Internet connection

South Korea is known for having one of the fastest and most reliable internet connections in the world. You can easily access free Wi-Fi in many public places, such as airports, train stations, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. However, if you want to have internet access everywhere you go, you can also rent a portable Wi-Fi device or buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport or online. You can choose from different plans and prices depending on your needs and budget. For example, you can rent a Wi-Fi device for around 5,000 won ($4) per day or buy a SIM card for 30 days with unlimited data for 38,500 won ($32).

Public toilets

Public toilets are widely available in South Korea, especially in tourist areas, parks, subway stations, and shopping malls. They are usually clean and well-maintained, but some may not have toilet paper or soap. It's a good idea to carry your own tissues and hand sanitizer just in case. Some public toilets may also have a rating system where you can give feedback on the cleanliness and facilities.

Emergency services

In case of an emergency, you can dial 112 for the police, 119 for fire and ambulance and medical emergencies. These numbers are toll-free and available 24/7. You can also use the Emergency Ready app to contact these services and get information on emergency shelters, evacuation routes, and disaster alerts. The app is available in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. If you need help from your embassy or consulate, you can find their contact information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Credit card payment

Credit cards are widely accepted in South Korea, especially in urban areas and tourist spots. You can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, UnionPay, and other major cards to pay for goods and services. However, some small shops, street vendors, or rural areas may only accept cash or local cards. It's advisable to have some cash on hand for these situations. You can withdraw cash from ATMs at banks or convenience stores using your credit card or debit card. Some ATMs may charge a fee for foreign cards or have a limit on how much you can withdraw per day.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary or expected in South Korea. You don't need to tip at restaurants, hotels, taxis, or other service providers. However, if you receive exceptional service or want to show your appreciation, you can leave a small tip of 5% to 10% or round up the bill. Some upscale restaurants or hotels may add a service charge of 10% to 15% to your bill. This is not a tip and you don't need to pay extra on top of it.

Car renting & driving

Renting a car in South Korea is possible but not very common among tourists. Driving in South Korea can be challenging due to heavy traffic, narrow roads, complicated signs, and aggressive drivers. You also need an international driving permit (IDP) along with your valid driver's license from your home country to rent a car and drive in South Korea. You can apply for an IDP online or at your local automobile association before your trip. The cost of renting a car varies depending on the type of car, the rental company, the duration of the rental, and the insurance coverage. You can expect to pay around 50,000 won ($42) per day for a compact car or 100,000 won ($84) per day for an SUV. You also need to pay for gas (around 1,500 won ($1.26) per liter), tolls (around 2,000 won ($1.68) per section), and parking (around 1,000 won ($0.84) per hour). If you decide to rent a car in South Korea, make sure you follow the traffic rules and regulations, such as driving on the right side of the road, wearing seat belts, avoiding alcohol, and using navigation apps.