Korean Job Discussion Forums

rkic2 · Joined: 12 Sep 2005

Hello - my daughter got a cell phone in Incheon.
From the states, what is the cheapest way to call her and what is the cheapest way for her to call the states?
Thanks all.

BTW - she is having the time of her life so far. She says that where she is is beautiful plus she has a bunch of Aussies down the hall from her - why doesn't that comfort me?
She's making good friends - I was worried about a support group there. Good group of people you teachers. (Wife is a teacher)....

ChimpumCallao · Joined: 17 May 2005 Location: your mom

EasternEvasion · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Location: Ansan

Find out rates from your local phone service. Also, check Sam's, Costco, and oriental food markets for good/decent phone cards.

She cannot make outgoing international calls on her cell without a calling card. She can find a cheap calling card virtually anywhere, especially in Itaewon where English is prevalent. With regards to house phone rates, mine is about 127 won to call the states. She should contact her phone company for more information.

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

Try speedypin.com. I'll be buying Sprint's International Asia card soon.

gdimension · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Location: Jeju

EasternEvasion · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Location: Ansan

peppermint · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 6:42 pm Post subject:

If you've both got a decent internet conneection, I'd use Skype. It's a computer program that lets you talk ( using a microphone) over the internet for free, or to call a landline from your computer for really cheap. I call my parents in Canada and it costs me 2 cents a minute. Oh, and the connection has been really good everytime.

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

Yeah, and if you've both got decent internet connections, buy web cams and have video chats using an IM client like MSN Messenger. It's how I stay in touch with home and it's really nice being able to see the person you're talking to.

As for using Skype, which I also use for those folks without internet access, calls to a cell phone in Korea go for 7.3 cents a minute, 2.5 cents to a landline (U.S. currency).

sheba · Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Here there and everywhere!

Everyone has covered the phone part so Ill address the other...

As a mother you are entitled to worry even if everything is roses! I dont know how much you know about Korea, but if theres one thing Ive learned is that it is not nearly as bad as we think.... not even close!! Some people do have their horror stories, but that can happen right at home in your own backyard. If your daughter says she is having a great time then she probably is.... other foreigners generaaly are very friendly and helpful. Everyone was new here once, and we all remember what it was like. Aussies are also pretty laid back easy going people and Im sure your daughter will make heaps of friends and have a lot of fun.

But, worrying is part of your job!!

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

My parents can't figure out how to call me on my handphone and I'd rather keep it that way. I call them about once a month when I can 'find a calling card' (which I tell them is 'very hard to find').

Actually we email about every other day - it's just all the stupid questions mum has. I might as well be talking to a Korean man.

So, if your daughter says she can't call 'cus she just can't find a card, it means she really doesn't want to, and you shouldn't ask so many stupid questions if she does.

Also, get her to mail / email you photos with captions - this seems to help cut down on the number of stupid questions my parents have.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

Use skype with the skypeout service.

peemil · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Location: Koowoompa

haunted2 · Joined: 10 Jun 2005

BigBlackEquus · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 9:32 pm Post subject:

There is a card for sale at the Family Mart in Itaewon, just across from Geckos, which is called, "SPOT." That card is a good one. Not the cheapest, but decent rates, and they don't screw you by deducting in 3+minute increments. They almost always connect for me with a very clear connection. My friends say it's like I'm calling from in town. She can also use that card from some countries to call Korea when she visits home. Very handy.

On your end, you can usually find these type of cards at the Asian food markets. Also, I'm a fan of www.phonecardonsale.com if you are in or around the USA or Canada. I used that site for a long time, and they are very fair and have EXCELLENT service. Buy over the net with a credit card, and they e-mail you the pin. You can get cards on there for her, and mail the pin/contact number in Korea to her, as well Heck, you can share the same card!

I used to buy a lot of cards through them, and they gave me a bonus card every once and a while. Darned excellent rates! You can compare cards on the site.

Cheers.

Dan The Chainsawman · Joined: 05 May 2005

In a pinch I go to a 7/11 and buy a calling card. They seem to have them just about at all of them. Rates are horrid, but I do prefer to avoid Itaewon.