Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SgtPepper]

Hi,

I'm sure this topic has been covered before, but I can't find anything that quite answers my questions.

Basically, I've set aside �1500 to cover the first month's costs and stuff in Korea. But what's the best way to bring that with me over there?

What I sort of planned was to bringing a couple of hundred quid in actual money, then getting my parents to transfer the rest to a bank account I'll open when I get there. I'm sure that'll work, but is there a better or simpler way to do it?

[morrisonhotel]

200 quid would be difficult to live on between starting and getting your ARC (approx 3 weeks) then opening up your account. It's possible to open an account with certain banks before then, but you'd be better advised to wait until you have your ARC. You'll need at least 500 - 600 quid in cash to start off with. That should see you through to the time that you get your ARC, then transfer the rest of the money across. The other alternative is to change 500 quid or so in cash, and get one of those pre-paid credit cards and load rest on there and then just use the card as you need it.

[SgtPepper]

Thanks, that's helpful. I was concerned about taking a whole bunch of money like that but if it's the best/only way then that's how it is. Ta for the advice man.

[nate1983]

You should be able to withdraw money from foreign accounts at most Korean ATMs (or at least a sufficient number).

[SgtPepper]

[nate1983]

[madoka]

I understand that �1500 may seem like a lot of money, but really it's not that big a deal. I'd bring it all in cash. If you're nervous about losing it, get a neck purse. Once you're over, start exchanging it out with the adjummas in Namdaemun. Shop the rates there till you find one you like. That's the way you maximize your �1500 instead of losing part of it on fees or bank exchange rates.

[ttompatz]

[No_hite_pls]

Bring it in cash. It's not a lot of money.

[freddy teacher]

i brought 10x that amount and no one cared at the airport. if its less than 10,000USD you don't even have to declare it, just put it in a hello kitty purse and dont lose it.

[swinewho]

Why not just bring an English Visa card with you with say 1200 on it, exchange the other 300 at incheon when you arrive like others have said.

If you are in the Seoul area or other larger cities they will have cash machines that except foreign cards (to withdraw cash) - BUT if you are going to be out in the countryside - or even some medium sized cities, suddenly foreign cash machines are few and far between!

If I was you bring an English VISA card with you - and sign over your account to someone in the UK before you leave - ie your mother, they can then put money in or take it out for you ect...... Very useful, esp if you stay for more than 1 year.............

AND if you plan to travel to other countries whilst you are here.....

You can pay for things with VISA here no probs - Just make sure you tell your English bank to make sure it is 'activated' to work abroad.....

[attagirl]

Hi, just been reading this thread as I'll be moving to Korea in a couple weeks. Is it safe to assume that Mastercard is accepted as widely as Visa? (mine's Irish).

Thanks!

[ttompatz]

[SgtPepper]

[madoka]