Arrival Pro Package (220 Volt Power Countries)

The Arival Pro Pack (220 Volt) includes all the arrival essentials for a smooth arrival.  Best of all, the package includes a FREE phone!

The Package includes:

• FREE Used Phone (choice of new phone if preferred)

• Plug adapter(s) (according to your order)

• Welcome Package 

• Optional "Seoul Survivor Guide Book"

• 1 Comforter (single/queen)

• 1 Sheet set, top sheet is a comforter cover (single/queen)

• Pillow (1 single, 2 queen)

• 2 towel sets (2 hand towels, 2 bath towels)

• 1 Cleaning Kit

• 1 Brita Water Pitcher with filter (OPTIONAL)

• Mattress Pad (OPTIONAL)

• Seoul Survivor (OPTIONAL)

• TAS Welcome Package

Note: The Public School Pro (220 Volt) is different from the Public School (Pro North America) because it does not have the power transformer and includes a 220 plug adapter.  Korea functions on the 220 volt electricity, but requires a different shaped plug than the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, USA, and Canada. 

Flexible Return Policy

As with all TAS products, if you arrive and find that you do not some of the items you purchased, you can send them back to us for a refund.  To guarantee a full refund, items should be unused and in their original packaging.  A partial refund will be assessed for opened items. 

Product Details

TAS Cell Phone

Free Used Phone (see more by viewing the full product description here)

TAS used phones are in great shape and backed by TheArrivalStore.com.  If a phone does not function properly or has technical issues (not caused by the user) while it is in the possession of a customer TAS will fix or replace the cell phone. 

Used phones have typically only been used for one year.  The used cell phone plan is the same as the new phone plan as described below. 

The used phones come in a variety of different manufacturers, models, styles, and colors.  Some of these include:

• Manufacturers: Samsung, Cyon, Sky, Anycall, LG, etc.

• Colors: white, black, pink (colors may vary)

• Style: slide or flip

Customers can request certain models by making a note during the checkout process in the "shipping notes field".  TAS makes efforts to meet the requests of customers, but cannot guarantee that the phone will meet all of the customer's preference. 

It is best if a customer can choose one attribute that is most important to them: ie. "White flip phone" or "Samsung phone"

New Phones (+$39.99) (see more by viewing the full product description here)

TAS New phones are brand new phones.  In order to have the phone set up and ready to use when a customer arrives, TAS must open the box and register the phone with the service provider.  During this process, the language on the phone will be switched from Korean to English for ease of use. TAS also installs the FREE protective screen film, and plastic case for the customer.  Please note, that even though the box has been opened, the phone is new. 

TAS customers can choose the paticular model of phone they would like by selecting it on www.TheArrivalStore.com

Smart Phones (+$119.99) (see more by viewing the full product description here)

Until February, 2011, getting a Smart Phone as a foreigner was next to impossible. Now, foreigners are allowed to sign up for Smartphones with Korean phone companies, but only after they have obtained their ARC (Alien Resident Card).  On average, it takes 5 weeks to get your ARC after you’ve arrived in Korea.

Why an ARC?   In order to set up a phone contract with a Korean company, you must have a bank account. Before you can open a bank account, you must be registered with the government (your ARC is proof of registration). After you’ve received your ARC you can open a bank account, and then, finally, get a phone.

As you can see, this is usually a time-consuming and frustrating experience.  TheArrivalStore.com (TAS) cell phones enable customers to skip these hassles completely. If you are coming to Korea, the phone (like all other TAS products) will be waiting at a conveniently arranged location such as the airport, your school or office, your apartment, etc.  If you are already in Korea, your TAS phone will be set up and sent to you within a day or two of your online purchase.

 You do not need to have or wait for your ARC – not only will we have your phone ready for you upon arrival, but you only need to commit to a 9-month contract! You have three great options for getting a Smartphone from TAS:

1. Purchase the smartphone of your choice, and pay the 100% refundable deposit of $200 USD. The phone will be ready for you upon arrival (deposit explained below).
2. Use the convenient “Order Now, Pay Later” (ONPL) option.  We understand the investment it takes to even get to Korea – shipping all those documents to your employer isn’t cheap, not to mention the plane ticket! If money is tight and you need to wait for your first paycheck, no problem! All you need to do is pay the $200 USD deposit upfront, and pay the rest of your order within 60 days (deposit explained below).

