Korea, North
Soviet-style business practices continue to predominate in North Korea. Business meetings are formal affairs and suits are expected. Meetings are generally held after normal hours in restaurants or clubs as outsiders are typically not permitted to visit government office buildings. Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.
Expatriates residing in Pyongyang report that while street crime is rare, petty theft is increasing, especially at the airport in Pyongyang. Worsening economic conditions in North Korea may result in increased crime rates.
Pyongyang has five first-class hotels where foreigners stay, although groups cannot know in advance which one will be used. All other towns have one first-class hotel for use by groups.
Telephone IDD service available, although there is a very sparse internal network. Country code: 850. Outgoing calls must be made via the International Operator. Telex and telegram services are available in all Pyongyang hotels. Postal services are extremely slow and limited outside the capital. Post office hours: 0900-2100 Monday to Saturday.
Electricity is 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz.
110/220 volts AC, 60Hz.
A,C
Reasonable restaurants can be found in the main towns and cooking is usually based on the staple food: rice. In hotels and restaurants it is better to stick to the Chinese, Japanese or Korean items on the menu as experience of Western and Russian cooking is limited. Eating out is arranged by the guide.Tipping
: Officially frowned upon although some hotel staff may expect a tip.Nightlife
A night at the revolutionary opera provides a unique experience. There are also circuses and musical events of a high quality.
