Destination Guides
Korea (Democratic Peoples Republic Of)

 
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Currency

Won (KPW) = 100 chon. Notes are in denominations of KPW100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of KPW1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 chon.

 
Note

Hotels tend to only accept cash payments in local currency whilst shops prefer US Dollars.

 
Currency exchange

Currencies may be changed at the Trade Bank (Mon-Sat 0900-1200 and 1400-1700) or at some hotels. Convertible currencies include Australian, Hong Kong and US Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling and Yen.

 
Credit & debit cards

Main hotels in Pyongyang will accept credit and debit cards such as Mastercard and Visa. However, American Express is not usually accepted.

 
Traveller's cheques

Generally not accepted. However, US Dollars are often accepted as an alternative method of payment.

 
Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is unrestricted, subject to declaration on arrival.

 
Exchange rate indicators

Date Jul 06
£1.00= KPW309.38
$1.00= KPW170.00

 
 
uty Free
 

The following goods may be imported into Korea (Dem Rep) without incurring customs duty:
A reasonable amount of tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

 
Prohibited items

Binoculars, arms, ammunition, explosives, drugs, any books or literature in Korean language, and seeds. Animals, plants and all groceries require certificates of entry.

 
Note

Gifts, precious metals and personal items such as cameras, watches and tape recorders must be declared.