VISA
Any foreign visitor wishing to enter Korea needs a valid visa. However, those with passport from countries under Visa Exemption
Agreements can enter without visas in cases of short visits on business or traveling purposes according to bilateral agreements.
For more detailed information,
please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE & CREDIT CARDS
The currency unit of Korea is the on Korean currency is divided into two types: coin & bill. Currency unit is won which comes in
1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 won bills, and 10 (barely used), 50, 100 and 500 won coins. US Dollars, European Euro, Japanese Yen,
Chinese Yuan and other major currencies can be exchanged at the airport and commercials banks. If you would like to check the
currency exchange rates, click here.
Automated teller machines are in operation 24 hours a day. Most larger stores, hotels and
restaurants in Korea will accept major international credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, since many smaller
establishments and stores are unlikely to accept any credit cards.
BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banks are generally open between 09:30 and 16:30 on weekdays. All banks are closed on Saturday, undays, and public holidays.
Automated teller machines are widely accessible. Government office hours are usually from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays.
Department stores are open between 10:30 and 19:30. Smaller shops have extended opening hours from 09:00 to late in the
evening.
TIPS
Tipping is not a regular practice in Korea. Service charges are included in your bill for rooms, meals and other services at hotels
and upscale restaurants. Koreans occasionally do tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive.
TAX
Upon request, visitors can receive nearly 10 percent VAT refunds for purchases at Duty Free shopping outlets. Goods must be
taken out of Korea within three months of purchase to be eligible for a tax refund. Only foreign tourists in Korea can apply for this
tax refund. Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of KRW 50,000 (around US$ 47). To receive this
refund, present refund receipts with the purchased goods at the customs desk at the Incheon International Airport when departing.
These receipts can be cashed in at the Cash Refund Office in front of the Airport Duty Free Shop.
ELECTRICITY
The standard electricity supply is 220-volts AC/60 cycles. Although Korea uses both the 110 and 220-volts systems, the use
of 220-volts system is more widespread and common. Most hotels have 220-volt wiring installed, but hotels may provide outlet
converters for 110 and 220 volts.
TIME DIFFERENCE
Time in Korea is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
INLAND TRANSPORTATION
Taxi : There are two kinds of taxis - regular and deluxe. Fares are based on distance and time.
The fare for deluxe taxis is somewhat higher than that of regular taxi, but nearly all taxis are equipped with a third-party
interpretation system that can be accessed by cellular phone.
Car Rentals : Driving in Korea can be an exciting and effective way of getting around. An extensive road and expressway network
is available, which means you can visit every corner of the country. Road numbers and destinations are clearly indicated on road
signs. Drivers must meet the following requirements: one year of driving experience, an international driver's license valid for a
year from the date of entry, at least 21 years of age, and valid passport.
Rental fees vary from 68,000 to 265,000 won for a day, depending upon the type of car. The speed limit is 60km/hr for most roads
in the city and 80-100km/hr for city expressways including Olympic Expressway. Driving while intoxicated involves a very heavy
penalty.
Bus : Intercity bus networks connect virtually all cities and towns in the country and are an economical way to travel. Exclusive
bus lanes are enforced in the daytime, which makes it less time-consuming to travel by bus. Local, city and express buses with
fares between 500 to 1,400 won service all cities small or large. City buses are numbered according to their routes, but since
signs are usually in Korean and no English timetables are available, it is advisable to know the bus numbers in advance.
|
