Can you bring a mobile phone?
Since 2013, North Korea allows tourists to bring mobile phones. However, a local SIM card must be used to make calls, since no foreign SIM card works in the country.
Moreover, the local SIM cards made available for visitors also differ from those used by North Korean residents. Visitors cannot make calls to local numbers.
Don’t call the country North Korea
Referring to the nation as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK, will help to keep you out of trouble.
Bring a gift for your guide and driver
Instead of just tipping your guide and driver, most Quora users agree that it is customary to provide them with an actual gift. Quora user Arianne Farah suggests a bottle of alcohol for males and brand-name makeup for females. Farah says drivers will always be male, whereas guides can be male or female.
Ask before taking pictures
In general, taking pictures is almost always allowed, except at military bases and construction sites. However, most other Quora users recommend asking your guide before snapping a photo, just to be safe. Taking this extra step will help to assure your guide that you are trustworthy, which will likely lead to more leeway for you during the rest of the trip.
Don’t go off on your own
You are not permitted to go anywhere without an escort. You must not leave your hotel. You must not use the public transportation system. You should not even attempt to stray a few feet from the group to get a closer look at something.
Don’t discuss or practice your religious beliefs
North Korea is an atheist state that restricts public religion. Participating in unsanctioned religious activities such as publicly praying or toting around a Bible is a sure-fire way to get arrested, detained, or expelled from the state.
Don't expect the locals to speak English
When it is safe to stop and talk to locals throughout your trip, keep in mind that most of them will not speak English. Trying to communicate with anyone besides your guide, driver, or fellow tour members will be challenging.
Internet and e-mail
There is only one hotel in North Korea that provides Wi-Fi services, namely the Masik Ski Resort. No other places offer Wi-Fi in the country. The internet can be accessed through data plans from SIM card providers.
E-mails can be sent from hotels, using the hotel’s e-mail address – a service that costs visitors 2 euros, equivalent to Rp 30,000, for each e-mail sent.
Only cash transactions accepted
When visiting North Korea, be mindful of the currency you carry. The country only accepts cash transactions in euros, US dollars, Chinese yuan or the North Korean Won, also known as the Korean People's Won (KPW).
There are no ATMs, and credit cards are not valid for transactions in North Korea. Coins of US dollars and Yuan are also not acceptable. North Korea does not limit the amount of cash travelers bring into the country.