Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Draz]

My phone broke with half a year left on my contract. I pissed around for a month without one but then a friend left and gave me his old one. Great, right? Not so fast, this is Korea. After taking it to several cell phone places and being told no because it's the wrong kind of phone (or something - it is SK and I took it to the SK stores - I don't know) I can probably give up on that. I did get that it was possible but more expensive, and I have to take it to Yongsan, when the whole point of getting a phone from someone else was to save money. I think it would have to be on a contract, which I obviously don't want.

What is the absolutely cheapest way possible for me to get set up with a new phone?

[nathanrutledge]

First question I'd ask is, why are you against a contract?

I got a contract last year - 50k for the setup fee, and then it's about 12k a month for the basic fee. I pay about 20k a month for 200 texts and about 30 minutes of talk time. With that, I got a free flip phone that can work internationally.

So, first, I'd look at your past cell phone habits and figure out exactly what you're paying per minute and per text and see if there isn't a good contract plan out there - you may end up ahead.

If you decide you still don't want a contract, then find out exactly what phone(s) you CAN use with whatever set up you have now and get one of those. Sell the one your friend gave you if you can to offset the cost. Really, if you don't care about the phone, then hit up Yongsan or another electronics market (I know of one at Yatap Bus Terminal in Bundang, but they are a dime a dozen, just keep your eyes open) and you can find old used ones for cheap. It's all about the compatibility though - you need a list of the phones that will work with your provider.

[Draz]

[some waygug-in]

See my post in this thread;
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=207987

hope it helps

[young_clinton]

Go to the Arab (Muslim) section of Itaewon. There are numerous used phone dealers that will get you a pay per use used phone with as much time on it as you want to pay for. Bring your passport because they are honest and won't sign you up without it.