Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Daami]

I'm traveling to Samoa via Auckland. I am with a team of 15 people. They are all Korean nationals and I am Australian. With a fairly lengthy stopover, we plan to leave the airport and see some of Auckland, but at the same time we have a pretty rigid schedule which will be influenced by the arrivals process in Auckland.

We are flying KAL and arriving in Auckland at about 8am. Does anyone have a rough idea of how long it might take to get through passport control and customs? We are a sporting team, and as such have a lot of group luggage.

Being Australian, I know it will not take me very long to get through, but any comments about the length of time it might take for foreign nationals would be appreciated.

[Jeonmunka]

It depends on how many planes arrive in front of you.

[Daami]

Yes, hence the request for a 'rough' idea at that time of the morning.
Any personal experience?

[bobrocket]

If it's an outdoors sport, make sure every bit of gear is really clean, if they see something they don't like they'll check everything.
Make sure you fill in the arrival card right and don't get caught out on something, their more worried about a bio threat than anything else.

Aussies don't have customs anymore if you have chip in your passport, it's a do it your self job, just cruise on through.

[Daami]

Yes, good point about the dirt.
I know that Aussies go though pretty quick. I have flown into NZ before, but through other cities. I'm more concerned about how long it takes the Koreans to get through - we have a match organised for that day, so I'm trying to figure out if they will be able to make it in time.

The game is scheduled for 11am in Howick/ Pakuranga which I believe is in the eastern districts.

I've never been to Auckland, so I don't know how organised the airport is, or how long it takes to get around the city itself.

[dr_feelgood]

Your schedules tight, but you can do it. I'm from Howick in Auckland, should be a 40min max drive from the airport. Organise the transport there in advance though.

BTW what sport do you guys play? Rugby? Cricket?

[Daami]

OK, that's good to know. Thanks, Doc.
Good point about sorting transport in advance. I'm looking into chartering a bus for the day.

It is the Korean national cricket team. We are on our way to an ICC tournament in Samoa next week. We happen to have a 12hr stopover in Auckland, so I have been in touch with Auckland cricket to see if any clubs might be available for a one-off T20 match.

We now have a match organised, but they have a second match scheduled for the afternoon, so we can't really start any later than 11am; hence the concern about making it on time.

[johnnyrook]

Daami, in your honest opinion, how many years away is Korea from achieving test status?

[cragesmure]

[Daami]

[bobrocket]

Havn't tried oz but the idea is if you have nothing to declare the length of time it takes is only the walking time. From memory I don't think you actually have to talk to anyone.
Food from korea is a biggie, make sure your team understands the maf rules, you better off being a terrorist than from a farm, if they are taking food, if theres no english on the packet, write what it is, on one trip I had a box of food and did this. They don't have to figure it out, not all of it made it but ok.
Motorways have changed in the last year, Manukau more than most, an hour from the airport to Howick would be lucky in the morning (rush hour) but do able.
I would say you'll make the game fine just cruse and everthing will fall into place.
Good luck on your game

[Daami]

The lads ARE taking food, so cheers for the advice on labeling - Aussie customs are also notoriously rigid with that sort of thing.

Appreciate all your comments!