Phuket Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get there?
When is the best time to come?
Should I book accommodation before I get there?
Do I need a visa?
What is the voltage and do I need an adaptor?
Is Phuket safe?
Do people speak English in Phuket?
What goods can/can’t I bring in?
What clothes should I bring?
Do I need to bring my own sporting
equipment?
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
How much will I have to pay for a taxi to
my hotel?
Where can I get a map of Phuket?
What kind of license do I need to drive a car
in Phuket?
Do I need a license to drive a motorcycle?
Are there car seats available for children
in hire cars?
Is local transportation easily
accessible?
How much is the departure tax?
What kind of food can I find on Phuket?
Can I find vegetarian or Halal food?
Is Phuket a good place to bring kids?
What activities are there for kids?
What events will be on when I am in Phuket?
Where should I stay?
What tours should I go on?
Can I own a business in Phuket?
Who do I contact to find out about business?
What credit card can I use?
Are travellers checks accepted in Phuket?
more faq's to come...
Before you come
You can get to Phuket by land, sea or air. Phuket’s
International Airport receives direct flights from countries all
over the world as well as connecting domestic and international
flights from Bangkok. A relaxing and scenic way
to arrive in Phuket is by sea on a cruise liner, or by private
yacht. Traveling overland, you can come by road from either of Bangkok,
Malaysia,
or Singapore,
with a choice of taking a bus or hiring your own car to drive. Travel
by train is also possible from each of these locations alighting
at Surathani and making the last leg of the journey to Phuket by
road.
When is the best time
to come?
Phuket is great to visit at any time of the year. Traditionally,
the busiest time is from late October until early April, with the
Christmas/New Year period being the absolute peak. During these
times you need to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Beach
and weather conditions are perfect at this time ideal for diving,
sailing too. If visiting at other times of the year, you will benefit
from better prices for accommodation and services, and still enjoy
wonderful weather. Even during the monsoon period July through to
October, short rainsqualls are interspersed with beautiful sunny
periods, allowing you to still enjoy the full range of outdoor activities
available here.
Should I book accommodation before
I get there?
For visits during high season, accommodation
bookings are essential. Now with the advent of direct on-line booking
services, you can search for a hotel in the location you want, according
to your budget and preferred choice of facilities, and receive confirmation
straight away. This enables you to make a good choice before you
arrive and helps avoid disappointment. During low season, booking
ahead on the net is also wise, as you’ll find that many of
the hotels offer great online specials and packages that are otherwise
unavailable.
Do I need a visa?
New Zealanders, Swedish and South Korean passport
holders may enter Thailand for up to 90 days visa free. Most other
nationalities require to obtain a tourist visa or transit visa.
Check with a Thai Embassy or Consulate well before your planned
date of travel to see what applies to you.
What is the Voltage and
do I need an adaptor?
Voltage is 220 volts, but you will need an adaptor
for Thai plug which can be found in most convenience stores.
Is Phuket safe?
Like anywhere, there are things to be wary of
in Phuket. Keep these in mind and you will enjoy a safe holiday.
Be aware that at certain times of the year, the
conditions off the beaches on Phuket’s west coast are such
that tides and currents can be strong and unpredictable. During
the Monsoon months of July through to October it is wise to exercise
caution when swimming off open beaches particularly in the unpopulated
areas.
Be wary of touts in tourist areas, selling services
or offering assistance. Whilst unlikely to cause any physical harm,
they may cause you needless expense and to waste valuable time.
If you choose to follow-up on the advice of a tout inspect what’s
on offer most carefully and don’t feel obligated.
Be careful of your valuables at all times, locking
away travel documents, money, credit cards and travellers checks
wherever possible. Don’t take large amounts of cash around
with you and always keep your bag close to your person so that pick
pocket and drive-by motorcycle thieves won’t be tempted to
try their luck.
Lone travellers should be careful of people who
might wish to befriend them with offers of snacks, sweets or drinks.
Druggings are not unheard of and will leave you minus your luggage
and valuables.
Use common sense when choosing what and where to eat. Hygiene is
not always of the highest standard, therefore be wary of foodstuffs
in open-air markets and mobile stalls. This doesn’t mean that
you shouldn’t eat market and hawker food just choose only freshly
cooked items and steer clear of anything that’s been sitting
around a while. If buying fresh fruit try for something that still
has it’s skin and has not been lying in icy water. Drink bottled
water only and always wash your hands before eating.