Immediate access to communication is central to a smooth transition.... Unfortunately, getting a phone set up, is often a time-consuming and maddening experience as a foreigner in Korea.  Many people assume that they will have access to the internet in their apartment upon their arrival, but it too can take a few weeks to arrange.  TAS cell phones enable customers to skip these hassles completely by having a phone set up and waiting for them when arrive.  The phones, like other TAS products can be waiting at a conveniently arranged location such as the airport, school, office etc.  If you are already in Korea, TAS phones can usually be set up and sent out within a day of when they are ordered.

Everything is far easier with a phone!

Why is it difficult to have a phone set up without TAS?

1. Korea does not utilize the SIM card system.  Getting your phone from home to work is either impossible or requires an extensive registration process.  Foreigners cannot simply swap out the SIM card as you can in many countries throughout the world.
2. An ARC (Alien Resident Card) is usually required to set up a phone, which takes about 3-6 weeks to complete. 
3. Cost/Convenience: foreigners in Korea end up settling for clunky second hand pre-paid phones that are expensive, unreliable, and  have a per minute calling rate 3x higher than a contracted phone.  Getting a phone set up can take a lot of time and energy with trips to the store, translation and paperwork. 

Benefits of TheArrivalStore.com Phone Plans

• TAS cell phones are set up and ready for you to use upon arrival versus having to wait for your ARC (Alien Resident Card), bank account and other paperwork to be completed.  TAS is the only way to have a phone ready for you as soon as you arrive, which is a massive benefit.

• TAS customers get a much nicer phone with very little upfront investment.  TAS phones are provided at a fraction of the actual retail price of the phone.  Often foreigners in Korea end up making a short term decision and settle for clunky and expensive second hand phones and annoying prepaid plans.  Used phones often cost between 70,000 won and 200,000 won and carry the risk of being littered with technical issues.  Prepaid phones also have an outgoing call rate around 3x as much as a contract cell phone.  They often require users to go in to the telephone shop to "top up" their minutes. 

• TAS cell phones are nicer phones with many additional features like: caller ID, games, cameras, mp3 players, and many models have Korean/English dictionaries.

• TAS cell phone plans are aimed at making everything far more convenient for expats in Korea.   Our service has built in protection from large unexpected long distance bills, so that you can avoid unpredictable high bills.  We will provide you with a long distance discount calling number that enables you to call internationally at a surprisingly low rate, often free (just using your local minutes).  Because we understand that it often takes a few weeks to get your bank account set up there is a grace period for the first billing period. 

• TAS offers contract cell phones, meaning that they are post-paid plans.  The contracts are only a six month (simple phones) or 9 month (smart phone) commitment which is by far the shortest and most lenient of all of the providers (usually 1-3 years).  There is never a renewal fee for extending the contract.  Customers are billed in English by email once a month.  Bills are paid quickly and conveniently by ATM bank transfer.  There is no need to top up minutes never run out of minutes

• TAS providesEnglish support, so there is no need to work your way through a number of different operators to find someone who can solve your problem.  We take care of this hassle for you.

• TAS phone service helps protect customers in the case of lost, damaged or stolen phones from having to pay the full retail price of a cell phone (200,000 won+) and getting a replacement right away.

TAS Cell Phone Plan Summary

100% Refundable Cell Phone Deposit Further Explained

TAS requires a 100% fully refundable deposit with the purchase of every new or used phone. This necessary evil was introduced after a few customers left the country without paying their outstanding bills.

TAS holds the deposit while the phone is in use and returns the deposit after the phone is returned and the contract is terminated.

Damage to a phone will result in the loss of some of some or all of the deposit. TAS understands that all phones are subject to normal wear and tear. TAS provides plastic cell phone covers and screen protectors free of charge for most phone models to help customers care for their phones.  It is not required that customers use the plastic cover and screen protector but it is highly recommended.

The following are examples of excessive damage that will result in losing a portion or all fo the cell phone deposit

1. Missing buttons
2. Cracked screen
3. Cracked casing
4. Obvious misuse 
5. Missing battery cover 
6. Excessively scratched screen 
7. Improper functioning 
8. Water damage

Deposit Return

The deposit is returned after the service contract has been completed, the phone is returned to TAS, and phone damage has been assessed.  If applicable, the deposit will be used to pay the final and any outstanding bills before the remainder is returned to the customer.  The reimbursement is paid via PayPal or another payment method arranged.

Be assured that TAS is committed to assessing the damage as fairly as possible.

