Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Regardless of residential status, foreign nationals aren't generally permitted to repatriate
any proceeds from the sale or rental of a property they own. Some get around this by setting
up local companies, which face fewer restrictions, and buying properties through them, but
the procedures for doing so are complex and likely to require some outside expertise.
If the arrangements aren't already made when you move in, you'll be able to set up accounts
with utility providers—water, electricity, and communications—in a few days with copies
of your rental agreement, passport, and alien registration card. It's common for real estate
agents and landlords to assist in this, so don't have any qualms about seeking their help.
Provided you have a long-term visa, few utility vendors will seek deposits, but some, espe-
cially Internet and cable suppliers, will want you to sign up for long-term contracts that can
sometimes (but not always) be carried over to your next place.
The first thing to establish is whether you have to pay a maintenance fee, and if so, what
it includes—in some places it's in the hundreds of thousands of won and covers everything
from water to electricity expenses; in others it's far less and includes only security services
and rubbish collection (which you'd be unlikely ever to see a bill for anyway). If you're
coughing up for these things separately, water costs are usually only 10,000 won or so per
month and electricity around 70,000 per month, though you'll spend more if you have a big
property and in the winter and summer when heating or air-conditioning may be required.
Budget 30,000 won per month each for unlimited broadband Internet services, cable TV
with a few foreign channels, and phone bills.
