Creatrip Currency Exchange Service | Easy Currency Exchange at Incheon Airport
This is the quickest and easiest way to exchange currency at the best rate; all you have to do is make a reservation and pick up your money at the airport!
Exchanging currencies is an essential part of traveling internationally but can be a bit of a hassle. There are so many things to consider; where to get the best rates, how much to exchange, and more! That's why we've partnered with Money Box, an official currency exchange service company, to provide the fastest and easiest way to exchange currency at the best rate!
Creatrip Currency Exchange Service
What is the Creatrip Airport Currency Exchange Reservation Service?
The Creatrip Currency Exchange Service provides fast and easy currency exchange with the best rates at the airport by taking the convenience of exchanging currency at the airport and making it available at a cheaper price. Since Creatrip is not an official currency exchange business, we've partnered up with Money Box, a currency exchange service company that has an official license and is recognized by the Korean government.
How does it work?
You can make a reservation ahead of time to exchange money at the airport and simply pick up the agreed amount on a fixed date. You must book the service by at least 8:00 KST on the day of pick-up and can book up to 14 days in advance. Here's how it works:
- First, you can check the Creatrip Airport Exchange Rate Calculator (at the top of this page) to compare rates and see how much you can save through Creatrip's service.
- Then, make a reservation and let us know the time and date of the exchange (within operating hours), and how much you would like to exchange.
- Lastly, prepare the agreed amount in your local currency and meet with a representative at Incheon Airport to pick up the promised amount.
Make the most of your Korea trip by saving time and money on unnecessary fees through the Creatrip Currency Exchange Service!
*The amount shown on the calculator and the amount available for in-person exchange are rounded to the nearest value of 1,000 KRW on a 100 KRW basis to avoid the use of coins and for a smooth exchange process (i.e. 4,700 KRW will round up to 5,000 KRW).
Information
Period of Reservation: From 14 days prior to the pickup date until 08:00 KST on the day of the pickup
Terminal 1 Operating Hours: Mon - Sun 10:00-20:00 KST
*Starting September 16, 2024, pickups will be available from 8:00 KST
Terminal 2 Operating Hours: Wed - Sun 8:00-20:00 KST
*Pickup is not available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
*Starting September 16, 2024, pickups will be available from 8:00 KST
Pickup Location: Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 (Near the Airport Railroad Ticket Gate)
*After making a reservation, you will receive a voucher with the exact location details via email
Available Currencies | Min/Max Exchange Amount |
USD | Minimum: 200 USD Maximum: 4,000 USD |
SGD | Minimum: 300 SGD Maximum: 5,000 SGD |
TWD | Minimum: 3,000 TWD Maximum: 126,000 TWD |
HKD | Minimum: 1,500 HKD Maximum: 31,000 HKD |
CNY | Minimum: 1,500 CNY Maximum: 30,000 CNY |
JPY | Minimum: 10,000 JPY Maximum: 560,000 JPY |
THB | Minimum: 6,000 THB Maximum: 144,000 THB |
VND | Minimum: 3,500,000 VND Maximum: 100,000,000 VND |
Once you receive directions to the exact pickup location, you can exchange currency right away with the Money Box staff, who will be wearing a Creatrip cap! You will receive a voucher with details regarding pickup via email after making a reservation.
Why We Recommend It
It is the fastest and cheapest way to exchange currency at the airport.
The Creatrip Currency Exchange Service is provided through Money Box, which is the number one currency exchange operator in South Korea.
You can check the rates yourself! Before making a reservation, you can compare rates and find out exactly how much you'll be saving in your local currency (not KRW) at a glance using the Creatrip Currency Exchange Rate Calculator at the top of this blog or by clicking here.
This service provides the best rates at the airport. It's about 50% cheaper than the general airport exchange fees!
Start your trip right away! If you exchange currency at the airport, it's quick and cheap and you can start your trip right away. You can make payments right away using KRW and top up any transportation or prepaid cards, then start your trip straight away without having to travel elsewhere to exchange currency.
Don't worry! You won't have to pay the entire amount you plan to exchange in advance. Just pay a deposit of 10,000 KRW when making a reservation and you'll get the full deposit refunded the day after the exchange!
Safety guaranteed! This airport currency exchange service is provided through 'Money Box', which is the number one currency exchange operator in South Korea.
