to choose which, just go to the right place. Yes, withdraw individually as they need to be topped up in different places.

Hi Joel, great tips on WOWPASS (though I think I’ll understand even better when I’m physically using it in Seoul soon! ha).

I’ve some questions, can I transfer money from my credit card when I want to TOP UP to WOWPASS account or I don’t have a choice but to just top up with CASH (any currency) at the kiosk machine?

So it does not work like WISE card?

Thank you in advance.

Hi, thanks for reading and commenting. Yes, it’ll all make sense in Seoul and it’s not hard to setup the WOWPASS and start using it. In answer to your question, you need to load the card up with cash (you can use foreign currency or Korean won).

You can’t add money with a credit card. This is the same as the T-Money card and other Korean transportation cards. It’s not like the Wise card in that sense and doesn’t offer international banking like Wise does, but WOWPASS is easier to set up and use when you travel to Korea.

Hope that helps, Joel.

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Travel Wallet is a leading fintech company in Korea providing mobile based currency exchange, remittance and cross-border payment services. Launching the app service in 2019 under the same name, Travel Wallet is the first company in Korea to target such cross-border related financial services to overseas travelers, especially visiting the Asian ...
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