Check what your exchange rate really costs, then pick a SIM or eSIM for Korea.
How much does your exchange really cost?
The market rate loads automatically from a free public rate service (open.er-api.com), which can see your IP address when it loads. It is a reference rate, not what a counter pays. You can overwrite it.
Exchange tips
Most Korean exchange counters have no separate fee: the cost is hidden in the rate. Compare the rate, not the "no commission" sign. Separate fees mostly come from ATMs and your own bank or card, and show on the ATM screen or your statement.
Licensed exchange counters in busy districts such as Myeongdong often give better rates than airport counters, but rates vary by shop and by day. Walk past two or three and compare.
Bring clean, undamaged notes of major currencies (USD, JPY, EUR). Old or marked notes may be refused or get worse rates. Bring your passport.
If a card terminal asks to charge you in your own currency, choose Korean won. The terminal rate is usually worse (dynamic currency conversion).
Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Seoul, including many street food stalls, but keep a little cash for small markets and some taxis. Overseas-card ATMs are common in convenience stores and subway stations; look for a "Global ATM" label.
Prepaid foreigner cards such as WOWPASS combine exchange with a transit and payment card. Check the fee and refund rules before using one.
SIM card or eSIM: where to buy and what it costs
Physical tourist SIM, about US$22 for 5 days (KT) or US$25 (SK Telecom); about US$33 to US$35 for 10 days; KT 30 days about US$44. Unlimited data, usually slowed after a daily cap.
eSIM, from about US$5 (1 GB, 7 days) and US$11 (3 GB, 30 days) up to about US$19 (unlimited, 5 days) and US$34 (unlimited, 10 days), depending on the seller.
Where to buy a SIM: carrier booths in the arrivals hall of Incheon Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (KT, SK Telecom, LG U+); online pre-order (Klook, KKday) and pick-up at the airport counter; limited prepaid SIMs at CU and GS25 convenience stores.
Where to buy an eSIM: online or in the seller's app, before you fly. You need internet to install it, so do it at home or on airport Wi-Fi.
Passport: bring it. Korean law requires ID to register a physical SIM, including pre-ordered ones.
Is your phone eSIM-ready? Usually iPhone XS or newer, Galaxy S20 or newer, Pixel 3 or newer, and it must be carrier-unlocked.
Prices come from one public comparison article (updated June 2026), in US dollars, and vary by seller and promotion. Not official. Compare the airport booth price with an online pre-order before you decide.
Money and SIM basics for Korea
Cards work almost everywhere in Korea, but a little cash and a data connection make your first day much easier. The calculator above shows the hidden cost in the rate you are offered, and the SIM section compares physical SIMs and eSIMs.
FAQ
Where is the best place to exchange money in Seoul? Licensed counters in busy districts such as Myeongdong are often better than airport counters, but compare two or three before exchanging.
Is there a fixed exchange fee? Most Korean counters build the cost into the rate and charge no separate fee. ATMs and your own bank or card may charge fees.
Should I get a SIM or an eSIM? An eSIM is easiest if your phone supports it and is unlocked. A physical SIM at the airport is a good backup, and you need your passport.
Are prices current? They come from public sources checked on 25 Oct 2026 and can change.