Wi-Fi is free at the airport. If you can't find the location, add the SNS ID on the voucher and contact 'Money Box' via Wi-Fi for a quick response!
| Factors | Private Local/Korean Currency Exchange | Local/Korean Airport Currency Exchange (Banks) | Creatrip Currency Exchange Service |
Price (Currency Exchange Fee) | Good Rates | Bad Rates | Good Rates |
Convenience | Inconvenient | Convenient | Convenient |
Time | Time Lost | Time Saved | Time Saved |
Additional Fees | Transportation Fees | None | None |
| Conclusion | Local currency exchange services may have good exchange rates, but there are fees you need to pay for transportation and it could be a hassle to get there. Not to mention the extra time it takes! | Getting currency exchanged at airport banks is definitely the fastest and most convenient, but it is by far the most expensive. You'd be losing money! | Not only is it fast and conveniently available at the airport, but you'll also be able to exchange money at a significantly better rate than the airport banks. Only available through Creatrip! |
Things To Keep In Mind
This service is available at both Incheon Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
All currency exchange offices in Korea are legally required to record passport information and report it to the National Tax Service. Creatrip, as an affiliate, does not store any personal information after providing it to the official currency exchange office. After the currency exchange is completed, all provided personal information will be automatically deleted.
A reservation can be made at any time on Creatrip, but you must make a reservation by at least 08:00 KST the day of the pickup. You can make a reservation up to 14 days in advance.
Card payments are not available on-site. Please ensure you have cash (foreign currency) on the day of the exchange
Pickup is available from 10:00 to 20:00 KST (Starting September 16, 2024, pickups are available from 8:00 KST). The affiliate staff will be available at all times during pickup hours, so even if you arrive at a different time than your reservation, you can still pick up your money at any time within the available pickup hours.
Our currency exchange service is based on real-time rates, so it is not possible to change the amount afterwards. Please prepare the exact amount of your local currency in accordance with the fixed amount on your reservation. We cannot provide extra currency exchange beyond the reserved amount.
For a quick and easy exchange process, please prepare bills in the highest denomination possible for each respective currency.
TWD: 1,000 / HKD: 500 / JPY: 10,000 / CNY: 100 / SGD: 100 / THB: 1,000 / VND: 500,000 / USD: 100 / EUR: 50 / GBP: 50 / CAD: 100
Only New US Dollars, not Old US Dollars, are accepted for USD exchange. Please be sure to prepare New US Dollars.
The exchange rates on the Creatrip Exchange Rate Calculator are updated once every hour. Your reservation will be processed based on the rate that is available at that time.
The currency exchange pickup spot is located near the Airport Railroad gate at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 & 2. After you make a reservation, we will provide the exact location through a voucher via email.
The currency exchange staff is on standby from 10:00 to 20:00 KST (Starting September 16, 2024 pickups are available from 8:00 KST). Don't worry if you're late for your reservation time! However, please contact us through the messenger channel you provided to us in advance once you arrive for a quicker and smoother exchange process.
If you register a messenger ID (LINE, KakaoTalk, WhatsApp) that you can be contacted at on-site in advance, you should be able to communicate with Money Box easily.
LINE ID: moneyboxcs
KakaoTalk ID: moneyboxcs
WhatsApp ID: +82 10-2543-8068
Refund Policy
After making a reservation for currency exchange, you cannot make changes to the exchange amount or cancel your reservation. If you cancel the reservation, the deposit will not be refunded.
If you wish to modify your personal information, please contact us at help@creatrip.com, and we will make the necessary updates for you. There will be no deduction from the deposit for this service.
The deposit fee for our currency exchange service is 10,000 KRW. Once you complete the currency exchange on-site, the deposit will be automatically refunded the next day.
In the case that your flight is canceled or delayed due to a natural disaster, we will refund the 10,000 KRW deposit to you (personal reasons/situations do not apply).
