2024: Updated Overseas Travel Tips for the New Year

The number of travelers heading overseas is steadily increasing. As spring begins, even more people are preparing for trips abroad. Before embarking on your overseas journey, let’s discuss some essential points to check.

Purchasing airline tickets through a travel agency offers the advantage of securing them more cheaply. However, there are several inconveniences associated with canceling airline tickets, and consumers have encountered numerous disadvantages in this regard. In December last year, the Fair Trade Commission reviewed the online sales terms for international flight tickets utilized by eight major domestic travel agencies and rectified unfair terms.

While most travel agencies sell tickets beyond standard business hours, including weekends, holidays, and after 5 p.m. on weekdays, they did not facilitate cancellations. Consequently, customers incurred additional fees if the actual cancellation date exceeded the desired cancellation date. Beginning this year, individuals purchasing airline tickets through a travel agency can cancel tickets for 16 major international airlines free of charge within 24 hours.

Furthermore, the refund period for canceled airline ticket settlement funds at eight travel agencies has been abbreviated. It was deemed unjust that despite confirming an airline ticket cancellation, the refund period spanned from 20 to 90 business days from the date of receipt. Travel agencies are now required to refund settlement funds within 14 to 15 days and notify customers promptly if the refund period is to be extended.

The basic duty-free limit when bringing products purchased overseas into Korea is $800. This applies to products purchased overseas, including those from domestic and international duty-free shops, as long as their total value does not exceed $800. It also includes items received as gifts from overseas.

Alcohol, tobacco, and perfume have separate duty-free limits besides the basic allowance. The duty-free limit for perfume was increased from 60mL to 100mL starting January 1st 1st, compared to the previous 60mL. There is no limit on the number of bottles so travelers can purchase multiple perfume bottles in smaller volumes. The duty-free limit for perfume has been in effect since 1979, and this increase, the first in 45 years, enhances travelers’ convenience.

KB Kookmin Bank has opened its branches at Incheon Airport, marking its return after a decade-long absence. The bank has commenced operations with one branch each in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, along with six currency exchange counters. Additionally, plans are underway to open five more currency exchange counters and smart banking zones sequentially.

With the arrival of KB Kookmin Bank at Incheon Airport, travelers who use the bank as their primary financial institution find added convenience. However, travelers who rely on Shinhan Bank as their primary bank encounter inconvenience.

Despite KB Kookmin Bank’s entry, Shinhan Bank failed to secure business rights, leading to its disappearance from Incheon Airport. Consequently, travelers can no longer collect foreign currency exchanged non-face-to-face at Shinhan Bank in Incheon Airport. Shinhan Bank services, including ATMs and currency exchange counters, are no longer available throughout the airport.

Emergency passport issuance services are currently available at Incheon Airport. However, travelers faced inconvenience as such services were unavailable at Gimhae Airport. To avail of emergency passport issuance services at Gimhae Airport, travelers had to visit the nearest Gangseo District Office.

Starting in the second half of next year, travelers will also be able to utilize emergency passport issuance services at Gimhae Airport. Plans are underway to expand these services to other regional international airports, starting with Gimhae Airport.

Japan, a popular overseas travel destination for Koreans, announced that it will issue new banknotes starting in July this year. This will be the first issuance of new bills in over twenty years. These new banknotes will feature holographic anti-counterfeiting technology for the first time. The planned denominations include 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen.

The 10,000 yen banknote will feature figures such as Shibusawa Eiichi. While revered as the “father of capitalism” in Japan, he is criticized in South Korea for his role in the economic exploitation of the Korean Peninsula. The announcement of Japan’s new banknotes has sparked controversy.

Bali, a globally renowned leisure destination, has collected tourist taxes since February. The tax is approximately 13,000 won (about $11) per person and can be paid in advance through the “Love Bali” website and app. The Bali government has imposed tourist contribution fees on foreigners to support local culture and environmental conservation efforts.

Venice, Italy, has also announced the introduction of entrance fees. From April 25th to July 14th, day-tri April 25th, July 14th, a 5 euro (about $6) entrance fee was charged on weekends and holidays. Visitors who arrive in Venice without a prior accommodation reservation between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. must pay the entrance fee. Failure to pay the entrance fee may result in fines ranging from a minimum of 50 euros to a maximum of 300 euros (about $60 to $360).