Phuket Airport Guide (HKT): Arrivals, SIM Cards & Transfers

HKT has two terminals side by side. The International Terminal (Terminal 1) handles all flights from outside Thailand. The Domestic Terminal (Terminal 2) serves routes from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other Thai cities. Both share the same arrivals roadway, so pickups happen in one area.

After clearing immigration on the second floor, you descend to the first floor for baggage claim, customs, and the arrivals hall. The arrivals hall has ATMs, SIM card counters, money exchange booths, and transport desks — all before you exit to the pickup zone.

Immigration queues can be long during peak arrival times (10 AM–2 PM and 8 PM–midnight when European and Asian flights cluster). Expect 20–45 minutes in the queue during busy periods. Have your passport, completed arrival card (handed out on the plane or available at counters before immigration), and proof of onward travel ready.

Visa on Arrival: Citizens of countries not covered by Thailand's visa exemption can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at a dedicated counter before immigration. The fee is 2,000 THB (cash only), and you need a passport photo. VOA allows a 15-day stay.

Customs: Green channel (nothing to declare) is used by most tourists. Duty-free allowances include 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of alcohol, and personal items. Thailand strictly prohibits importing e-cigarettes and vape devices — penalties include fines and potential imprisonment.

Three operators have counters in the arrivals hall: AIS (green), TrueMove H (red), and DTAC (blue). All offer tourist SIM packages with unlimited data for 7–30 days. AIS and TrueMove H generally have the best coverage on the island.

Recommended package: AIS Traveller SIM — 15 days of unlimited 4G/5G data for 299 THB. Activation takes about 5 minutes, and the staff will set it up in your phone. Bring your passport (required for SIM registration).

If you prefer eSIM, purchase an Airalo or Holafly eSIM before departure. They work on modern iPhones and Androids and activate instantly — no counter visit needed.

The arrivals hall has several exchange booths. Rates are slightly worse than Phuket Town exchanges but better than your home country's airport. For the best rates, exchange just enough for a taxi and SIM card at the airport (2,000–3,000 THB), then exchange larger amounts at SuperRich or other downtown exchange offices in Phuket Town or Patong.

ATMs are plentiful in the arrivals hall. All Thai ATMs charge a flat 220 THB foreign-card fee per withdrawal on top of your bank's fees. Withdraw the maximum (20,000–30,000 THB depending on the machine) to minimize fees. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn ATMs are the most reliable.

Tip: When the ATM asks "convert to your home currency?" — always select NO and choose THB. This avoids Dynamic Currency Conversion, which adds a 3–5% markup.

Several transport options connect the airport to Phuket's beaches and towns. The airport is in the north of the island. Distances and travel times vary significantly: Patong is 35 km (45–60 min), Kata/Karon is 48 km (60–75 min), and Phuket Town is 32 km (35–50 min).

Check-in counters open 3 hours before departure. The international departure area has a King Power duty-free shop, restaurants, a spa, and free Wi-Fi. Arrive at least 2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic flights. Security lines are generally fast outside of the 6–8 AM morning rush when Bangkok flights cluster.

Exit tax: There is no separate departure tax — it is included in your ticket price. You will fill out the departure card (stapled to your passport at immigration on arrival) and hand it to the officer when leaving.