Cotton Sheet Set with Duvet Cover

TheArrivalStore.com 100% Cotton Sheet Set is designed for comfort and style.  The 205 thread count sheet set includes:

• one fitted mattress sheet (Single/Queen)

• one or two pillow cases (1 with single set, 2 with queen set)

• duvet/comforter cover as the top sheet. The duvet cover is equipped with corner ties to keep your comforter in place, and a zipper to close (single/queen)

The TAS sheets are available in several stylish colors that will bring a little atmosphere to any apartment.

Crisp White
Sharp Navy
Chocolate Brown
Silver Gray

Available in Queen and Single sizes

 Single

• Duvet Cover: 160cm x 220cm (63in x 86in);

• Fitted Sheet: 115cm x 205cm x 35cm  (45in x 80in x 14in);

• 1 Pillow Case: 48cm x 70cm; (19in x 27in)

Queen

• Duvet Cover:  220cm x 220cm (86in x 86in),

• Fitted Sheet: 155cm x 205 cm x 35cm  (61in x 80in x 14in),

• 2 Pillow Cases:  48cm x 70 cm (19in x 27in)

TAS Cotton Comforter

TheArrivalStore.com basic comforter is filled with microfiber and is suited to keep you warm in the winter and is light enough for the summer.  
Add a little style and extend the life of your comforter with TAS duvet covers and sheet sets. 

TAS provides comforters to fit both queen and single sized beds:

• Single 160cm x 210cm (63inches x 82inches)

• Queen 220cm x 220cm (86inches x 86 inches)

• Color: White

• Material: 35% cotton, 65% polyester

• Fill: Polyester

Relaxing Pillow

With baggage limits these days, who actually has space to pack a pillow?

It is near impossible to save enough room in a suitcase for a pillow.  Unless you have a high-powered vacuum packer, the pillows are staying home.  TheArrivalStore.com pillows will help you avoid having to roll your sweat pants into a jacket to use as your pillow for a few nights until you have time to get out on the town and track down a pillow that meets your preferences.

Having a pillow waiting for you when you arrive is sure to help you get over jet lag just a little bit quicker.  Remember, don't skimp on your sleep.

If you love your pillows you might as well just grab two! 

Details

TAS pillows are 50cm x 70cm (20inches x  27 inches)

The pillows are filled with polyfill and covered in a simple 100% cotton liner

The Extra Safe Universal Plug Adapter or Standard Universal Adapter is for use with electrical items from North America, United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand

The Extra Safe Universal Plug Adapter enables items with different plug shapes to work with Korean outlets.  The adapter has a safety shutter and lights that indicate which voltage is being conducted by the outlet (220 or 120).  the indicator lights help users be sure that they are plugging items into outlets that are conducting the appropriate voltage and helps users avoid fire hazards and damaged items.  It accommodates plug types: A, B, C, E, G, I (see chart below)

The standard plug universal plug adapter enables items with different plug shapes to work with Korean outlets.  The Standard universal adapter has a convenient on and off switch.  It accommodates plug types: A, B, C, E, G, I (see chart below)

Warning: plug adapters do not convert power, and should only be used with items that have 220 volt power capability or a built in power transformer. For more information, please read below. 

Electrical Power & Voltage in South Korea

South Korea functions on 220 volt electricity.  The outlets are round, and equipped to accept a plug with two round prongs about 2 cm apart, like these:

Items with built in transformers, or that are designed for 220 volt electricity

Some electronics have power transformers built in to them (ie. most laptops, some battery chargers). Such items only need a plug adapter to function properly if the user is coming from a country with different plug shapes.   An adapter simply allows the user to plug the device into a different socket type.  Please see the adapter chart below to see which TAS adapter is right for you.

Drinking tap water in South Korea is not recommended. 

Even though it is said to be potable in some areas, Koreans use sophisticated and expensive water filtration systems that cost $300- $1000s of dollars. 

Water filter pitchers are somewhat difficult to find in Korea, but are an affordable and sufficient solution for those only planning to spend a year or two in the country.  Of course bottled water can be purchased in every grocery store and convenience store, but taking a walk to the corner store early in the morning or late at night because there is no drinking water is a major hassle.  Buying bottled water everyday becomes quite expensive and is tough on the environment.  Spending a little bit of money up front will end up saving you quite a bit of cash and a whole lot annoying trips to the convenience store.  TheArrivalStore.com makes ordering new filters a breeze.

