Tips for traveling abroad
By Yun Suh-young
For those planning a trip abroad during the holiday season, take the following tips into account to be a smart traveler.
1) How to get the best exchange rate
The most favorable currency rate is offered at a bank where you’re a regular customer.
But if you fail to visit the bank or can’t be bothered to go, try the Internet currency exchange service provided by the banks. You can register in advance online and receive the cash at your bank's branch office at the airport. This offers up to 30 percent more favorable rate than exchanging at the airport.
Exchange rates at the airport are the most unfavorable where you get the worst rates. But if you have no other choice, get the best out of it by at least visiting the branch of the bank you normally transact with. When exchanging at the airport, keep the receipt until you come back from the trip because if you do, you can get up to 30 percent more favorable rates than outside the airport.
2) How to check in quickly at the airport
When checking in at Incheon International Airport, try using the self check-in kiosks that allow you to quickly check-in instead of waiting on the lines at the counter.
To get past the passport examination quickly, use the Smart Entry Service and you’re off to go in less than a minute. Register once and you no longer have to go through the long waiting line. To use the service, register at one of the Smart Entry Service Enrollment Centers across the country. The following are locations where you can register for the service:
Incheon International Airport
In front of the check-in counter in Zone F (3F)
Every day: 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Phone number: 032-740-7400
Gimpo International Airport
Immigration Service Center on International Terminal (2F)
Mon- Fri: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Phone number: 02-2664-6202
COEX
COEX City Airport Terminal (2F)
Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Phone number: 02-551-6923
Seoul Station
Korail Airport Railroad Seoul Station & Terminal (B2F)
Mon-Fri : 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Phone number: 02-362-8431
3) How to get the best seats on the plane
When you try to pick a good seat at the counter, it may already be too late. Some smarter passengers have already taken the good seats through reserving online.
So why not be a smart passenger yourself? Reserving a seat online before you visit the check-in counter can get you higher chances of getting the seat you want.
If you’re traveling economy and looking for more legroom, go for the emergency seats. These seats are open 24 hours before departure so for these, visit the counter early. Reservation is only available at the airport.
If you’re traveling business, ask for the seats with even numbers. It can get you higher chances of sitting alone rather than ending up sitting next to a stranger in side-to-side seats.
Overseas travel news
Expedia offers 50% promotion on hotels until Feb.22
Global online travel agent Expedia (
) is offering a 50 percent discount on 264 hotels in 17 countries worldwide including Korea, Thailand, Australia, U.S. and Europe.
Reservation deadline is Feb. 22 and the discount is valid until March 31.
The global hotel discount products are available for purchase on mobile web or internet homepage. For more information, visit
https://www.expedia.co.kr/2015FebSale
.
Finnair offers double mileage saving campaign
Those traveling between Seoul and Helsinki will save double the mileage on their flights until March. Finnair is offering a double mileage saving campaign on flights between the two cities until March 31.
The double mileage offer is also available on Finnair flights to 60 destinations within Europe.
The campaign is open to both new and existing customers and the mileage can be saved at
https://www.finnair.com/kr/ko/seoul-double-points
when registering before flying.
Registration for membership is available at
https://www.finnair.com/KR/KO/plus
Eurail introduces new passes for 2015
Eurail introduced a variety of new products to its Eurail Pass portfolio this year. Four new countries- Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Poland and Serbia- are added to Eurail's Global Pass, bringing the total to 28 countries that can be explored with the rail pass.
Also, children ages 4 to 11 can ride for free with a family member or friend who is traveling on an Adult Eurail Pass. Up to two children per adult can travel free.
Eurail Passes are available from a worldwide network of Authorized General Sales Agents. For more information visit,