The first thing on my agenda here was to open a bank account. After all, even if I found a place to live, I’d need money to seal the deal. There are a bunch of ways to do this, but a friend advised me that having a U.S. account would be super convenient in the long run.
A quick map search showed a bank conveniently located near the hotel. I threw on some clothes, mentally mapped the route, and stepped out of the hotel lobby. I was sure that after crossing the street and turning around the building, I’d find the bank. Instead, there was a massive convenience store. But hey, that happens back in Seoul, too. Unfazed, I went inside to grab some nail clippers, toiletries, and a multi-charger. Who knows? Next time I might not find a convenience store so easily. 🤔
After a bit of wandering, the area started feeling as familiar as my neighborhood in Seoul. That’s when I finally stumbled upon a bank. It wasn’t the one I had looked up, but the streets near the hotel, known as Market Street, were bustling with banks. Pushing open the large glass doors, I saw a few people lounging in comfy chairs. I joined them, waiting for my turn. Along the right side, account managers were engaging customers in what seemed like lively and sometimes intense conversations. 🤷♂️
As boredom started to creep in and I considered coming back tomorrow, an account manager waved me over, saying, “Next customer, please!” But no one seemed to care, chatting away as if they forgot why they were there. Not me—I remembered my mission and headed over for my consultation. 💪
The account manager greeted me with a smile and asked for my passport. As soon as I handed it over, my account was set up. I wondered what on earth the previous customer had been discussing for so long. The manager typed away like a keyboard wizard and promptly issued me a debit card, mentioning that once money hit my account, a credit card would follow. No credit, but here comes the credit card. I thanked him and as I left, he continued calling out for the ‘next customer,’ waving his hand. Seemed like they could really use a ticket system and a display board! 🚦
With the banking errands wrapped up quicker than expected, I realized I was starving and headed to the food court next to the hotel. The menu was a maze, and I was pondering how to order when a sharp-eyed Mexican woman at the counter gestured for me to come over. As I approached, she gave a slight nod of her chin and shoulders, which I took to mean, “What’ll it be?” 🤔
“Carrot cake, please.”
I almost quipped, “Carrot, carrot cake, of course,” but held back. 😅
Leave a Reply