I have had a few smaller hotels charge a 3% fee (walk up and pay), but like you said, if you book through an app, those fees will be waived. I agree getting a CC card here can be a pain. Overall, I use my CC to build airline points, which I will use to fly back home.
I was opening an account at K- bank and the individual assisting wanted a letter from the mayor's office stating residency even though I had a residency letter from immigration. I asked to see the manager who corrected the situation.