Have you purchased an airline ticket already? Then enjoy the flight to Korea! When you arrive at Incheon International Airport, you may be slightly surprised at its brightness and size. Incheon International Airport was opened in March 2001 and is equipped with convenience services, bank and currency exchange, a 24-hour hospital and pharmacy, a game room, and much more! You can explore the airport facilities in depth right now at the airport's official English website, http://www.airport.or.kr/eng/airport.

Exchanging Money

If you have not already exchanged U.S. dollars into Korean won, you can easily do so at facilities in the airport. You will probably need to have some Korean money to pay for transportation from the airport to your final destination. Generally, because the exchange rate of banks at airports is higher than banks in the city, it may be wise to simply obtain the amount necessary for transportation fare and exchange the rest of your money somewhere in the city. Alternately, you can use your credit card at an ATM, which will probably be the cheapest and simplest way to exchange money. You can check the current exchange rate at www.x-rate.com.

Q: What kinds of credit card are accepted in Korea?
A: You can get a cash advance on any MasterCard, Visa, or other major international credit card from any bank, but not with a debit card. However, if your debit card works with a major credit card line like Master Card, you can use it to charge and buy products at any place that accepts major credit cards. In order to withdraw money from an ATM in Korea, you must use an ATM machine that says Global Service with the Visa, MasterCard, and other credit card logos (as seen below). If you simply see the Credit Card logos but no Global Service sign, you will not be able to withdraw cash.

Q: How do I use traveler's checks in Korea?
A: The procedure for changing money at a bank in Korea is similar to anywhere else. After you get to the head of the line or your number is called, you present your traveler's checks and passport. They will point out clearly the exchange rate and fees involved, at which point you can agree. At this time you can sign the traveler's checks. The attendant will then give you a short form to fill out and ask you to sign it. He/she will take the passport, form, and traveler's checks away for 5 or 10 minutes. When the money is ready, they will call or gesture for you to pick it up.

Q: How do I use an ATM machine in Korea?
A: There is no need to worry about using ATMs in Korea because instructions can easily be viewed in English. Almost all major banks' ATMs provide an English language option, but look out for certain machines that only have Korean language services.

Q: Can I open a bank account in Korea?
A: If you have a certificate of alien registration or a passport, you can open an account with a commercial bank just by filling out some forms. After opening an account with a bank, you can get a debit or check card linked to your account. You can access ATMs with your debit card, but if you want to pay by debit card directly, it may only be accepted at a limited number of retail stores. The check card, however, is accepted by all retail stores which accept major credit cards, within your balance.

Leaving the Airport for your Destination

There are several means of transportation from the airport, such as buses, limousines, or taxies. As you might imagine, the cheapest way to the city is by bus or airport limousine. These are connected to most of the major areas in Seoul and even to further regions such as Daejeon, Chuncheon, and Busan. You may get information on limousines and buses and purchase tickets at the Transportation Information Counter (near exits No. 2, 4, 9, 13) on the arrival floor (1st floor) of the passenger terminal. The fare varies from 3,500 to 35,000 won. The taxi fare is somewhat more expensive, but is more convenient because it drops you off directly at your destination.

Information on taxi fee

There are several means of transportation from the airport, such as buses, limousines, or taxies. As you might imagine, the cheapest way to the city is by bus or airport limousine. These are connected to most of the major areas in Seoul and even to further regions such as Daejeon, Chuncheon, and Busan. You may get information on limousines and buses and purchase tickets at the Transportation Information Counter (near exits No. 2, 4, 9, 13) on the arrival floor (1st floor) of the passenger terminal. The fare varies from 3,500 to 35,000 won. The taxi fare is somewhat more expensive, but is more convenient because it drops you off directly at your destination.

Two car rental companies operate in Incheon International Airport: Kum-Ho Car Rental and AVIS Car Rental.

Kum-Ho car- rental: 1588-1230 (English), 032-743-8000 (Korean)
http://www.kumhorent.com/en/Main.aspx

- Rent only to international driver's license bearer and over 25 years old and 1-3 years driving experience
- Price varies from 72000 won to 490000 won/ a day

AVIS car- rental: 02- 797-8000 (English), 02-862-2847 (Korean)
http://www.avis.co.kr/eng/index.jsp

- Rent only to International driver's license AND local driver's license bearer and 1-3 years driving experience - Price varies from 79000 won to 520000 won/ a day. Insurance will be paid daily basis.

