Korean Job Discussion Forums

DWilliams · Joined: 27 Jul 2010

Hi All,

I'm traveling on an E2 visa to S. Korea in a couple of weeks. I've been stressing on the best method to keep in touch with my family and friends. I've come to the conclusion that I want to keep my Blackberry (BB) Bold 9700 on a U.S. Domestic Plan, add data package, and pay for International Roaming Data Plan; All of this in order to use my BB Msngr (which I love dearly) and be able to send and receive emails from my phone.

I won't have text messaging capabilities, without paying extra.

My questions to the forum are: has anyone else kept their same plans from home, and just added international coverage? Did you find this easier, or is it too expensive in comparison to getting a phone in S. Korea? Also, if I keep a domestic plan, does my phone still work for calling cards without charging me extra on my plan? (might be a question for my carrier).

I've read through plenty of posts regarding the BB, but all BB's were purchased in S. Korea, or suggested that you cannot get a S. Korean plan with an existing BB. Just to reiterate, I am not trying to get a plan from S. Korea, just want to be able to keep my current phone and use for BBM and emails only. Not even concerned about calling or text messaging.

From my research, this will cost me roughly $100/month to do. Any suggestions? Your input is appreciated!

nick70100 · Joined: 09 Sep 2005

It sounds possible...but I have to wonder why you would want to do this. If you're willing to spend $100 a month why not just buy a Korean Blackberry and get set up with a Korean carrier? You'd get voice and text as well and it would cost you way less than $100 per month. You'd have to spend more to buy the device up front, but I think it would have to come out cheaper over the course of a year.

DWilliams · Joined: 27 Jul 2010

Nick,

You make a great point...I think I was worried about my BBM list. But, duh, I can just re-add people!

I'll see how that works out for me. My sister is also military in South Korea, so I think I will see if it is cheaper to get a blackberry off post.

Thanks for the reply.