North Korea Travel Guide

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Currency

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

Hotels tend to only accept cash payments in local currency while 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 Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

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

Travelers Checks

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