How much do you think someone should expect to come out of pocket when first arriving? Say we are not going till hubby is settles so hopefully we won't have any hotel expense but upfront rent wise and just getting start what do you think is a good amount? I think I am a little high on my estimations but I would rather have to much money than not enough!!!!

Well you are definately right about having more money needed than less. After being there back in 05/06, when the family arrives behind me to Korea (If The Army Will Send Me Back). I am going to make sure my wife has about $500 cash/travlers checks and access via the debit card another $500-$1000.

You probably wouldnt even put a dent in that, but I like yourself would rather have it and not need it. Especially for a woman and two little girls.

Hope I confirmed your thoughts.

SGT Walz

Well, at first if your hubby is already setteled in, then getting from Inchoen to here will be about 17,000 WON.

Now, for your husband he will need at least $3,000 - $4,000 for the first months rent, deposit and possibly last months rent. You'll pay about
$1,500ish for the first mmonths rent.

As SGT Walz said, have some money set aside for the trip. My wife made the entire trip on $50. But that was with nothing going wrong.

There are many ATM's in Korea and Japan, the most I paid to use an ATM is $1.00 even in the Inchoen airport.

The best thing is to take or have available money to use.

In the end if you cannot speak the language, flash your Visa or Matercard because everyone understands money!

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CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey

Ok perfect so I was about right with the rent,deposit ect... Now will we get some of the rent back or no? I don't know how that works.

Agreed, Chucksnee is right about moveing in expenses for your hubby. It can be a rather consuming process there.

Traveling through Korea is rather inexpensive though. I remember a train ride to the Pusan being less than 25 dollars, and Pusan is about as far as you can go by train there.

I love Korea. :)

When you say get some of the money back, I assume you mean like a security deposit it the states. In my situation, it was not a security deposit but an advance month's rent. So you are basically 1 month ahead until the last month in which it is already paid. Again - my situation.

Things may have changed.

If you pay first and last months rent then you will not pay the last months rent and pocket the money the military gives you, as your repayment. Does that make sence?

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CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey

Yeah thats what I was asking. You know I am already thinking of places to see after we get reimbursed hahaha i'm plotting my plan of action on my little S. Korea book already!!

You'll need money for things like start up groceries and other household items like cleaning supplies too.

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There's No Toilet Paper on the Road Less Traveled.