The Brita water purifiers:

• Eliminate 98% of lead, benzene, mercury, and copper in the water

• Reduce chlorine, bad tastes and odors

• Prevent bacteria growth in filter

• Reduce sediment and water hardness

• Each filter has a 40 gallon capacity (181 liters).  It is recommended to change the filters every 2 months.

• TheArrivalStore.com will continue to provide replacement filters for your water pitcher.

"Friends don't let friends drink from plastic bottles."

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Full sized towels make a world of difference!

Packing towels from home again uses valuable space and weight in suitcases.  Unfortunately, nice full size bath towels are an item that is uniquely difficult to track down in Korea. 

Most Koreans use hand sized microfiber towels to dry themselves off after a shower.  If an expat is lucky enough to find full size towels, they are usually disappointed with the texture, quality, and prices.  TheArrivalStore.com Egyptian bath towel sets are sure to meet the need.  They are 100% soft cotton, durable, and provide plenty of surface area to wrap up in.

After working hard to find towels that met our standards in Korea unsuccessfully, we decided to import high grade towels in great colors to keep our customers happy.  The towels are fluffy, soft and will hold up even in the Korean washing machines.     

Each towel set comes with a full-sized bath towel and matching hand towel. 

The towels are available in 5 colors that will light up any bathroom

Crimson Red
Stark White
Natural Beige
Black
Charcoal Gray

Dimensions

Bath Towel Dimensions: 53 in x 27 in (135 cm x 69 cm)
Hand Towel Dimensions: 30 in x 15 in (78 cm x 40 cm)

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Cleaning Kit

Avoid an unnecessary case of the heeby jeebies...

In Korea, the previous tenant is responsible only for getting all of their items out of the apartment before the next tenant arrives.  They are not responsible for sweeping the dust-bunnies, getting the dirty scuff marks off of the floor, or cleaning the hair that inexplicably accumulates in the corners of the bathroom.  This is an unfortunate reality.  Some employers are very good at making sure the apartment is clean before the employee arrives, but sometimes, freshly arrived expats walk into an apartment that looks like an empty storage unit, or worse.  To make sure our customers are able to settle in without a serious case of the heeby jeebies, TheArrivalStore.com provides pre-packaged cleaning kits that will equip them for the first deep clean.

The Clearning kit includes:     

1 toilet paper roll (non-scent single ply roll)

1 paper towel roll (non-scent, 130 sheets)

1 dish soap package (anti-bacterial dish soap, 292 ml)

1 dish scrubber (Scotch Brite soap dispensing dish wand)

1 scrub brush (cleaning brush with handle and 12 cm long bristle)

1 multi-purpose cleaning solution (800ml, all purpose cleaner, fresh mint scent)

1 bar of soap (100g bar for bathroom or kitchen use)

1 dish towel set (includes 3 household shammy cloths, 15in x 15in (40cmx40cm))

1 magic sponge (a sponge for scrubbing surfaces)

1 dust pan set (hand broom and dust pan)

Mattress Pad (Optional)

The thing in my room that looks like a mattress, feels nothing like a mattress!  What is going on here?

A stark difference between Koreans and Westerners is their preference for sleeping surfaces.  The Korean mattresses are slightly softer than concrete.  Not to worry, TheArrivalStore.com provides the solution with affordable mattress pads.  The pads can be laid over the stiff Korean mattress and held in place with the TAS fitted sheet.  The mattress pads can also be used directly on the floor for house guests. 

Mattress pads are referred to as “yos” in Korea.  Many Koreans sleep on a yo on the heated floor each night.  When they wake up they fold it up and put it in the closet.

Get started off right from day one purchase a mattress pad to avoid the cricks in your neck and a stiff back.   

TheArrivalStore.com mattress pads are not up to the grade of memory foam, but they will help soften your mattress a great deal. 

Details

The polyester covers are filled with a poly-fill material.

The pads are a little over two inches thick (6 cm).

Available in two sizes

Queen Size: 53in x 83 in x 2in (135cm x 210cm x 6cm)
Single Size: 47in x 77inc x 2 in (120cm x 195cm x 6 cm)

Shipping note

Due to the size of the mattress pads, they must be shipped alone.  If you are ordering any other items, an additional shipping charge of $4.00 will apply to the total order.

(Optional) Seoul Survivor Guide Book to Living and Working in South Korea

Written by Ryan Weaver Illustrations by Hong Seok-jin

Sink or Swim?

