Money and duty free for North Korea

Currency and Money

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 restrictions

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

North Korea duty free

Overview

Information on quantities of cigarettes, alcohol etc is unavailable at the time of writing.

You must declare items such as cameras and MP3 players at the border. Mobile phones and video recorders may be confiscated upon entry and returned when you leave.

Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.

Banned Imports

Arms, drugs and pornography. It is inadvisable to bring books about North Korea printed in the West or South Korea.

This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.