Korean Job Discussion Forums

BobbyTeenager · Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Location: Anyang-City

Dear All,

After some careful consideration and listening to advice from posters on Dave's I have decided to go to Phuket. However I have a few questions about travel and flights that I cant get answered due to the ineptness of the search function.

International Debt Cards: I bank at KB and they refused to issue me an international debt card. I am wary of just carrying cash or travelers checks on me. Does anyone know of a bank that will issue an international bank card to foreigners?

Flight to the US: I am returning to the US after my time in Thailand. I am planning to fly into Las Angeles on either a Wednesday or Thursday in the middle of July. Would it be cheaper to fly to the US from Thailand or come back to Korea for a flight to the US?

Flights to Thailand: I am planning on staying in Thailand and then fly to the US. Where can I find one way tickets (travel agents, whypaymore)? Additionally I am very flexible on when I can leave...would it be cheaper to buy a ticket now or try to find a good deal at the last moment?

Recommend Air lines: Specifically has anyone heard anything good or bad about Air China or China Eastern Airlines?

This is a stupid question but I would appreciate clarification. I noticed that many of the airlines and online travel agents have a column marked "period", such as 25MAR2007~27OCT2007, for listed flights. How does this work?

Thanks for the continued help.

Sincerely,
Bobby

kigolo1881 · Joined: 30 Jul 2006

Go to Kayak.com and check for your own flights.

As for money: try to wire home some money to ur US account and then use ur check cards. Otherwise, just get some Dollars when flying to Thailand. Korean Currency is almost unheard of anywhere else in the world.

Colorado · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:14 pm Post subject:

Definately cheaper to fly from Bangkok to LA than from Korea. Travel agents are a dime a dozen in Bangkok. Take your pick on KhaoSan Rd or Suhkumvit. They're everywhere.
Check the travel ads in the Bangkok Post or The Nation when you get there.

Colorado · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:18 pm Post subject:

I've flown AirChina. Not fancy, but not bad for a People's Republic airline.

badfish · Joined: 06 Dec 2005

there is no need to get dollars especially when it is down to 32 baht per dollar

there are just as many korean tourists in thailand and you will have no problem exchanging won anywhere there

my hana bank card says international debit card on it but i have never tried it outside of korea

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

oxfordstu · Joined: 28 Aug 2004 Location: Bangkok

Yeah, what others have said. Wait until you get to Thailand and book your ticket there. Flying anywhere out of Korea is more expensive than flying out of anywhere else. China air is okay, not too bad, but definitely not the greatest. You'll have at least one stopover.
If you're in Phuket, then go over to Patong and walk along the main strip (on the beach). You'll eventuallly come to a big intersection with loads of tailors and bars - take a right and there will be at least 5 travel agents on that street (sorry don't have more precise directions; it's been awhile since I was there).

Zark · Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject:

Tony_Balony · Joined: 12 Apr 2007

Every time I have gone, I have always been of the impression that you need to change won to dollar in korea, then dollar to baht in Thailand. You'll lose %25 if you don't.

badfish · Joined: 06 Dec 2005

a couple years ago it was 40 baht to the dollar now its 32 to the dollar why would you want to have anything to do with the dollar in thailand not to mention paying two conversion fees instead of one

Tony_Balony · Joined: 12 Apr 2007

there are two conversions that matter
1)dollar - won
2) won - baht

You get soaked on 2. when $1 = w1000, W1000 = 25 B and $1 = 35 B
Thats why

badfish · Joined: 06 Dec 2005

Tony_Balony · Joined: 12 Apr 2007

you didn't count the prices when I traveled
XE not = traders in Thailand. XE ain't right.

Zark · Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 3:32 pm Post subject:

BTW - direct Incheon to Phuket flights and good prices from 12Go.

I have flown them a lot from BKK to HKT and never a problem.

http://www.fly12go.com/en/flight_fare/flight_schedule_inter.shtml

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Carry cash.

I have traveled around Thailand with a decent bank roll in my pocket and never worried about it. As long as you don't get wasted and picked up by ladyboys (unless you want to) and wave your cash about you will be ok.

travel agent wise if you want efficient service and are in BKK you can't go wrong with STA Travel. I know they are the backpackers friend but they are also really efficient.

You do need to take care with travel agents though. Some are reputable and some will rob you blind. E-tickets make it so much easier. Not many issue the classic tickets anymore. Doesn't take much to make a conterfeit E-ticket in word.

Or if you fancy and adventure outside of BKK then you can always use my old travel agent 60km outside BKK nice lady and good at her job.

FYI Nongyup bank gave me a Maestro card.