Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Snowkr]

Hi all

This is mostly to teachers from the states...

In the past, I've had real issues with bringing a phone and electrical appliances from home to countries overseas. I usually end up having to buy the product there rather than try an adapter or voltage converter. Seems to never work.

In Korea, can a cell phone from the U.S. be used at least? All my other friends from the U.K. and Australia have no problems with this when abroad but my phone never seems to work and fellow Americans have said they just opt to buy the new phone.

Some advice, please...?

[ilovebdt]

Well, I am from the UK and my mobile didn't work in Korea.

[teachingld2004]

Cell phones are cheap. you can get a used phone with an english menu for 60 or 70 dollars.

[peppermint]

Hell, I got a brand new one with a cam for 85.

[Hyeon Een]

Your American cellphone won't work here. Buy a new one here. They got nifty ones that you can watch telly on and everything here. Or cheap second hand ones.

British/European/Aus phones will work everywhere in the world except Korea/Japan/US/Canada. Some are tri-band though and WILL work in the US/Canada. North American phones suck compared to almost everywhere else in the world.

Most of your other appliances should be ok with a plug adaptor thingey. But you'll probably be provided with most of the appliances you need, except maybe a hairdryer.

-HE

[plattwaz]

[Derrek]

It won't work here. Different system.

And yes, you'll probably be able to get a used phone with more bells and whistles than what you can buy in the USA new.

[Snowkr]

Great information, people. Thank you.

Can I change the subject completely now to contact lenses?
They're ridiculously overpriced in the states but most of us don't know any better. What about Korea... any lens wearers suggest buying them there or should I get a years supply of disposables here? In China they were much cheaper and I spent a fortune for nothing!

Thanks again for the phone advice!

[Bulsajo]

I had no problem buying my brand of disposable contacts in Korea. They were cheaper than back home, but not by a huge amount.

[Derrek]

Contacts will be no problem. I used Accue-View 2 lenses (not sure I spelled that right). Similar or a bit cheaper here.

[little mixed girl]

you can use a korean cell phone in the states.

if u have a contract with a company in korea, you can go on international roaming. except you'd be roaming on the verizon wireless network.

even if you unlocked the phone...or whatever, you'd have to use verizon. boo to verizon.
if you can find someone that can actually help you then...go for it.
i took the phone to them and they were like ??????
and if you try to call from it (if you're on a 'card phone' plan) you get "verizon wireless. your phone is not set up for service, dial *6...67239472304" something liek that.
i did what they said...and got nothing... =/

you can use appliances too.
just look for a little convertor thing...i dunno what to call it.

i got a thing in the student union of yonsei that allows me to stick a korean plug into something that has a US plug. i tried it when i got back and it worked ok.
of course it was only for the charger for the cell phone...

---
OOPS! i read that as you coming FROM korea.
anyways, yeah CERTAIN US cell phones can work in korea. you'd be on international roaming and that might cost u a LOT.
i know sprint has international roaming, t-mobile also...but they are only on select phones.

and if you need it you can get a convertor thingy in korea...

[Wangja]

On the issue of appliances, unless they are new(ish) and multi-voltage, I'd leave 'em where they are.

Mobile phones: the US systems lag behind the rest of the world, by quite a way. A GSM phone can be set for roaming here: more specifically the card from the GSM phone can be installed in a Korean CDMA phone with GSM interface. These phones (dinosaurs really, very limited functions) can be rented or purchased at Incheon aiprort. They are not sold at regular phone stores.