Choosing a Phone Plan as a Newcomer

A phone is one of the first things you need right after arriving. There are many options you can start with even without an SSN or credit.

Plan types

• Prepaid: activate instantly with no credit check, low commitment
• Postpaid: requires credit, good for device installments and family plans
• MVNO (budget carrier): leases the major networks for cheaper data

Starting with prepaid or an MVNO and moving to a postpaid or family plan after building credit can lower your phone bill. If you need to keep a Korean number, consider a dual e-SIM setup.