As the clock tick, tick, ticks away counting down my departure to South Korea tomorrow, I have to share an amazing experience I had on the phone yesterday.
So packing has been a BEAST! And I am now on my 3rd time repacking my two bags and carry-on. Part of the reason lies in the fact that I wanted to carry only one bag and a carry-on, you know pack light like a pro.
Well yea right. When relocating to a new address for 1 year packing circumstances are quite different than say if I were going to travel the globe for 1 year.
I quickly realized that I won’t be able to carry my favorite hotel plush towels or pillow, winter clothes, way too many bottles of conditioner, and other things that were replacing the space for my clothes. * I hear you laughing…its O.K. 🙁
Anyway I learned about this company called “The Arrival Store” and you basically can order your necessities on their website and have them shipped to you in Korea. Things like a cell phone, comforter, sheets( which I hear are hard to come by in Korea…wtf?), cleaning supplies and even a transformer.
The kicker for me though was being able to order a cell phone and have it waiting for you at the airport once you arrive, seriously? Seriously!
No…wait seriously?? OK OK I had my doubts so I emailed the contact address on the website. Before we even spoke about ordering he explained the concept and birthing of his company(+ #3). I really needed to fully understand how the cell plans (since I haven’t had a cell in about 1 year! Actually 1 year tomorrow) and delivery to my location would work and he explained everything and wanted to make sure that I understood the process.
The whole conversations lasted 20-30 mins even though he had other calls to make(+ #4). I was very impressed with the customer service. And happy customers are gems!
Now granted this is only phase 1! I still have to get to Korea and receive my cell phone and the rest of my package( I ordered the Public school pro)but I will surely keep you posted each step of the way.
But thus far I would recommend using the service to any new teacher heading to Korea. Check out the site here https://www.thearrivalstore.com/arrival-story/
Update: I still recommended this company but mainly for the cell phone package. The bill now comes to your email in English and its easy to pay at any ATM in Korea. However I returned my arrival store phone in February after my 6 months was up. I wanted to up grade to a smart phone and their prices were ridiculous!
The service was good while I had the phone though and they are always prompt to answer email questions.
ALL of the stuff I ordered in that Public school package pro I returned EXCEPT for the cell phone and the sheets. It wasn’t necessary to order it. You can find everything you are looking for here. EVEN fitted sheets. The sheets on their website are hella expensive so you might as well buy them here if you don’t bring any with you.
Any questions regarding what to pack when coming to Korea…just ask! 🙂
Are you serious! That is an awesome find for extended stays in another country. Thanks!
Yes…Seriously! I have my first package already…it was waiting at the orientation site as promised. I will write an update about it shortly.