Reasons to carry passport in Korea as a US tourist
Other than having proper identification on hand if stopped by authorities, are there reasons to carry my US passport when I'm outside in Korea? I don't think I would get ID'd for drinks since I am 25 and the drinking culture is not as strict as the US.
Best Answer
From personal experience: I never carried a passport with me on the domestic trips - including the same-day land trips around the country - anywhere I traveled, and I've been to over 50 countries so far. Only two times I was asked by police to show the passports, and both times they let me go after I said the passport is in the hotel safe. They only asked the hotel name, and lost all interest after that. I do carry a photocopy of passport with me, which is often asked by merchants when you purchase something with a credit card.
The could be more reasons, depending on how you spend your days:
If you are in a different part of town, meet someone, have a good time with him/her, and at some later point decide to rent a hotel room - the hotel might not check you in without your passport. In Korea they WILL not check you in, but in other countries like Philippines they would - as long as you look over 18. If you're Caucasian, please mind that in Asia it is difficult for many locals to estimate the age of Caucasian people, so please don't get offended if they assume you're under 18 and ask for ID.
If you decide to purchase something relatively expensive, the merchant might want to see your passport, and might not be happy with photocopy.
In some countries (notably Singapore) you need a passport to buy a SIM card, so if you're walking around and suddenly decide to buy one, you won't be able to. A photocopy will NOT work there (but will work, for example, in Malaysia).
If you want to purchase some duty-free stuff, they usually need your passport as well, to record the passport information as well as ensure your visitor status.
If you got into medical trouble - for example, you broke your leg and need to be admitted to the hospital - the hospital will want your passport too before admitting you.
And of course if you get questioned by the police - and for that being in close proximity of some fighting drunks is enough, or sometime they just raid the whole club - having a passport might make a difference between going home right away, and spending a few hours in a police station/detention cell until they verify your identity and legal status.
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Do I need to carry passport in South Korea?
Foreigners who stay in Korea should carry a passport or his/her alien registration card. Foreigner who stay in Korea should present a passport or his/her alien registration card when requested by an immigration officer or an government officer who has authority to do so.Can American citizens go to South Korea?
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes. * Pre-departure testing required for all inbound travelers to Korea, including those who have been vaccinated.How long can US citizen stay in Korea?
For US citizens you must have a valid passport to enter the Republic of Korea. Although obtaining a visa in advance can ease the entry process, as long as you have a valid U.S. passport, you can enter the Republic of Korea without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days if you are a tourist or on business.Should you always carry your passport foreign country?
Safe StorageIt's generally inadvisable to carry your passport with you everywhere while you're traveling, as this increases the chances of losing it. Ideally, it's best to have passports locked away, either in a hotel room safe or in a suitcase with a secure travel lock.Always carry your Passport while traveling here’s why!
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