It's too soon to give up your life in Korea!When first arriving in Korea, or in any new country for that matter, it is only natural to want to try and fit in--or at least try not to offend anyone with your lack of knowledge of the local culture. As one will soon learn, playing the role of the ignorant foreigner gets old fast, and in fact may have the effect of prolonging the amount of time it will take to start feeling comfortable. Within just over 200 pages Ryan Weaver's book, 'Seoul Survivor,' provides the practical information needed to live in and navigate Korea's dynamic cityscape, the cultural insight to avoid embarrassing social blunders, adapt to the Korean work environment, and become wel-informed of the country's most pressing social issues.

The Challenge of Living and Working Abroad

Learning about a host country’s culture, etiquette, and social/business practices can play an important role in speeding up the acclimation process. Unfortunately, however, while learning about one’s new environment may be adequate for some of us, individuals traveling abroad to work, study and live often neglect a very important part of the expatriate puzzle, and that is themselves. If you really want to be happy and successful in your new home you must also make acareful self-examination in order to fine tune and develop new skills for dealing with uncharted obstacles and personal issues that may be waiting for you around the corner.

It takes an extraordinary person, on many levels, to make a seamless transition to living in Korea, but don’t worry, there is hope for the rest of us. Also covered in this book is pertinent information one may use to discern whether or not he or she is the right kind of person for such a challenge of living abroad. Equipping readers with information and tips to both better anticipate problems that one may have while living and working in another country, as well as providing ways to mitigate stress, and live happier. For Korean readers, learn about what makes life for foreigner residents in Korea challenging so that you can help them become amore productive part of the workforce and active members in the community.

Contents

Part 1. Korea at a Glance

1. Korean History: Legends and Controversy
2. North Korea: Is There a Threat of War?
3. The Miraculous Transformation
4. Korea's Modern Economy
5. Can You Find Korea on a Map?

Part 2. Getting off on the Right Foot

1. Introductions and Interacting with Others
2. Communicating with Non-native Speakers
3. Language that Causes Misunderstandings
4. What People Have to Say about Koreans
5. Misconceptions that Foreigners Have of Koreans and Vice Versa
6. Things about Korea that Foreigners Find Amusing, Strange and Annoying
7. Things about Foreigners that Irritate Koreans

Part 3. Navigating the City

1. Transport for Seoul
2. Crime and Public Nuisances
3. Don’t Forget to Bring Your BMW and Lots of Multivitamins
4. Finding a Residence/Apartment
5. Tourist Attractions

Part 4. Getting Settled into a New Lifestyle

1. Korean Food
2. Korean Dining Etiquette
3. Hangouts and Hotspots
4. Drinking Etiquette
5. Shopping (Day and Night)
6. Blending In: Korean Fashion
7. Recreation

Part 5. Korean Culture in Focus

1. Humanity
2. Filial Piety
3. Collectivism
4. Special Relationships
5. Korean Culture in Business

Part 6. Korean Society

1. Why Are Koreans So Competitive?
2. Confucian Roots: Both a Help and a Hindrance
3. Confucianism and its Effect on Business Development
4. Korea’s 'Unique' Legal Environment
5. Korean Politics: Why So Much Fighting?
6. Korea’s Need for Education Reform
7. Korea’s Leadership Gap
8. Korea’s Social Development

Part 7: Social Issues Facing Korea

1. Senior Poverty
2. Korea: OECD's Suicide Capital
3. Anti-Americanism in Korea
4. Rights for Gays and Lesbians
5. Love and Marriage
6. Korea’s Spiking Divorce Rate
7. Are Koreans Open to 'International Couples?'

Part 8: Before You Book Your Flight

1. Evaluate Yourself
2. Will You be Able to Cope?
3. Keys to a Happy and Successful Life Abroad
4. Be Proactive in Discerning Which Practical Concerns Might Spoil Your Assignment
5. Take an Interest in Korea
6. Bring a Positive Attitude
7. Once You Arrive in Korea: Make Friends and Build Strong Relationships
8. Learn to See Problems from a Different Perspective
9. Cultural Adversity: Love It or Leave It

Appendix_ Useful Korean Expressions
Appendix_ Travel Information for Subway Tourists in Seoul
References

TAS Welcome Package

The welcome package is a bundle of helpful information that will help you get settled into Korea. 

It includes items such as, maps, general information about Korea, event calendars, subway map, coupons, area information, brochures about Korea, English Magazines and a Transportation Card. 

Items included in TAS Welcome Packages change according each month and may include various items more/less than those listed above.