Korean Job Discussion Forums

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Foreigners Cry Inconvenience in Mobile Phone Service
Some foreign residents complain that getting a cell phone in Korea is a nightmare that amounts to discrimination, but cell phone companies flatly deny the charges....two sets of rules for obtaining cell phones in Korea-- one set for foreigners and another for Koreans.
By Kim Tae-gyu, Tony MacGregor, Korea Times (January 8, 2006)
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200601/kt2006010817454610220.htm

animalbirdfish · Joined: 04 Feb 2004

It is a hassle. Mine's in my wife's name for that very reason.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

I signed up with LG with no hassle and I am treated the same as Koreans. I got tons of crap with the other companies though.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

I have never had a problem. Back in early 2000 I signed up with SK telecom. Sure I had to put down a 200,000 deposit, but after that, it was clear sailing. When I got my F2-1 visa, went to their offices to change my bank account withdraw payment with them, the kind lady told me I could receive my 200,000 back, because I was now on and F2-1 visa.

jaderedux · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Lurking outside Seoul

I got mine a couple years ago local. No muss no fuss. Gave them my passport number my arc card and 20 minutes later I had my new phone. I had it billed for awhile but now I just have it taken off my credit card.

I have heard horror stories just haven't encountered any problems that way myself. Also, took another couple to that office and got them phone service and a new phone. No problem. I do live in the burbs though. Don't know if that makes a difference or not.

Jade

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 4:17 am Post subject:

I had no problems whatsoever quickly and easily signing up with SK in 2003.

Clutch Cargo · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Location: Sim City 2005

Got a Korean friend to help me get an LG phone in my own name. Just needed proof of employment, usual documentation, no deposit. Having a 2 year contract probably helped though. Cheap (normal) rates and an English-speaking operator to help with anything.

peppermint · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 4:43 am Post subject:

I didn't have a hitch either but I know lots of people who have. Seems like it's not so much company policies causing trouble as ignorant shop clerks who don't know how to deal with foreigners and say "no, cannot" to save themselves the hassle.

lastat06513 · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 4:51 am Post subject:

Getting a cell phone is inconvenient?

But so is everything else in this country....

I had no problem though...
When I got my cell phone, all I had to show was my passport, bankbook (so they can bill the service to me) and my ARC- it was that easy, no hassle.

kermo · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 6:12 am Post subject:

Is it just me, then? I was trying to help my friend put money on her cell-phone, and people kept refusing to do it for her, sending us all over the map, even with the help of my most persistent Korean friend via phone.

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

it all depends on which store you go to.. thats all..
I have never had a problem becuase I had it in my Girlfriends name..
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I remember the days back in 97 when The BEEPER was all the rage!!!! those was cool days.. coffeeshops all had phones on the tables and the cues for payphones were as long as the cues in starbucks now..

Atkinson · Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Location: Land of the Golden Twist-tie

Atkinson · Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Location: Land of the Golden Twist-tie

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

How difficult is it for foreigners in America/Canada/wherever you're from to get a cellphone?

Atkinson · Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Location: Land of the Golden Twist-tie