You arrive at your destination in Seoul. The fare is ₩25,000. The driver says, “Cash only.”
But you do not have enough Korean won.
Quick answer: Seoul taxis normally accept cards. Ask for card payment first. If one card fails, try another card, then T-money. Use an ATM only as a last option.
1. Driver Says “Cash Only”
Say this first:
카드로 결제할게요.
I’ll pay by card.
If you do not have enough cash:
현금이 부족해요. 카드로 결제할게요.
I don’t have enough cash. I’ll pay by card.
Do not immediately search for an ATM. Card payment is a normal payment method in Seoul taxis.
2. Your Foreign Card Does Not Work
A failed card does not mean the taxi is cash-only.
Try this order:
Card 1 → Card 2 → T-money
Show the driver:
다른 카드로 해볼게요.
I’ll try another card.
If you have enough T-money balance:
티머니로 결제할 수 있어요?
Can I pay with T-money?
3. No Cash and Every Payment Fails
Tell the driver clearly:
카드가 안 되고 현금도 부족해요. 다른 결제 방법이 있나요?
My card isn’t working and I don’t have enough cash. Is there another way to pay?
Then try:
Another card → T-money → taxi app payment → ATM as a last option
Do not leave without explaining the situation.
4. Avoid the Problem: Use Kakao T
Kakao T can show your pickup point, destination, driver, vehicle number and estimated fare.
Basic steps:
- Open Kakao T and choose Taxi.
- Check the pickup point.
- Enter your destination.
- Choose a taxi type.
- Check the payment method.
- Request the taxi and confirm the license plate before boarding.
Kakao T currently supports overseas-issued Visa, Mastercard, JCB and American Express cards for taxi services.
If you use app payment, check the app after the ride before paying the driver again. This helps avoid double payment.
5. Kakao T Feels Difficult? Try k.ride
k.ride is Kakao Mobility’s service for international travelers.
You can sign in with Google, Apple or email, register an overseas-issued card, search destinations and see an estimated fare before requesting a ride.
Basic use:
Open k.ride → set pickup location → enter destination → choose a vehicle → check estimated fare → request ride → confirm plate number.
For many short-term visitors, this can be easier than setting up a regular Korean mobility account.
6. Driver Refuses Card Without Trying
Stay calm and say:
카드 결제해 주세요.
Please process the card payment.
If normal card payment is still refused without a clear reason, save:
- License plate number
- Fare shown
- Receipt
- Pickup and destination
Ask:
영수증 주세요.
Please give me a receipt.
7. Need Help?
Seoul 120 Dasan Call Center: 02-120
For a Seoul taxi complaint, keep the full license plate number.
Korea Travel Helpline & Complaint Center: 1330
From overseas: +82-2-1330
Save This Screen
카드로 결제할게요.
I’ll pay by card.
현금이 부족해요.
I don’t have enough cash.
다른 카드로 해볼게요.
I’ll try another card.
티머니로 결제할 수 있어요?
Can I pay with T-money?
영수증 주세요.
Please give me a receipt.
One-Minute Summary
Taxi says cash only?
Ask for card → try another card → try T-money.
No cash and nothing works?
Explain it → check app payment → use an ATM only if necessary.
Driver refuses normal card payment?
Save the plate number + receipt + fare.
Want fewer payment problems next time?
Set up Kakao T or k.ride before you need a taxi.
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