Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Handy]

I'm leaving next tuesday for my first teaching job in Seoul and I was just wondering how you suggest I bring my money over to start me off before I get paid.

I've read that I should have about 600-1000 for the first month but how much cash do you suggest I bring and in what currency? Clearly I don't want to fly with 1000 in cash:)

I'll have access to my bank account as well as my Visa card for the first month before hopefully getting paid. Will this be enough?

[jay-shi]

[Bibbitybop]

For a month, as long as you have a place to live, 1000 will get you by. You will obviously buy things here you need in order to stock your place. Expect to drink and party as Korea can be fun, depending on where you are living. Location will also affect how much you spend.

Flying with 1000 USD shouldn't be a problem, keep it on you, not in your bag. Bring USD. If you bring money in the form of a debit/check card/ATM, know that not all ATMs in Korea, or Seoul, accept international cards, though most businesses accept foreign credit cards.

Cash is the best way to go, security isn't an issue here if you keep it on you.

[gyopogirlfromtexas]

I was wondering the same thing. Bringing cash, but my friend said there are thieves at airports working in teams, and by the time I go through the xray machine, and they see money in my purse, bag or whatever, it will be gone. So, I'm paranoid. I guess I will wear a belt and not let it out of sight. So anyone put all their money in traveler's check? Isn't that a big pain in the butt though?

[insam]

Why not fly with it? Just put it in an envelope and go. $1000 is nothing; it's ten little slips of paper. I take much, much more than that when I go back home, it saves on transaction costs and also doesn't show that the transaction has occurred.

[formerflautist]

If you look online you'll find money belts that fit in the inside of your pants or around your neck and under your shirt. It's not a bad idea to have one to keep things in anyway even if you don't want to carry a lot of cash. I use one to hold my passport and boarding pass. It's safer and more convenient that way.

[unknown9398]

[Handy]

I do have one of those "around your waist money holders" I'm just rather surprised that you all recommend bringing your start up money in cash.
However I guess if access to international banks is limited at ATM's I guess that makes sense. My school is in Seoul so I think I should be abnle to get money out at least a cash advance from my credit card or something.

Thanks for all your tips!

[ilovebdt]

[mrsquirrel]

6000 will be enough.

I get nervous having anything less when I start up in a new country. I like to be covered for all events.

[ilovebdt]

[contrarian]

I carry 1000 US in cash with me all of the time. It doesn't take up any room and is easily convertable to nearly any other currency.

In 8 years in Korea, nearly all of it outside of Seoul, I have never seen anyhtinbg like a thief or a pick-pocket.

[littlephoenix]

i think so as long as you have somewhere to live, should be good enough but of course only you would know

[jvalmer]

[paquebot]