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hochhasd
Joined: 05 Jul 2008
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 Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 12:55 pm Post subject: Does anyone know if the currency exchange counter is open |
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Does anyone know if the currency exchange counter at Incheon airport is open Saturday and Sunday and to what time they are open to?  |
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lifeinkorea
Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Location: somewhere in China
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hochhasd
Joined: 05 Jul 2008
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| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 1:09 pm Post subject: |
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If I am reading this link correctly, the airport exchange center is only open to 4:00P.M. Monday- Sunday? Great, what is someone to do about exchanging currency rather ( when they arrive at 4:30 P.M.) than waiting for an ARC to open an bank account?  |
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Chambertin
Joined: 07 Jun 2009
Location: Gunsan
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| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 1:57 pm Post subject: |
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Please dont take this advice as arrogance, as many do on Dave's
I highly recommend you put Google as your home page and start searching like crazy. I had the benefit in growing up in a Canadian border state in the US. Much like home there are many places that you can trade currency, or use USD as primary currency.
I think that you should set Google as your home page as you will be using it often to check hundreds of things. Daily currency rates, maps, translations, and a plethora of other things.
Never rely on one source for your information overseas. Use Google to get confirmation of what you hear, are told, or discover yourself.
That being said, the tourist counter should have information about where to get money after hours, but just put in the name of your arrival airport into Google and there should be a great deal of info about services, or at least a way to confirm what you will be told when you get there.
Also there is the option to trade currency before you leave the departure airport. Again you need to check out the rates on Google, most of my study abroad students were ripped off badly by the US side currency exchanges the first time I went to Japan.
lifeinkorea said it already, this information is available and easy to find. If you want to have a smooth transition I suggest you get use to at least confirming the information you are given.
This post is long, and may be viewed as self serving, but take it for what it is worth |
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hochhasd
Joined: 05 Jul 2008
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| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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| Chambertin wrote: |
Please dont take this advice as arrogance, as many do on Dave's
I highly recommend you put Google as your home page and start searching like crazy. I had the benefit in growing up in a Canadian border state in the US. Much like home there are many places that you can trade currency, or use USD as primary currency.
I think that you should set Google as your home page as you will be using it often to check hundreds of things. Daily currency rates, maps, translations, and a plethora of other things.
Never rely on one source for your information overseas. Use Google to get confirmation of what you hear, are told, or discover yourself.
That being said, the tourist counter should have information about where to get money after hours, but just put in the name of your arrival airport into Google and there should be a great deal of info about services, or at least a way to confirm what you will be told when you get there.
Also there is the option to trade currency before you leave the departure airport. Again you need to check out the rates on Google, most of my study abroad students were ripped off badly by the US side currency exchanges the first time I went to Japan.
lifeinkorea said it already, this information is available and easy to find. If you want to have a smooth transition I suggest you get use to at least confirming the information you are given.
This post is long, and may be viewed as self serving, but take it for what it is worth |
No problem, I am concerned because I am going to be picked up by someone and I heard the airport offers the best exchange rate. I did look at the posters link and the way I understood the link was ,that the counter at the airport was only open to 4:00P.M. and I arrive at 4:30 P.M. My concern is the only way I could open a bank account is not until I get my ARC card and that is 90 days later. Any suggestions to secure my money? Korean traveler checks? Thanks  |
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oskinny1
Joined: 10 Nov 2006
Location: Right behind you!
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| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 4:03 pm Post subject: |
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| Just go to an international ATM. Be sure to tell your bank that you are going overseas so they will not reject your card when you are trying to buy things. |
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chris_J2
Joined: 17 Apr 2006
Location: From Brisbane, Au.
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| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 4:07 pm Post subject: $ |
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| Quote: |
| Any suggestions to secure my money? |
(on arrival at Incheon)
An atm card, with cirrus, visa or maestro? ATM's are everywhere in Korea (including Incheon Airport), & many take visa, cirrus or maesto cards. Some don't. Be aware that your home bank in North America will charge a fee of around $5. |
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dean_burrito
Joined: 12 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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| hochhasd wrote: |
| Chambertin wrote: |
Please dont take this advice as arrogance, as many do on Dave's
I highly recommend you put Google as your home page and start searching like crazy. I had the benefit in growing up in a Canadian border state in the US. Much like home there are many places that you can trade currency, or use USD as primary currency.
I think that you should set Google as your home page as you will be using it often to check hundreds of things. Daily currency rates, maps, translations, and a plethora of other things.
Never rely on one source for your information overseas. Use Google to get confirmation of what you hear, are told, or discover yourself.
That being said, the tourist counter should have information about where to get money after hours, but just put in the name of your arrival airport into Google and there should be a great deal of info about services, or at least a way to confirm what you will be told when you get there.
Also there is the option to trade currency before you leave the departure airport. Again you need to check out the rates on Google, most of my study abroad students were ripped off badly by the US side currency exchanges the first time I went to Japan.
lifeinkorea said it already, this information is available and easy to find. If you want to have a smooth transition I suggest you get use to at least confirming the information you are given.
