Korean Job Discussion Forums

[danniedoodles]

hi all. anything i have been able to find on this topic is somewhat outdated so i'm looking for more current information.

my questions are - what should i do about bringing my money to korea? should i convert it to won before i leave? after i arrive? at the airport? have someone in the states wire me my money once i open a korean bank account? i don't want to keep a us bank account open because i don't want to pay monthly fees for not depositing a certain amount per month.

also- i will be working in a public school and from what i have read here, it looks like i will have some type of credit card. any chance it has a visa or mastercard on it (student loan people told me i could easily pay my loans from korea if my bank card has a visa/mc logo on it). and if this is not the case - how have some of you gone about paying student loans?

i'm looking for best rate of exchange, obviously, for all of these options.

[ttompatz]

For as much as you will be bringing in, bring cash; nice, new, crisp Benjamins.

Exchange a couple hundred dollars at the airport in ICN when you land (so you have some local currency). You can exchange the rest at a local bank after you get settled.

DO NOT EXCHANGE / BUY WON OUTSIDE OF KOREA.

You are unlikely to have a credit card (getting much harder for E2s to get one without opening a security deposit first) but you can get a debit card that you can use for international, electronic transactions.

Bank wires are also easy enough to do as is sending money orders.

.

[danniedoodles]

thanks ttompatz. i like how when i say i want to bring all my money - u assume thats a lot lol depressingly - its not. but i will heed your advice. are the bank cards for international, electronic transfers visa/mc?

[ttompatz]

[davai!]

[tran.huongthu]