Phuket Holiday Information

Some facts about Phuket

Phuket has its own International Airport which is located in the north of the island and is just a 45 minutes drive Patong Beach.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is approx 20km east to west and 50km north to south.
Phuket is home to over 300,000 people.

Access to Money

ATMs (automatic teller machines) are available throughout Phuket and they accept most major credit cards from the major international networks and Banks. Transactions fees can be high and it is wise to check with your bank to find out the best way to access money while in Phuket prior to departure.
Currency exchange counters are very common on all the tourist retail strips such as Patong, Kata and Phuket City. You can find very competitive rates of exchange at authorised money exchanges and local banks. These are generally more competitive than those offered at major hotels. A good tip is to ask in advance the Baht you will receive for your money and count it back carefully. Some money changers are very quick and looking out easy money from unsuspecting tourists.

Phuket's International Airport

Phuket International Airport is just a short 40 minute drive from Patong, Kata and Phuket City tourist areas. You can easily take one of the many Taxis that service the terminal. Unless you'd like to ride in luxury, be wary of the more expensive limousine services on offer inside the arrival hall.

Phuket Currency

Name: Baht
Code: THB
Symbol: ฿
Check what your currency is worth in Baht: Live conversion tool

Credit Card

Most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners) are accepted.

Internet Access

Many of Phuket Hotels and Resorts offer either wireless or fixed line broadband internet access. There are also plenty of Cafes and Restaurants offering wireless services in the main tourist areas of Phuket.

Languages

Most staff in Hotels, Resorts, Retail Shops and Restaurants speak English.
The official language is Thai.
Secondary languages are: Chinese, Malay, Lao and English.

Transportation

Self Drive Options

You don't need an International licence to drive in Phuket. If you have a foreign driver's license, you can rent a car or motorbike in Phuket provided that your license is valid and written in English. Drivers are allowed to drive using a foreign driver's license for a maximum of 60 days. Drive on the left hand side of the road i.e. like the UK. The roads in Phuket are narrow and the majority of traffic is motorbikes and Mopeds. The traffic can be chaotic compared to western countries and only confident drivers should attempt to self drive. If you decide not to drive, taxis are very cheap relative to most other countries.

Taxis

More & more Taxis in Phuket use meters to charge customers. However there are still many taxis in Phuket who do not use meters preferring to charge a set rate. You should negotiate payment with the driver before choosing and getting in a taxi. Taxis normally charge by distance travelled regardless of how many people are in the vehicle. Drivers may detour and take you to particulars shops on the way to your destination as they earn commission on your purchases.

Tuk Tuks (Tourist Taxis)

Tuk tuks' are great for very short trips in Phuket when the weather is hot (which is often). They are a 3 wheeled open aired version of a taxi. 'Tuk tuks'will often be sitting outside major hotels and shops. Before you take a seat in the Tuk tuk, negotiate a rate and make sure you can request that you go directly to your destination. Like Taxi drivers they often want to take you to shops because they earn commission on your purchases.

Telephones

Please use 0011 + country code + area code + local number
Thailand Country Dialing Code +66
Phuket's Area Code: 76

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +7

Travel Advice

Click here to check the Australian Governments official travel advice relating to Thailand.

Taxes - VAT and VAT Refunds

Value Added Tax is a 7% tax added to the price of goods before they are sold. A VAT refund can be obtained for goods taken out of Thailand by Tourists within 60 days from date of purchase. If you plan to do some major shopping during your stay, it can be a good idea to do the bulk of your shopping at stores displaying the 'VAT Refund for Tourists' sign. Goods must be at least 5000 Thai Baht including VAT and be purchased from each supplier from at least 2000 Thai Baht per day.

Visas & Departure Tax

Departure Tax. Departure taxes are now included with your flight cost to Thailand. If you choose to alter your flight plans whilst travelling, for example decide to leave the Bangkok airport to see Bangkok due to a long stopover time you will be required to pay approximately 700 Thai Baht departure tax to leave the airport. Please note that variations can occur with little or no notice.
Information regarding visas change frequently; please ensure you have contacted your closest Embassy or Consulate of Thailand to confirm that you have the most up to date information. Australian passport holders with at least 6 months validity can travel in Thailand for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa. A visa is required for longer stays or for travelers intending to work or travel for purposes other than tourism in Thailand. Visas are to be obtained through your nearest Embassy or Consulate of Thailand prior to departure.