Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Latina714]

I bought an iPhone 5s from Apple's Korean website and then went to an Olleh store to get a pre-paid SIM but they said that the phone needs to be registered? WTH!

I'm not really sure whats going on. I thought since phones no longer need to be whitelisted, it was a simple case of just buying a SIM and putting it in the phone but my recent experience in an Olleh shop was hardly simple. Why does my phone need to be registered and where would I do this? I've been working for 3 months and have an ARC. I bought the iPhone from Apples Korean website so it should automatically comply with any Korean laws/standards, including the all important frequencies which are the issue many people have when bringing an iPhone bought from another country into Korea.

So whats the issue? Any advice? All I want is a simple SIM that is NONE contract, that I can top up as and when I need too. Not looking to sign anything since I'm not sure how long i'll be here (at least the next 9 months for sure!)

I thought Olleh's USIM was a simple and easy procedure (ktexpatblog) - seems its not. Are there any other alternatives - SK telecom equivalent? Maybe I'm going to the wrong Olleh shop - do I need to go to one of their specialist centers for foreigners?

The phone is brand new and I am leaving abroad for the holidays in a week and I really want to put a Korean SIM in first before I go because I fear if I put a SIM from my destination country - as the first SIM it may cause problems.

Why is it so difficult to simply get a pre-paid SIM in this country?!!

[PEIGUY]

[jackdaniels]

Maybe you didn't take it to a KT Global store and instead a branch with limited capability in regards to experience. Remember most of the customers are Koreans and that's what they know.

[Latina714]

thanks guys! I appreciate your input.