As a truly international resort, you will find
that English is widely spoken by most who involve in the tourist
industry albeit at differing levels of competency, and you will
find that communication with Thai people is mostly a delight - with
the exception only of the most hardened workers in the tourist industry.
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What
to bring
What goods can/can’t
I bring in
Import of illegal drugs, firearms and pornographic materials is
prohibited. A litre of wine or spirits per person and up to 200
cigarettes is allowed, along with a reasonable amount of clothing,
toiletries, and electronic items for personal use. Foreign cash
may be brought into the country without restriction.
What clothes should I
bring?
Lightweight cotton clothing is the most comfortable
for this tropical climate. Being a beach resort, you can get away
with wearing very casual clothing for almost any occasion at most
venues. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are the norm for daywear (men
and women) and casual pants, short sleeve shirts (men and women),
and simple dresses and skirts (women) ideal for night times.
Those who like to dress up at night can do so without fear but be
assured that it is not necessary. Do be respectful of the Thais’
opinion towards nudity and dress codes in public places. Nude and
topless sunbathing is not approved of, and the wearing of skimpy
beach attire or minus a shirt in restaurants is also frowned upon.
Snorkellers may want to bring their own gear to save on the cost
of hire. Dive gear is readily available and more convenient to hire
here. Serious golfers may like to bring their own clubs, particularly
if you plan to play frequently during your stay. However for the
social hacker who wants to fit in only a game or two, gear can be
hired at most courses around the island if you prefer not to lug
the extra baggage around. Standard rates are around 500Baht for
18 holes, slightly more if you choose a superior quality of clubs.
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Transportation
How do I get from the airport
to my hotel?
Upon arriving at Phuket Airport, proceed through
baggage and customs (if flying international). Before reaching the
public arrivals area, you will walk past counters where arrangements
for the hire of minivans and taxis can be made. If you have made
prior arrangements with your hotel for an airport transfer, you
can safely bypass these counters and head directly outside to the
transit area where drivers with placards are waiting. Look for the
logo of the hotel you’re booked with and for your name. If
no prior arrangements have been made, go directly to the taxi/limousine
counters and state your destination including the name of the hotel
and beach. The counter staff will fill out a ticket in exchange
for the appropriate fee. You will be asked to follow an attendant
to the outdoor transit lane where a taxi or minivan will be assigned.
These services are offered at a fixed rate according to your destination
and the mode of transport you choose.
How much will I have to pay for a taxi
to my hotel?
Dependent on your destination, and the mode of transport you choose,
your trip can cost anywhere from Baht 100 to Baht 600. If traveling
by shared minivan to Patong for instance, the fee is Baht 100. If
hiring a taxi, expect to pay up to 600 Baht.
Where can I get a map of
Phuket?
For on-line maps go to Phuket-maps.com. On your
arrival in Thailand, maps are readily available from all tourist
information desks, the airport and book stores.
What kind of license do
I need to drive a car in Phuket?
For short stays, an international driving license
or a license to drive from your own country is at least required
from most reputable car hire agencies. Whilst you can readily rent
vehicles from private agencies without having to show any license
at all, you will not be covered by insurance if you are involved
in a traffic accident, and can be fined for driving without one
if pulled over by local police. For stays of more than 3 months
and particularly if you drive a private car, then a Thai driver’s
license is necessary. Many people don’t realize this fact until
it’s too late and their insurance company refuses to pay on
the basis of not having the correct license (and yes, you can apply
for and obtain insurance coverage without being informed of this
minor detail).
Do I need a license to drive a motorcycle?
Whilst you don’t need a license to hire
a motorbike, you can be arrested for driving without one, so be
sure to have your home country license if not an international license.
Also be aware that you will not be covered by insurance if involved
in an accident on a rented motorcycle, despite what you are told.
It is important to keep this in mind when choosing to hire and ride
around in what are often dangerous conditions for inexperienced
riders.
Are there car seats
available for children in hire cars?
International hire car agencies can provide car
seats for children if requested in advance. Small, local hire car
companies are less likely to have them but there are exceptions.
Phuket is geared for the tourist with hotel limousines,
tour buses and hire cars etc to the extent that most visitors don’t
avail themselves of the local transport as often as they might.
There is good reason to however as it is an economical and entertaining
method of getting around the island. It requires that you be a little
adventurous and be prepared for the unexpected, but the rewards
are worth it. Local buses travel to and from destinations right
around the island from early morning ‘til early evening. Destinations
are written on the front, and you just flag them down in the street.