How To Reserve
Step 1 |
|
Step 2 |
Select the date and time you would like to pick up your money. |
Step 3 |  Select which terminal you'd like to exchange money at and click next. |
Step 4 |  Enter the required information in detail and the amount you wish to exchange. The amount that you enter on this page will be the fixed amount you will receive in KRW and need to provide in USD.  Upload a clear photo of your passport and enter your name as it appears on your passport and your flight number. Then, click 'Agree' to move on to the payment stage. |
Step 5 | Pay the full deposit (10,000 KRW) to complete your reservation. Your reservation will be automatically confirmed and you will receive a voucher with the exact locations via email.  (Sample Voucher) Please be sure to prepare the promised amount in your local currency in the highest denomination possible (i.e. $100 USD bills). |
Step 6 | Meet a Creatrip representative at the appointed location and exchange currency with them. Once you complete the exchange, your initial deposit payment (10,000 KRW) will be canceled and you will receive a full refund to the original method of payment the next day. Please keep in mind that if you do not show up on the appointed day without proof of a flight delay or other unpreventable circumstances, you will not receive the deposit back. |
Tips
How much can I actually save through Creatrip's currency exchange service?
Private currency exchange services, most popularly in Myeongdong or Dongdaemun, do indeed have the best exchange rates, but considering the time and money it takes to get there, it's not quite as much of a steal as you'd think. Ideally, you'd want to exchange currency right away at the airport so you can start your trip immediately without having to plan a time to travel elsewhere to exchange currencies.
The problem is that exchanging currency at the airport isn't the best option either, because the banks available don't have good rates. But what if there was a way you could exchange currency quickly at the airport and at a good rate? Here's an example we've put together so you can see just how much you can save through Creatrip!
Creatrip | Myeongdong | Airport Bank | |
| Exchange Rate | $1 USD = 1,282 KRW | $1 USD = 1,301 KRW | $1 USD = 1,245 KRW |
Amount Exchanged (Example) | $200 USD = 256,000 KRW | $200 USD = 260,200 KRW | $200 USD = 249,000 KRW |
Travel Cost | X | Airport Bus: ~17,000 KRW Subway: ~4,750 KRW | X |
Travel Time | X | Nearly 2 Hours | X |
Total Amount | 256,000 KRW | 255,450~243,200 KRW | 249,000 KRW |
*Please keep in mind that these are not fixed rates and rates may alter slightly depending on the current exchange rate.
As you can see above, you'd actually be able to get the best bang for your buck by using Creatrip's service, and you don't have to worry about wasting time or money finding a local currency exchange service! Myeongdong may technically have the lowest exchange rates, but with the added transportation fees and travel time, it's simply not worth it!
Taking the subway for over an hour while carrying all your luggage around is not fun, and while the airport bus is more comfortable, you can use that money to get other necessities, such as a SIM card! Don't spend your first day in Korea going back and forth from your hotel to Myeongdong just to waste time and money; opt for convenience and the best exchange rate here at Creatrip!
Why do I need to exchange cash if I can just use my card and make international transactions?
While cards are accepted at most places, many shops, such as hair salons, nail shops, etc., will actually give you a significant discount or freebies if you pay in cash! Also, there are many experiences, such as eating street food or buying souvenirs/trinkets, that can only be paid for in cash. You'll definitely need a good amount in order to take advantage of special deals and make sure you don't miss out on certain experiences!
How much money would I need to exchange for a trip to Korea?
One reason why travelers love coming to Korea, besides the amazing food, culture, and K-entertainment, is because it is quite cheap to travel in when compared to other countries! Of course, the amount that is spent differs per person, but here is a general breakdown of how much you might need to bring for your trip. Keep in mind that these are averages and the amount of spending will differ per person. This is just to give you a general idea of daily spending costs!
Category (daily, per person) | Budget | General | High-end |
Average Daily Cost | 46,655 KRW | 118,323 KRW | 300,559 KRW |
Average Accommodation Cost | 21,996 KRW | 53,511 KRW | 122,862 KRW |
Average Transportation Cost | 6,173 KRW | 17,227 KRW | 52,782 KRW |
Average Intercity Transportation Cost | 28,545 KRW | 72,221 KRW | 182,466 KRW |
Average Food Cost | 11,877 KRW | 30,541 KRW | 79,991 KRW |
Average Entertainment Cost | 10,347 KRW | 28,489 KRW | 85,286 KRW |
Average Total (Without Avg. Daily Cost) | 78,938 KRW daily (~$64.74 USD) | 201,989 KRW daily (~$165.65 USD) | 523,387 KRW daily (~$429.22 USD) |
| *Average costs sourced from Budget Your Trip. | |||
Using the chart above, you can get a general idea of how much money you might need to bring to exchange in Korea. It's always good to grab a bit of a wider budget than expected, in case of emergencies or if you end up doing a little more shopping than you thought you would (which is very easy to do in Korea). Overall, Korea is not necessarily considered an expensive place to travel to as transportation, local shopping, and restaurants are all quite affordable.
