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Yukoner
Joined: 14 May 2012
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 Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:40 pm Post subject: Smart Phones |
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Hi all,
I will be returning to Korea in September of this year(lived in Gwangju in 2008). I was wondering if anyone knew if most smart phones from Canada would work in Korea and if they do is it cheaper to buy one here or wait until I am in Korea. |
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climber159
Joined: 02 Sep 2007
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| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:25 pm Post subject: |
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| Mobile networks in Korea are not of the GSM variety meaning the phones here do not use SIM cards. So, no, an unlocked GSM phone will not work on the networks here. Your best bet is to wait until you are in Korea to get your phone. If you need a phone immediately, you could rent one at the airport until you get yourself set up with your own phone later one. |
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Benjamino
Joined: 21 Apr 2012
Location: Jinju
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| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:27 pm Post subject: |
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To contradict a fellow Boro Person, what he says isn't quite correct. Most smart phones will work and if unlocked from a network can be used here in Korea.
It's something to do with bands or CDMA if you want to get technical.
My iphone4 from the UK works no problem with a sim only tariff. |
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Chalmers
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 4:55 pm Post subject: |
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| climber159 wrote: |
| Mobile networks in Korea are not of the GSM variety meaning the phones here do not use SIM cards. So, no, an unlocked GSM phone will not work on the networks here. Your best bet is to wait until you are in Korea to get your phone. If you need a phone immediately, you could rent one at the airport until you get yourself set up with your own phone later one. |
WRONG!...my iPhone from Olleh KT uses a SIM card as do smart phones on some of the other networks. I bought my iPhone in Korea, had it unlocked by KT and have used it in other countries by simply switching out the SIM card. |
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Chalmers
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 4:56 pm Post subject: |
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| So to answer the OP's question, yes, you can buy a smart phone from another country and use it here. Just make sure it is carrier unlocked. |
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JSC
Joined: 07 Dec 2010
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Troglodyte
Joined: 06 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 1:20 am Post subject: |
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Most smart phones (the major brands at least) use multiple bands and encoding because they're intended to be used abroad. They will all be quad band GSM and 3G at least.
Other people have been able to use North American and European smart phones here. I was able to use my Korean smartphone (a Galaxy) while travelling to other countries in Asia, Europe and North America (with local SIM cards). I also had a friend from Europe use a GSM phone in Korea with roaming. Since it worked with roaming, it means that it was compatible with the Korean system.
You just need to get it registered here. That used to be difficult and VERY expensive, but I've heard that it's a lot easier and cheaper to do that now. |
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Yukoner
Joined: 14 May 2012
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| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 11:52 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks everyone. Seems like it is just better if I get one in Korea. I dont currently own one in Canada. |
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climber159
Joined: 02 Sep 2007
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| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 5:15 pm Post subject: |
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| Chalmers wrote: |
| climber159 wrote: |
| Mobile networks in Korea are not of the GSM variety meaning the phones here do not use SIM cards. So, no, an unlocked GSM phone will not work on the networks here. Your best bet is to wait until you are in Korea to get your phone. If you need a phone immediately, you could rent one at the airport until you get yourself set up with your own phone later one. |
WRONG!...my iPhone from Olleh KT uses a SIM card as do smart phones on some of the other networks. I bought my iPhone in Korea, had it unlocked by KT and have used it in other countries by simply switching out the SIM card. |
죄송합니다
I have been living in and visiting Korea misinformed! Could you enlighten me further? When make my next visit to Korea can I purchase a prepaid SIM card from Olleh and put in my phone rather than going through the business of renting a phone far less capable than my own?
Thanks. |
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Chalmers
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
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Troglodyte
Joined: 06 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:31 am Post subject: |
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| Yukoner wrote: |
| Thanks everyone. Seems like it is just better if I get one in Korea. I dont currently own one in Canada. |
I think that iPhone is the same everywhere, but Android phones aren't. The Galaxy S series for example is not universally the same. For each model in the series, there are at least half a dozen variants. The Korean variant is specifically suited to Korea and CAN have a few quirks when used outside Korea. Mainly these are related to the OS but you can't flash a foreign OS onto a Korean Galaxy S. For example, most of the world allows 160 character text messages. Korean phones allow 80. So you'll need to install some 3rd part app to use the full 160 characters when you are abroad. The Korean Galaxy S can pick up digital TV and radio (which is great). Unfortunately it can't pick up FM radio and most countries have very little or no DMB (the digital format used in Korea) media that you can pick up. You also won't be able to install extra Swype languages - you'll be stuck with only Korean and English. The built in phone can't have the sound turned off. A real pain in the butt if you're at a gallery or some ceremony and want to take a few pics but don't want to annoy everyone. Most of the silent cam apps available don't have even half of the features that come with the build in cam app. A new smartphone here (even a Korean made one) will not be any cheaper than back home. In fact it will likely be more expensive.
They're small differences but you'll notice them. |
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