Phone Calls & Using Your Phone
Hotels will have phones where you can make calls back home, however please be aware that the cost of these calls may be expensive and rates will vary between hotels. Therefore, always
check the costs and procedure with hotel reception beforehand. Calling from a hotel is almost always the most expensive option. If the hotel does enforce a call charge, you will be unable to
refute it after making your call.
Sims cards can be pre-purchased in Australia or purchased on arrival in South Korea at Incheon Airport, Korean mobile service providers or major convenience stores, such as Seven Eleven.
If you wish to use your own sim card from Australia, we recommend that you contact your mobile
supplier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated costs before you leave home. Most major providers have an optional add on charged by the day to use your phone for calls and internet when overseas.
Australia: to call Australia, the international access code is 00, followed by the country code 61, then the local area code (omitting the first 0), then the number.
Calling South Korea: South Korea's country code is 82. To call from Australia, dial 0082 followed by number minus the first 0.
Internet and email
The majority of hotels will have Wi-Fi connections available. Please note that some hotels will only provide free Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby, and internet access in your hotel room may come at an additional cost. There are also Wi-Fi zones in some coffee shops and public spaces.
It is possible to use mobile phone applications such as Skype and WhatsApp through complimentary Wi-Fi connections to contact friends and family back home free of charge.
Postage
South Korea's postal service is efficient and reliable, and there are plenty of branches around if you wish to send a letter or postcard home. Postcards and stamps can be purchased from post offices, convenience stores and kiosks at train stations.
Time Difference
South Korea is 1 hour behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.