How to Use Kakao T Taxi in Korea: The Only Guide You’ll Need as a Foreigner

So you’ve just landed in Korea, craving some K-BBQ, but now you’re standing on a random street corner, wondering how to grab a taxi. You’ve heard of Kakao T (Kakao Taxi), but can you even use it without a Korean phone or bank card?

The short answer? Yes, you can.
The better answer? Here’s a full guide to help you use Kakao T like a local — no Korean skills, SIM card, or stress required.

Step 1: Download Kakao T (Don’t Worry, It’s in English)

Head to the App Store or Google Play and search for Kakao T.
Download the app. Once you open it, you’ll be asked to log in with a Kakao account.

No Korean phone number? No problem. Just use your international number and follow the SMS verification. It works.

During setup, the app may ask for access to your location and notifications. Hit “Allow.” Taxis need to know where you are, after all.

Also — go to settings and change the language to English, Chinese, or Japanese if it doesn't switch automatically.

Step 2: Set Your Pickup and Destination

Now it gets fun.

Tap the Taxi icon on the home screen.
The app will find your current location using GPS. If it’s slightly off, just move the pin.
Type your destination in English. You can search for hotels, shops, stations, or just drop the pin directly on the map.

Korean addresses can be tricky. If needed, copy and paste an address from Google Maps or a website. It works fine.

Step 3: Choose Your Ride (From Basic to Fancy)

Kakao T offers several ride options. Here's a cheat sheet:

General Taxi: Budget-friendly, usually orange or silver cars.
Blue or Venti: Premium service, cleaner vehicles, faster matching.
Black (Deluxe): Luxury taxis with suited-up drivers and spotless cars.

Start with General Taxi if you’re just going across town. But if it’s raining or late at night, go with Blue or Venti for better chances.

Step 4: How to Pay (Without a Korean Card)

You’ll now be asked to choose your payment method.

If you have a Korean bank card, great. But if you don’t? Simply swipe the payment option until you find “Pay to driver.” That’s your magic button.

With this, you can pay:

In cash
With a foreign credit card (if the taxi has a reader)
Or sometimes even with your T-Money transportation card

You don’t need a Korean SIM, bank account, or miracle.

Step 5: Call the Taxi

Tap Request Taxi, and the app will start finding a nearby driver.

Once matched, you’ll see:

The driver’s name and photo
The car model and license plate
The estimated arrival time

Now just wait at your pin location and look out for the right license plate. Most drivers don’t speak English, but showing your phone screen with the address is more than enough. No awkward talking needed.

Step 6: During the Ride

Relax and enjoy the ride.

You can watch your route in real time on the app, and the fare will update as you go. Korean taxis are clean, safe, and driven by professionals. You’re in good hands.

And no — tipping is not required in Korea.

Step 7: Payment and Ending the Trip

When you arrive:

If you chose “Pay to driver,” just hand over the cash. Most rides are under 15,000 KRW unless you’re going far.
If you used a card inside the app, the fare will be charged automatically.
You’ll get a digital receipt in the app or a paper one from the driver.

You can rate your experience if you’d like, but it’s optional.

Bonus Tips to Ride Like a Local

Use a T-Money Card: It’s a reloadable travel card you can buy at convenience stores. It works in taxis, subways, and buses.
Try Kakao T’s Other Services: The app also lets you book bikes, designated drivers (if you drink), or airport limos.
Avoid Peak Hours: Fridays at 6pm in Gangnam? Expect delays.
Always Check the Plate Number: Some taxis look similar — confirm before you hop in.

Summary: 7 Simple Steps to Ride with Kakao T

Download Kakao T and log in with your number
Switch app language to English
Tap “Taxi” and set your location and destination
Choose your ride type (General is fine)
Swipe to select “Pay to driver”
Request taxi, confirm plate and car
Ride, pay, done

That’s it. No stress, no language barrier, no app meltdown.
With Kakao T, getting around Korea becomes as easy as grabbing coffee.

Taking a taxi in Korea is super easy, even for foreigners! How to Use Kakao T Taxi in Korea