Renting a cellular phone

Q. I want to rent a cellular phone during my travel time in Korea. How can I do that?
A. You can rent cellular phones while visiting Korea from SK Telecom or KTF, two common mobile service companies in Korea. You also can rent a cell phone at the airport.

1) To reserve a phone before your departure to Korea, visit Tour2Korea.com and follow these steps:



2) When you arrive in Korea, submit the printed copy of your Reservation Confirmation, Passport and Credit card for deposit:



Price table (A surtax of 10% not included):

Subscription Fee	Free of Charge
Daily Rent	General price	3,000 won/day
Cost of Telephone call	Domestic call	100won/10sec
	International call	International call rates by country

* Notice: To rent a phone, your credit card is necessary for deposit. Cash is not accepted.

3) Before your departure from Korea, return your handset, check and sign the return form, and pay any necessary charges.

Q. When do I pay for charges made on the cell phone?
A. You may pay for the cost of calls and phone rental in cash or by credit card upon return of handsets.

Q. What happens if I don't return the handset?
A. If you do not return your handset, you will continue to be billed, so make sure not to forget!

Rental locations:

It is very easy and convenient to rent a cellular phone. Just visit a Customer Center located at the international airports (Incheon, Jeju, Gimhae and Gimpo) in Korea. You can return the rental phone at any of the three customer centers below.

1) SK Telecom, Locations:

Incheon International Airport

Business Hours: 24 hours, every day
Location: Between Exit #6 and Exit #7 of the first floor of the passenger terminal (see map below)

Telephone: +82-(0)2-1599-2011

Gimhae International Airport

City: Busan
Business Hours: 8am-8:30pm, every day
Location: Opposite the departure gate on the floor of the international lines

Telephone: +82-(0)2-1599-2011

Gimpo International Airport

City: Seoul
Business Hours: 8am-6:00pm, every day Location: Opposite the arrival gate on the first floor of the international lines

Telephone: +82-(0)2-1599-2011

Jeju International Airport

City: Jeju
Business Hours: 8am-9pm, every day
Location: 1st floor of international lines

Telephone: +82-(0)2-1599-2011

Jongro Rental Roaming Center

City: Seoul
Business Hours: 9am-6pm, every day
Location: SK Telecom T WORLD 290, Gwanchunldong Jongrogu

Telephone: +82-(0)2-1599-2011

SK Telecom - Busan Port

City: Busan
Business Hours: 07:00~19:30 all the year round
Location: 1st floor of Busan Port International Passenger Terminal

Telephone: +82-(0)2-1599-2011






2) KTF, Locations:

Incheon International Airport

Business Hours: 24 hours,
every day
Location: Between Exit #10 and Exit #11 of the first floor of the passenger terminal

Telephone: 82-2-2190-1180
Fax: 82-32-743-4006







Gimhae International Airport

City: Busan
Business Hours: 9am-9pm, every day
Location: Arrival Hall of the first floor

Telephone: 82-2-2190-1180
Fax: 82-51-941-9466









Jeju KTF Members Plaza

City: Jeju
Business Hours: 9am-6pm, Mon.-Fri., 9am-1pm Sat., closed holidays
Location: 1F, Sung Woo B/D, Leedo-2Dong, Je-Ju City, Jeju-Do

Telephone: 82-64-711-8016
Fax: 82-64-759-6116

Gwangju International Airport

Business Hour: Year round / 07:00 ~ 20:00
Location: 2F
Telephone: 82-2-2190-0901
Fax: 82-62-943-9466

Using a Pay Phone

Q. How can I make a call with a pay phone?
A. You can use coins or a telephone card:

1) Pick up the telephone receiver, and hold it to your ear.

2) Insert the correct amount of money or a telephone card.

3) Listen for the dial tone, a continuous sound.

4) Press the keys of the number that you are calling.

5) Listen until someone answers on the other end.