What do I need to get to prepare for my trip to Korea?
Here is a list of things we recommend you reserve beforehand so that you're all set when you arrive in Korea:
1. WIFI or SIM Card
Although WIFI is quite available throughout Korea, it's best to have access to the Internet with a SIM card or portable WIFI device if you want to get around comfortably and conveniently. Public transportation will be your best friend when getting around Korea, so you're going to want to be able to look up subway routes and bus arrival times when you're on the go. It's also just way more convenient and safe to have in case of emergencies. Creatrip has tons of SIM card or WIFI options, so check them out in the link below!
2. Transportation Tickets, Services, and Transit Cards
Speaking of public transportation, you're going to need a transit card to get around the subway and on buses and taxis. With a transit card, you can just tap on and off when you get on vehicles, and top-up with cash when you need more money on your card. It's super convenient and a must-have when traveling in Korea. You can get a TMoney card at a convenience store or the newer NAMANE card, which functions as both a debit card and a transit card. It can be used virtually anywhere in Korea! Get it using the link below:
You'll also need a way to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport, which can get confusing since the airport is so big and there are so many options. The most convenient option would be to take a taxi, but that can get expensive, especially if you're traveling alone or in a small group. The fastest and simplest way to get to Seoul from Incheon Airport is by taking the airport bus or the AREX train, which is very fast and comfortable and goes directly to Seoul Station. From Seoul Station, you can easily get to another station using the subway or bus. For big groups, or if you highly prefer comfort, you can reserve an airport limousine service. To travel outside of Seoul, you can take the KTX or Express Bus. Check out more transportation options below!
What should I do in Korea?
1. Must-do Activities
There are certain things in Korea that you have to do or places that you have to visit when you're here in order to get the full experience. If it's your first time, definitely try renting a Hanbok and exploring the traditional palaces (you get in for free if you wear a Hanbok!), visiting Lotte World in a cute Korean school uniform, taking photos at a professional photo studio, getting your hair done, and of course, visiting many different cafes and restaurants. Check out all the fun activities and cultural experiences you can do in the link below!
2. Order Delivery Food
Delivery food culture in Korea is a whole 'nother experience in itself and is something you gotta try out! You can order crispy Korean fried chicken to the Han River and enjoy a wonderful picnic, or order delicious Korean shaved ice to your hotel or airbnb for a sweet treat after a day of exploring! The options are endless and getting to experience Korea's amazing delivery service is amazing. Even if you're a foreigner, you can order delivery through Creatrip, no Korean phone number or card is required! Order delivery through us here:
3. K-Beauty Experiences
You can't come to Korea and not experience the K-beauty culture here! From hair shops and makeup experiences to manicures and skin care procedures, Korea has it all, and at very affordable prices too! Get a discount on K-beauty services by making a reservation through Creatrip! Check out all the services below:
4. Go on a Day Tour
The easiest way to check out all the most popular tourist destinations and even more unknown, local spots, is through a tour! There are many tours available all over Korea, so you can explore not only Seoul, but also places like Busan, Gangneung, Jeju-do, and more! Check out all the different tours available here:
5. Go to a K-pop Concert
If you're a K-pop fan, you do not want to miss out on an opportunity to see live K-pop idol performances! There's just something different about experiencing a K-pop performance right here in Korea; plus, front-row seats are significantly cheaper in Korea than overseas. You can get tickets to the weekly showing of SBS's The Show and see what awards shows are currently available in the links below!
Where should I go?
The most popular destination would definitely be Seoul, as there is so much to see and do in South Korea's capital. Outside of Seoul though, there is just as much to enjoy! Below is a list of the most popular places to visit and links to food guides, cafe guides, shopping guides, tours, and more!
1. Seoul
2. Busan
3. Jeju Island
5. Jeonju
Now you're all set for your trip to Korea!
Creatrip Currency Exchange Service
We hope this blog was helpful to you and you can quickly and easily get your currency exchanged at the best rates with Creatrip! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
