Phuket Travel Tips
Money, etiquette, health, connectivity, shopping, tipping, and Thai phrases — essential tips for a smooth Phuket trip
Before you go, explore our beaches guide to pick your perfect stretch of sand, read the transport guide to understand how to get around the island, and check out the food guide for the best dishes and night markets. Planning a longer Southeast Asia trip? You can easily combine with Vietnam — start in Saigon for street food and war history before flying to Phuket.
Money & Banking
ATMs & Cash
- ATM fee: All Thai ATMs charge 220 THB per foreign withdrawal. This is unavoidable. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize total fees.
- Best cards: Use a travel-friendly debit card (Wise, Revolut, Charles Schwab) that waives foreign transaction fees to offset the ATM charge.
- Choose THB: When ATMs ask "convert to your home currency?" always decline and choose THB. The ATM's exchange rate is much worse than your bank's.
- Cash needs: Carry cash for street food, markets, songthaews, tuk-tuks, and small shops. 1,000-2,000 THB per day in cash is sufficient for most travelers.
Currency Exchange
- Best rates: SuperRich (green or orange) and dedicated exchange booths in Patong and Phuket Town offer the best rates. Avoid hotel front desks and airport booths for large exchanges.
- Airport strategy: Exchange a small amount at the airport (2,000-3,000 THB) for immediate needs, then exchange the rest in town for better rates.
- Credit cards: Accepted at hotels, malls, large restaurants, and convenience stores (for purchases over 300 THB). Visa and Mastercard work everywhere. AMEX has more limited acceptance.
- Counterfeit bills: Check 1,000 THB notes carefully. Hold up to light to see the watermark. Avoid exchanging money with street changers.
Thai Etiquette & Customs
Temple Dress Code
Cover knees and shoulders when visiting temples (Wat Chalong, Big Buddha, etc.). No shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing. Many temples provide free sarongs at the entrance, but bringing your own cover-up is more reliable. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Hats should be removed indoors.
Royal Family Respect
The Thai royal family is deeply revered. Lese-majeste laws are strictly enforced — any perceived disrespect (including on social media) can result in prison. Do not step on Thai currency (it bears the King's image). Stand during the royal anthem played before movies in cinemas and at some public events.
Body Language
The head is considered sacred — never touch anyone's head, including children. Feet are considered the lowest part of the body — do not point them at people or Buddha images. The wai (hands pressed together, slight bow) is the traditional Thai greeting. Returning a wai from service staff is not expected.
Keeping Face
Thai culture emphasizes "saving face" — avoiding public embarrassment or confrontation. Never raise your voice in anger, especially with service staff or in disputes. Stay calm and smile. Public anger or aggressive behavior is considered very rude and will not help resolve situations.
Health & Wellbeing
Sun Protection
- Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
- UV index in Phuket is extreme (11-12) — the strongest you will encounter
- Wear a hat, UV sunglasses, and cover-ups for prolonged exposure
- Seek shade during 11 AM - 3 PM when UV is highest
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera for any redness
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral ecosystems
Health Essentials
- Travel insurance: Essential. Cover medical, motorbike accidents, and evacuation
- Water: Only drink bottled water. Available everywhere (10-15 THB)
- Hydration: Drink 2-3 liters daily. Coconut water replenishes electrolytes
- Mosquitoes: Use DEET repellent at dawn and dusk. Dengue cases occur
- Stomach: Ease into street food. Start mild and build up
- Pharmacies: Well-stocked, pharmacists give advice, many meds available OTC
Connectivity & SIM Cards
Tourist SIM Cards
- AIS (recommended): 299 THB for 15GB/8 days. Best coverage across the island and on boat trips. Available at airport booths and 7-Elevens.
- TrueMove H: 299 THB for 15GB/8 days. Good coverage in urban areas. Strong in malls and tourist zones.
- DTAC: 299 THB for 15GB/8 days. Decent coverage. Slightly cheaper top-up options for longer stays.
- eSIM option: If your phone supports eSIM, buy a Thailand eSIM online before arrival (Airalo, Holafly). Activate when you land — no booth queues.
Wi-Fi
- Hotels and hostels: Free Wi-Fi is standard. Quality varies — luxury resorts are fastest.
- Cafes: Most Old Town cafes and chains offer free Wi-Fi. Good for remote work.
- Restaurants: Widely available, especially in tourist areas.
- Malls: Central Festival and Jungceylon have free Wi-Fi throughout.
- Beach: Do not expect reliable Wi-Fi on the beach — use your SIM data.
Shopping Tips
Where to Shop
- Central Festival: Phuket's largest mall with international brands, cinema, and food court
- Jungceylon: Patong's main shopping center with shops, restaurants, and entertainment
- Old Town shops: Independent boutiques, artisan crafts, and unique souvenirs
- Night markets: Chillva, Naka Weekend Market, Sunday Walking Street for bargains
- Cashew nut shops: Phuket is famous for cashews — buy at roadside shops for best prices
Bargaining Tips
- Bargaining is expected at markets and street vendors, but NOT at malls or restaurants
- Start at 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate up
- Walk away politely if the price is too high — they may call you back with a lower offer
- Buy multiple items from the same vendor for a better group discount
- Be friendly and smile — aggressive bargaining is off-putting
- Avoid "gem shops" entirely — tourist scam central
Tipping Customs
Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, but it is appreciated for good service. Thai people do not typically tip at local establishments, but in tourist areas it has become customary.
Useful Thai Phrases
Thais deeply appreciate foreigners making an effort to speak Thai. Even basic phrases with imperfect pronunciation will earn you smiles and better service. Add "ka" (female speaker) or "krap" (male speaker) at the end for politeness.
Phuket Travel Tips FAQs
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