Dec

Expat Daily: iPhones in Korea, Expat Christmas

admin Holiday, life abroad 2009-12-16

How Can Expats in Korea Get an iPhone

The much anticipated sale of the iPhone has finally come to Korea, but expats might not be able to share in the purchase. It turns out that for expat in Korea purchasing an iPhone has become costly and expensive, if you can get one at all. “Compared to the I-lite and I-medium plans, the service rates are comparable and the plan is more adjustable for individual usage and needs. However, the obvious downside is the lack of subsidy provided for the cost of the handset, regardless of the two year contract and upfront payment. The user said that although he has lived here for five years and has two Korean credit cards, it was “easier to purchase my vehicle than it was to purchase my iPhone.” A university professor with an E-1 visa wrote that he was able to get the phone on a one year contract for 735,000 won upfront and a 30,000 won monthly plan (no details on plan specifics were given). Another D-8 visa holder stated that he got his phone “easily.” Others have opted to have a Korean friend co-sign their iPhone and attach it to their own bank accounts; essentially your Korean friend becomes the guarantor in lieu of the company. Others were told that they could purchase the phone entirely upfront (964,000 won) and subsequently not be locked into a contract, simply paying month to month for service. Legions of others have simply recounted their experience of going into a KT store and being told that iPhones couldn’t be sold to foreigners.”

Expats Prepare for Christmas

Expats around the world are diligently getting ready for Christmas. Expats have lots of options when it comes to celebrating the holidays, head home, on vacation or stay in your new country. No matter how you decide to spend you expat Christmas there is a story to tell. From China to Mexico, “Holiday festivities in the People’s Republic of China differ in various provinces, cities, counties and even villages. In the past ten years, due particularly to China becoming the manufacturer of commercial Christmas commodities such as lights, ornaments, wreaths, artificial trees, and toys, all of China has taken to decorating for this unusual Western holiday. The poinsettia is native to Mexico and has been associated with Christmas celebrations since the 17th century. There is a legend connected with the poinsettia which tells the story of a young boy who walked to the church in his village to visit the Nativity scene. Upon arrival, the young boy realized that he had nothing to offer the Christ Child and decided to gather some green branches which he found growing along the road. When he laid the branches by the manger, a beautiful red star-shaped flower blossomed on each branch.”