Hi All!

K...I'm leaving in a few weeks, and I'm trying to figure out what I should bring and what I shouldn't bring. First, I'm fairly certain that I'm going to end up off base, so should I bring a bike, or are there plenty of them over there for sale? I have one now, but if it's not worth shipping, then let me know. Second, I'm bringing a desktop computer, but I really don't want to ship my monitor if I can avoid it. Can I get one over there pretty cheap? I don't need anything special, but I don't want to be forced to buy something from the BX if I can bring it. I wouldn't even bother, but those things weigh a lot. And lastly, is there anything that I shouldn't pack? I'd hate to have something that would be ok to own over here and get nailed by customs for something stupid.

As always, thanks in advance for the help!
Joe

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Joeninpo

The tyrant custom, most grave Senators,
Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war
My thrice-driven bed of down

Joe, if you are really into Bikeing they have a great shop down town Songtan. It is within walking distance from the walkthru gate. They have any bike you need from $200 up to a $10,000 carbon fiber road bike (yes that is $10,000). If not then you should beable to buy a bike just to ride around on at the Osan bike store for under $200.

My guys go up to Songtan every weekend and ride the mountains up there.

As for a computer moninitor Tai should beable to take care of you.

Watch you knives and everything like that. No screwdrivers, and I guess nothing that is liquid. Make sure all your medications have your name on it and they are not mixed (2 med's in one bottle)

For everything else I would find someone leaving and buy it from them...You can find great deals that way.

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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

Not knowing your weight allowance, here is what I would take as minimum to be minimally comfortable off base. First the FMO will provide a stove, fridge and washer dryer if there are hook ups.

-mountain or city cruiser style bike with big tires, skinny tired bikes aren't worth it there.--Lazy boy chair---bed or futon---a couple curtain rods and thick, sun proof curtains for the bed room---household tools, hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, drill, maybe a couple masonary bits with the other drill bits----table , kitchen or other wise for more flat surface area----kitchen stuff, a pot or two, a dish or two etc...---- portable clothes hanger(s) to hang up your clothes

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Turk Quid Pro Quo

Ha! I wish I had that much room Turk :-) I'm only getting 500 pounds of allowance, so I'm going to have to find a nice furnished apartment. Nice being a relative term. I've seen quite a few furnished ones on the classifieds page, so hopefully that won't be too bad of a problem. Again, as long as I have a bed and a place to put some electronics, then I'm not too worried about funiture. Household tools is a good idea, though. I didn't even think about that. Hmmm...I'll have to rethink a couple of things or just buy a cheap set when I get there.
Ironically, I get 1500 pounds on the way back. I guess they know we'll be collecting household stuff while we're over there. So far, it looks like my stereo, DJ equipment, computer, possibly my bike...haven't decided on that yet...and golf clubs. And maybe a uniform or two.

And thanks for the info Chuck! I would have never thought of the medication thing. I don't use a whole lot of liquids, but it's something to think about when I'm packing up. Are there any types of media that I can't bring over?

Thanks again!
Joe

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Joeninpo

The tyrant custom, most grave Senators,
Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war
My thrice-driven bed of down

Yeah, I guess there are some furnished places available these days, it used to be unheard of. 500 hundred pounds, do you get any pro gear allowance yet? Theres probably not much out of the ordinary you need to take. You'll be bringing back a lot more I'm sure.

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Turk Quid Pro Quo

Oh man...I totally forgot about progear! We can ship our computers on progear now. That solves a huge chunk of my problems! Yippie! Thanks Turk!

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Joeninpo

The tyrant custom, most grave Senators,
Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war
My thrice-driven bed of down

Don't forget the coffee pot!

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Turk Quid Pro Quo

Defiently mark ALOT of stuff as PRO gear that way you can bring extra stuff.

Turk, depending on what kinda riding you do depends on what type of tires you use. I have road tires and I would not have anything else becasue I don't ride on the dirt or trails. I have a $900 bike, and love it. But I also have another set of rims with "nobbies" for the winter.

Customs ask's you if you have PORN when you get off the plane, so that is the only type of media that you are not "suposed" to bring.

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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

Depending on your rank you may not be off base. Hopefully your sponsor has already looked into this for you. As far as your weight allowance going back...you could have brought 1500 lbs coming over here too if you wanted it to go on the slow boat... I'm betting it is the same deal going home. Also, if you have family in the states that you will have to move at the end of your assignment, your 1500 lbs counts toward your total move weight.

I brought about 450 lbs worth of stuff with me (including my pro gear) and haven't found a need to go out and buy anything spectacular.

Have a good trip over...its a great place to be!

Getting to live off-base is not as easy as people make it sound. So if you don't get it, don't be disappointed. I would definitely bring the monitor with you. I don't know about the CRT, but I can get the LCD a lot cheaper in the States than here.