This post is long, and may be viewed as self serving, but take it for what it is worth |
No problem, I am concerned because I am going to be picked up by someone and I heard the airport offers the best exchange rate. I did look at the posters link and the way I understood the link was ,that the counter at the airport was only open to 4:00P.M. and I arrive at 4:30 P.M. My concern is the only way I could open a bank account is not until I get my ARC card and that is 90 days later. Any suggestions to secure my money? Korean traveler checks? Thanks |
You can open a bank account using your passport. Once you get your ARC go back to the bank and have them match your account to the ARC number. You'll have to do this to get cell phone service. Don't ask me why. It's just how it is. But you can open a bank account no problem. Just make sure you go to the one closest to you work or home as this will be the only location you can send money home from. Not like other countries where you can send money from any of the branches location. Again, don't ask me why. Just one of those things. |
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tenchu77491
Joined: 16 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:37 pm Post subject: |
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| Err, you don't need an ARC for a bank account or a cellphone. I didn't need it~ |
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Robot_Teacher
Joined: 18 Feb 2009
Location: Robotting Around the World
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| Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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| Request to visit a KEB atm as the other kinds such as Nonghyup don't take international cards. My American card only worked at a KEB atm in Seoul, despite almost any atm having international card option in it's onscreen menu selection. They all seem to have the software program, but not the connectivity. I think I also seen a currency exchange booth in Itaewon right on the main street which is open on weekends. |
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hogwonguy1979
Joined: 22 Dec 2003
Location: the racoon den
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| Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 1:02 am Post subject: |
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OP ignore the other responses some people here are not that smart wtf are they talking about opening bank accounts etc. the op wanted to know if he would be able to exchange money at ICN on the weekend.
the answer is absolutely positively yes. there are plenty of exchange booths open until after 10p even on weekends in arrivals there is even one before you go out the doors after customs. get your won and then jump on a bus to seoul. heck you can even go into the woori bank branch there at 6p on sun and buy t/cs if you want to
come on people...  |
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dean_burrito
Joined: 12 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:41 am Post subject: |
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| tenchu77491 wrote: |
| Err, you don't need an ARC for a bank account or a cellphone. I didn't need it~ |
I guess the cell phone issue is hit miss. I definitely couldn't get one without it. I guess it might depend on where you go but Seoul is a big place. I gave up after a few hours of searching. |
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hochhasd
Joined: 05 Jul 2008
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| Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 12:42 pm Post subject: |
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| hogwonguy1979 wrote: |
OP ignore the other responses some people here are not that smart wtf are they talking about opening bank accounts etc. the op wanted to know if he would be able to exchange money at ICN on the weekend.
the answer is absolutely positively yes. there are plenty of exchange booths open until after 10p even on weekends in arrivals there is even one before you go out the doors after customs. get your won and then jump on a bus to seoul. heck you can even go into the woori bank branch there at 6p on sun and buy t/cs if you want to
come on people... |
hogwonguy,
Thanks, my concern was if the exchange booth was open late on the weekend. Let me ask you this, if I do not have time the day that I arrive to open a bank account does the exchange counter offer a better rate than any bank where I am going to be living and if the airport does will I be better off bringing US travelers checks with me ,then exchange to won traveler checks( if such a thing exists) until I open a bank account? Is it also true as the other posters claim that I can get cell service and a bank account with my passport? I know I ask you numerous questions, but you seemed very knowledgeable. Thanks |
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hagwonnewbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Location: Asia
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| Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 7:52 pm Post subject: |
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| you could also exchange a little cash before you arrive at the exchange booth in the airport you're departing from |
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dean_burrito
Joined: 12 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 8:02 pm Post subject: |
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| hochhasd wrote: |
| hogwonguy1979 wrote: |
OP ignore the other responses some people here are not that smart wtf are they talking about opening bank accounts etc. the op wanted to know if he would be able to exchange money at ICN on the weekend.
the answer is absolutely positively yes. there are plenty of exchange booths open until after 10p even on weekends in arrivals there is even one before you go out the doors after customs. get your won and then jump on a bus to seoul. heck you can even go into the woori bank branch there at 6p on sun and buy t/cs if you want to
come on people... |
hogwonguy,
Thanks, my concern was if the exchange booth was open late on the weekend. Let me ask you this, if I do not have time the day that I arrive to open a bank account does the exchange counter offer a better rate than any bank where I am going to be living and if the airport does will I be better off bringing US travelers checks with me ,then exchange to won traveler checks( if such a thing exists) until I open a bank account? Is it also true as the other posters claim that I can get cell service and a bank account with my passport? I know I ask you numerous questions, but you seemed very knowledgeable. Thanks |
Hey we were just trying to help too. But I'm guessing you haven't travelled much if you have to question if the bank or an airport exchange business is going to give you a better rate. Buy the won before you leave or just use you debit card considering you have one.
Anyways it's a good thing you asked and it's a good thing other people have offered advice. |
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