For first time visitors, planning a trip to Phuket can be a daunting task.
Some common questions we’re asked often are; Where should I exchange money? What’s the best way to get to my hotel from the airport? What vaccinations do I need?
Here are 7 handy tips for planning your trip to Phuket.
When To Visit Phuket
The high season in Phuket lasts from November until April.
Just before the rainy season starts, the temperatures will rise in April which is Phuket’s hottest month of the year.
The rainy season in Phuket is between May and October. Rainfall is at it’s heaviest during this time of year. Though the island still receives plenty of sunny days.
Read more about when is the best time to visit Phuket?
What should I Pack
Phuket is warm year-round and is always shorts and t-shirt weather. The only reason to pack warm clothes is for when you arrive back home.
If you forget anything such as adaptors, chargers etc, these can be found easily and cheaply here in supermarkets and convenience stores such as 7-11’s. Which are on every corner.
Remember to pack your own sunscreen from home. We recommend a minimum of SPF 30 or higher. Due to import taxes and demand, prices here will be higher than online. Expect to pay 100% – 200% more than elsewhere.
For more tips and insights check out our more in-depth post on What to Pack for Phuket?
Changing Money
When it comes to changing your money, we suggest doing it once you arrive in Thailand at the airport. The exchange rate is known to be better in-country rather than overseas. Phuket Airport has many exchange booths and ATM’s.
If you need to change more when you are here, there are 2 options; unbranded exchange booths or bank exchange booths.
Make sure to walk around to compare rates as there are so many in every beach town. The bank exchange booths will be slightly more expensive but the difference will be so small, don’t spend too much time and energy on it.
Money & Credit Cards
Phuket is a modern island and credit cards are accepted in many places.
Shopping malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, tour agents and most mid to higher-end restaurants will accept credit cards.
Make sure to check before you order at a restaurant if your card is accepted. To be on the safe side, always try to carry enough cash with you. but don’t worry too much as ATM are everywhere on Phuket and the staff will always be happy to help you find one!
Visa is always accepted and many will accept Master Card, however, American Express is often not accepted.
Whilst it won’t be added on everywhere, expect to pay the 3% credit card fee.
A few places that will definitely not accept credit cards are tuk-tuk’s, taxi’s, markets, small local restaurants ad roadside stalls.
Phuket Airport Transfers
Arriving at a new airport can be a daunting experience for many people. One question that is asked a lot online and social media is; “How much is a taxi from Phuket airport?”
This will obviously depend on where you are staying in Phuket and what type of taxi you wish to take.
There are a few ways to reach your hotel or holiday rental from Phuket Airport, no matter the time. Listed below are 5 ways from the easiest & quickest but most expensive to the longest but cheapest.
- Transfer provided by your accommodation provider.
- An airport silver limousines
- A metered taxi
- Phuket’s smart bus
- A shared airport minibus
Transport in Phuket
Getting around Phuket is very easy as tuk-tuks and taxis can be found on almost every corner.
Whilst tuk-tuks can be fun in the beginning, the cost can add up very quickly.
Grab taxis are available in Phuket but depending on where you are staying can sometimes take a while to reach you as there not many taxis using the app.
Buses are also available. These travel from beach to beach and to Phuket town but be warned they are cheap but very slow.
If you are comfortable driving a here, renting a car or scooter are the 2 most economical options. You can expect to pay approximately 250 baht per day for a scooter and 800 per day for a car. Though driving in Phuket does not come without risk.
Vaccinations for Phuket
When travelling to Phuket, immunization against polio, tetanus, hepatitis A & B and typhoid is recommended.
If you are visiting more rural areas of Thailand, you should get vaccinations for Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis B, diphtheria, rabies and tuberculosis.
There have been very rare local cases of malaria reported in Phang Nga and Phuket but fortunately none in the major tourist areas.