Local tuk-tuk’s are always available in the street - do your
own bargaining for the fare before you set off. Another alternative
is the motorbike taxi not the safest mode of transport but an interesting
experience and handy for short distances.
Baht 500
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Food
What kind of food
can I find on Phuket?
You’ll find practically everything on Phuket,
from local Thai to international cuisines ranging from French, Italian,
Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Indian and more. Sophisticated restaurants,
sidewalk cafes, terraced or garden outlets, groovy eateries, bakeries,
delis, local style cafés and canteens you have you pick of venues.
If you want to do your own thing shop at the many open air fresh
food markets or western style supermarkets and cook up your own
feast.
Can I find vegetarian
or Halal food?
If you are vegetarian you’ll find many dishes
to please you, as will those with a preference for Halal food.
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Kids
Is Phuket a good place to bring
kids?
Judging by the numbers of families that visit Phuket each year
Phuket is certainly suitable for a family holiday. Thais are very
welcoming to children and the vast range of activities and attractions
here will keep them occupied and amused all day long. Take the usual
precautions about health drink bottled water only and wash hands
frequently to ward off any bugs.
What activities are there for
kids?
Kids will enjoy water sports activities
by the beach, elephant trekking, safaris, visits to the zoo and
various aquatic museums, animal centres, mini golf, visits to open
air markets, bowling, go-kart racing, horse riding, and much much
more.
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Special
events
What events will be on
when I am in Phuket?
Visitors will come across various different events
and festivals held on the island during the year. Some like the
Thai New Year celebration Songkran are held annually on the same
date every year. Others like the Chinese Vegetarian Festival are
held to coincide with the phases of the moon in the ninth month
of the year, and thus change their dates from year to year. Check
this link to Festivals
and Events to see what is coming up this year.
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Accommodation
Where should I stay?
Dependent on your budget and preferred activities, there is an
entire range of accommodation possibilities ranging from budget
type bungalows to the fully blown 5-star luxury resorts. You may
like a quiet location away from the madding crowds, or alternately,
love to be in the thick of things. Our suggestion is to work out
your daily accommodation budget and conduct your search of the options
on that basis. Note the facilities offered at each and the locations
they are in. You can read up on each location on our web pages.
If you need some extra help check through our Special Offers page
to see what bargains are on offer. Likewise our Suggestions page
will give you some hints about types of accommodation suited to
different tastes. Having identified what looks to you to be the
right location for the right price book on-line for immediate confirmation.
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Itineraries
What tours should I go on?
Choosing tours is sometimes like going in a lucky
dip. There are so many options available and you’re not sure
what each are going to be like. Our advice is to research a little
before hand on your options and ask the advice of those who have
been before. Check out our tour pages on Things to See and
Do/Tours & Excursions. Then visit our Travel Forum to post your
questions or see what other people recommend.
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Business
Can I own a business
in Phuket?
Yes, but it depends on the type of business you
seek to own. Foreigners can own and do operate businesses in Phuket,
subject to certain restrictions. Under Thai law, some categories
of business cannot be majority owned by foreigners, whilst others
can, subject to certain conditions being met. Still others have
no restrictions placed at all. The authority on this issue is Thailand’s
Alien Business Law.
Who do I contact to find
out about business?
To find out general information about doing business
in Thailand, there are a number of publications now available that
will answer most of your initial queries for limited expense. Such
books are found at Asia Books stores, DK Books and Bookazine stores
throughout the country. You may then want to go directly to a business
adviser a locally based, reputable international law firm would
be the best option who can give you specific information according
to your targetted business. They will also be abreast of any changes
in the laws to your advantage. Several internet search directories
list the names and contact details of such law firms in Bangkok.
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Money
Visa and Mastercard are widely used at major
hotels and some restaurants, AMEX less. Small hotels, restaurants
and many shops do not accept credit cards so be prepared for this
possibility also. Use your credit card to obtain cash from ATM’s.
This is the cheapest way to obtain Thai Baht. ATM/s are located
in the main areas of Patong and Phuket Town, as well as at Phuket
Fantasea in Kamala Beach, at the Siam Commercial Bank at ChoengTalay
(near Laguna Resort) and at Karon Beach. You can also withdraw cash
on your credit cards from local exchange tellers but need to show
your passport.
Are travellers checks accepted in Phuket?
Yes. Foreign denomination checks are easily exchanged for cash
however it is not the cheapest way to buy Thai Baht. Foreign exchange
counters are located in all major tourist areas.
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