Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kiddirts]

The hagwon handcuffs come off this Saturday and I have a very nice chunk saved up after 6 months. Want to take anywhere from 3-8 weeks off and just GO dammit! =) In fact, getting tickets either this week or next...just some questions for you experts out there...

1) Not knowing how long I want to stay, should I opt for round-trip tickets coming back a month later? Is it easy to change the date? Can I get cheap one-ways back to korea out of there?

2) Is it easy to extend your stay there beyond the 30 days if they see you're just blowing your cash in their economy? Or file for a tourist Visa while there?

3)Whats the best way to handle the money situation? I don't have a Korean bank account, nor an international one, as of yet...nor do I want to be walking around or have suitcased up the money that I intend to spend over the next 2 months.

4)Are there many pc rooms to keep in contact with friends/family?

5)Anything to watch out for with the food/water?

6) Travel light or travel heavy? (3-8 weeks)

7) Where can I get the best exchange rate for won into Bhat?

Feel free to share any stories and tips! I imagine many of you may have the Thailand excursion in your plans for sometime in December...
~Kid

[Clutch Cargo]

One piece of advice. Go quickly before I choke you, you lucky bugger.

[posco's trumpet]

[The Lemon]

If you're going to be there for two months, look into depositing the money into a Thai bank account and withdrawing with their card. I've heard of people doing this before. It might be convenient for you. Not sure though if 2 months is too short a time, or if they'll charge you a fee.

[Kiddirts]

where can I get american express traveler's checks in Korea?

[desultude]

posco's trumpet:

[Mankind]

Here's my advice. I've spent months at a time in T-land over the last 3 years. About 4 months total.

1) Not knowing how long I want to stay, should I opt for round-trip tickets coming back a month later? Is it easy to change the date? Can I get cheap one-ways back to korea out of there?

One-way. Just book the return a couple weeks in advance. This time of year can be tough to get back to Korea.

2) Is it easy to extend your stay there beyond the 30 days if they see you're just blowing your cash in their economy? Or file for a tourist Visa while there?

Easy as pie. You get 1 month stamped on arrival. Get a couple photos and 500 baht to extend for another month. You can do this in any immgration office. Do it when you are about to expire the stamp. Takes about an 1 hour tops.

3)Whats the best way to handle the money situation? I don't have a Korean bank account, nor an international one, as of yet...nor do I want to be walking around or have suitcased up the money that I intend to spend over the next 2 months.

Open a bank account so you can leave money here, and don't have too carry all your savings. You can also withdraw in an emergecy. You pay about $10 per withdrwal so make it worth it. Carry U.S. $50 dollar bills. You get the best exchange rate and they have no counterfit warnings about $50's If you use hundreds, there are 3 years they will not accept. Store your money in the hotel or room safe.

4)Are there many pc rooms to keep in contact with friends/family?

Some, but slow and much more expensive than here. Don't surf, just mail.

5)Anything to watch out for with the food/water?

Never had a problem with anything. I'd just watch out for getting addicted to the great food. If you stay in one hotel for a long time you can save a shit load of money by ordering a 20 liter bottle of water. 15 baht max.

6) Travel light or travel heavy? (3-8 weeks)

Medium. Don't look like a total bumb. One bag and back pack.

7) Where can I get the best exchange rate for won into Bhat?

DON"T USE WON!!! The Thai's give a horrible exchange rate for won. You should get about say 33 to the baht, they give about 23. Exchange into U.S. dollars 50's are easiest, and change one at the airport. Than exchange at banks or 'real money exchangers' on the streets. Iknow it's a double exchange but you make out much better.

HAND

[kangnam mafioso]

[posco's trumpet]

[ratslash]

1. ticket conditons change from ticket to ticket. ask your travel agent.

2. impossible to answer visa questions unless you tell us what passport you have. brits get 90 days in thailand.

3. travelers cheques are the best way to handle your money. get amex. they are easy to replace if stolen or lost. within 24 hours they say. (pinch of salt!)

4. yes. hundreds.

5. yes. drink bottled water. i go veggie in thailand after a nasty experience with some meat.

6. always travel light. it is easier.

7. dunno. take us dollars. easier to change.

been to thailand lots. pm me for further info.

[Mankind]

Posco:

[posco's trumpet]

[Mankind]

Posco, PMing that little letter is just sad. People who do that and end things with little comments like yours, are usaully people who can't handle themselves in real life. If can't defend yourself publicly than don't bother.

Posco yells because: I don't have a clue. Still makes you look silly.

As my being an expert: Yours deal with the outside world; mine dealt with personal choices. Ah, that's very clear and well thought out. Thank you. Great examples and evidence by the way.

Misinformation: Let it pass, or correct the situation and make sure the innocent public know what's up? But your corrections are full of half truths and are misleading in some cases. When was the last time you lived in or visited T-land? Just cause I lived in Canada 7 years ago, doen't mean I know much about how it is now.

You don't need to answer -- I don't give a hoot about your opinion, actually. Well you got it.

And I guess that means you won't respond again.

HAND

[Mankind]

Wow that was fast. First you say, your done in a P.M. than post up again. I think your name is fitting. You sure do like to toot your own horn.

[posco's trumpet]