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Money & duty free for North Korea

Currency information: 

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 whilst shops prefer US Dollars.

Credit cards: 

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

Travellers cheques: 

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

Currency restriction: 

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

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.

North Korea duty free

The following goods may be imported into Korea (Dem Rep) without incurring customs duty:

• A reasonable amount of tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

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

Restricted items: Animals, plants and all groceries require certificates of entry.

Banned imports: 

Binoculars, arms, ammunition, explosives, drugs, any books or literature in Korean language and seeds.

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