A2Korean

Getting a Phone / SIM Card

Essential Korean phrases for buying a prepaid SIM card, choosing a data plan, and getting connected.

Key Phrases

Stating your need for a SIM · 2 ways to say it

선불 유심 사고 싶어요.

neutral

seonbul yusim sago sipeoyo.

I want to buy a prepaid SIM.

The most common way to ask for a temporary SIM card at a shop.

나 유심 사고 싶어.

casual

na yusim sago sipeo.

I want to buy a SIM card.

Use this when telling a Korean friend about your plans.

Asking the price · 2 ways to say it

요금은 한 달에 얼마예요?

neutral

yogeumeun han dare eolmayeyo?

How much is the fee per month?

Staff will usually give you the price for 30 days.

요금은 한 달에 얼마야?

casual

yogeumeun han dare eolmaya?

How much is the fee per month?

Ask a friend this to compare how much they pay for their plan.

Asking about data plans

무제한 요금제 있어요?

neutral

mujehan yogeumje isseoyo?

Do you have an unlimited plan?

'요금제' means a phone plan or tariff.

Expressing data needs

전화는 안 하지만 데이터 많이 쓰고 싶어요.

neutral

jeonhwaneun an hajiman deiteo mani sseugo sipeoyo.

I don't make calls, but I want to use a lot of data.

Useful if you only need the internet for apps and messaging.

Providing ID

여권은 여기 있어요.

neutral

yeogwoneun yeogi isseoyo.

My passport is here.

Staff will always need to see your ID to register the SIM.

Asking about top-up

여기서 돈 충전할 수 있어요?

neutral

yeogiseo don chungjeonhal su isseoyo?

Can I recharge money here?

Use this to ask about adding more money to a prepaid account.

Asking about coverage

인터넷 어디서나 잘 돼요?

neutral

inteonet eodiseona jal dwaeyo?

Does the internet work well everywhere?

A simple way to ask if the signal coverage is good.

Asking about activation time

지금 바로 인터넷 할 수 있어요?

neutral

jigeum baro inteonet hal su isseoyo?

Can I use the internet right now?

Usually, prepaid SIMs are activated within 5 to 10 minutes.

Practice Dialogue

Customer
안녕하세요. 선불 유심 사고 싶어요.
annyeonghaseyo. seonbul yusim sago sipeoyo.
Staff
네. 전화 많이 할 거예요?
ne. jeonhwa mani hal geoeyo?
Customer
전화는 안 하지만 데이터 많이 쓰고 싶어요. 무제한 요금제 있어요?
jeonhwaneun an hajiman deiteo mani sseugo sipeoyo. mujehan yogeumje isseoyo?
Staff
네, 있어요. 요금은 한 달에 육만 원이에요.
ne, isseoyo. yogeumeun han dare yungman wonieyo.
Customer
외국인 등록증도 쓸 수 있어요?
oegugin deungnokjeungdo sseul su isseoyo?
Staff
네, 괜찮아요. 신분증하고 휴대폰 같이 필요해요.
ne, gwaenchanayo. sinbunjeunghago hyudaepon gachi piryohaeyo.
Customer
네, 여기 있어요. 지금 바로 쓸 수 있어요?
ne, yeogi isseoyo. jigeum baro sseul su isseoyo?
Staff
네, 세팅 끝났어요. 지금 인터넷 할 수 있어요.
ne, seting kkeunnasseoyo. jigeum inteonet hal su isseoyo.

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