Tips before getting to Phuket

Hot Season: April to June.

Wet Season: July to November.

Best time to go: December to March!

Swimming: The sea can be very rough during low season (June-August), with very dangerous rip tides.

Do not enter the sea if a red flag is flying.

 

Water: Do not drink from the taps. Always use bottled water.

Ice: Always made with clean water. Perfectly safe.

Swimming: The sea can be very rough during low season (June-August), with very dangerous rip tides. Do not enter the sea if a red flag is flying.

Mosquitos: Dengue Fever does occur in Phuket, but is not common. Malaria is rare to the point of non-existence. Avoid getting bitten by using insect repellent, and covering up at night.

Drugs: The penalties for all drug-related offences are very severe.

Driving: Be very careful on the roads - accidents are common.

Emergency: In case of an emergency, dial 191 for police, 1155 for tourist police and 1669 for ambulance.

Temples: Dress appropriately – cover your shoulders and legs at least to the knee. Remove your shoes and hat before entering temple buildings.

Buddha: Images of Buddha are highly regarded in Thailand. Purchasing statues and getting Buddhist tattoos (if you are not Buddhist) is disrespectful, and sometimes even illegal.

Royalty: The Thai royal family is also very respected and public criticism of them is illegal. The national anthem is played on the radio at 08:00 and 18:00 and before movies in the cinema, where you will be expected to stand for it.

Feet: Gesturing with your feet is considered very rude.

Buddha Days: Alcohol cannot be purchased on certain religious holidays, commonly referred to as “Buddha Days”

Alcohol Sale: Convenience stores will only sell alcohol between 11:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 24:00. Entertainment venues will sell it at any time.

Stay Connected SIM cards: Available at the airport and convenience stores across Phuket, generally for 50 baht. You will need to register the number by showing your passport.

Electricity: 220 Volts, 50 Hz. Type A, B & C (USA-style) plugs.

Money Matters Currency: US$1 = 30 baht.

ATMs: Widely available all over Phuket, accepting international cards and providing instructions in several languages, including English. Thai ATMs eject cash before returning your card.

Bargain: Most market vendors will haggle and respond well if you are polite. It is not possible to haggle in convenience stores or shopping malls.

Tipping: Not necessary, but always appreciated.

Taxes: VAT is 7%, but can be reclaimed at the airport on some goods, although you must show your passport at the time of purchase.

Driving: Left-hand side traffic.

Rental: You will need an International Driving License to rent a car or motorbike.

Taxis: Cars are metered. Motorbike taxis are not. Motorbike taxi drivers wear brightly-coloured vests.

Traffic: Congestion is common in built-up areas, particularly Phuket Town and Patong, and around major attractions and shopping malls.

Public Transport: Aside from taxis, there are tuk tuks, local buses (songtaews) and minibuses.

Getting to Phuket Visa: Nationals from most western and Middle Eastern countries can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. Others will need to apply for a visa from their local embassy.