How to plan your trip to Phuket
Planning a trip to Phuket can be stressful whenever you travel to a new destination for the first time. There are many unanswered questions, and the stress grows proportionally if the cost is high. Phuket is no different. Travelling has become more accessible, and a lot of information is now available online, but finding all the answers can be time-consuming, frustrating and, more often than you think, second or even third-hand! I’ve been answering these questions for over 10 years, so here’s everything you need to know.
Your Planning Timeline
2 months before: Book your flights and hotel. High season (December to March) fills up fast, especially beachfront properties. If you’re coming during Christmas or New Year, book even earlier.
1 month before: Check visa requirements and complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Download the Grab app for taxis. Let your bank know you’re travelling so they don’t block your card.
1 week before: Screenshot your hotel address in Thai (ask the hotel for it). Check the weather forecast. Don’t over-pack.
Day of arrival: Get a SIM card at the airport (299-699 Baht). Change just enough money for your taxi. The rest can wait until you find a better rate in town.
What NOT to Stress About
You don’t need to pre-book most tours. Tour counters are everywhere. You can book Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, and most island trips the day before. Only book in advance for peak season (late December) or specialised tours like John Gray’s Sea Canoe.
You don’t need travel adapters. Most hotels have international plugs that fit everything. If yours doesn’t, 7-Eleven sells adapters for 50 Baht.
You don’t need much cash on arrival. ATMs are everywhere. Just get enough for your taxi (500-1,000 Baht depending on your beach) and grab more later.
You don’t need to speak Thai. English is widely understood in tourist areas. Learn “khop khun khrap/kha” (thank you) and you’re set.
You won’t get lost. Phuket is an island. The main beaches are all on the west coast, connected by one main road. Google Maps works perfectly here.
Before you go to Phuket
What is the best time to visit Phuket?
December to March are the coolest and supposedly the best months to visit Phuket. The weather is usually perfect, with clear blue skies, calm seas, and a pleasant breeze that keeps the temperature just right. This period is when you should come if you care about the blue sky and suntan and plan to spend a lot of time on the beach. However, with such beautiful weather, December and January are the peak months of the high season, so expect to pay more for your hotel, especially during New Year’s. Expect the south of the island to be very busy, so if you worry about the crowds, you should consider staying in the island’s northern part. The rainy season is from May to November, but it doesn’t mean it will rain every day.
Which beach should I select for my hotel?
There are more than 40 beaches in Phuket, and visitors can book a hotel on about 20 of them, so it’s no surprise that every first-time traveller is worried about making the right choice. The first thing to know is that the large majority of hotels are on the west coast, and most people will tend to rush to the southwest beaches: Patong, Kata, Karon and Kamala. Most beaches in the north are a lot quieter.
Do I need a Visa for Phuket?
Most visitors don’t need a visa. Thailand grants 60-day visa-free entry to travellers from 93 countries, including the UK, US, all EU nations, Australia, China, India, and Russia. This changed in July 2024 when the previous 30-day limit was extended.
You can extend your stay once for another 30 days at any Thai immigration office for about 1,900 Baht, giving you up to 90 days total.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): From 1 May 2025, everyone entering Thailand must complete the TDAC online within 72 hours before arrival. It’s free at tdac.immigration.go.th. Don’t use any other websites. They’re scams.
Entry limits: You can only enter visa-free twice per calendar year. Land border crossings are limited to two per year with 15-day stays.
Use this link to check if your country requires a visa on arrival (and how to get one online)
What should I pack for Phuket?
The answer to this question is simple: Phuket is warm all year round, never colder than 25°C, so you will never need warm clothes! For the rest, you can take your usual medicine and electric adaptors. Still, if you forget anything, you will easily find it in the many supermarkets, convenience stores and night markets. Read more about what to take to Phuket
Plugs and Electricity
220 Volts, 50/60 Hz. The most common plug is the two round pins (Europlug CEE 7/16), sometimes with a ground pin. You’ll occasionally see the old two flat parallel blades similar to the US (NEMA 1-15). Most modern sockets accept both. Adapters are easy to find at any convenience store for about 50 Baht. Most hotels use international plugs that accommodate different country plugs anyway.
Currency
Thai Baht. Banknotes: 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20. Coins: 10, 5, 2, 1 and the useless 50 satang (0.5 baht) and 25 satang (0.25 baht). Major credit cards are accepted in many stores and restaurants, but not in taxis, markets, massage shops, beer bars and other local businesses. QR code payments are becoming more common, even in small restaurants.
Should I change my money before I travel?
No. The exchange rate is better in Phuket than in your home country. There are money exchange counters and ATMs at Phuket Airport where you can change just enough for your taxi and maybe a bit extra. Find a better rate in town the next day.
Once in Phuket
What is the best way to change money in Phuket?
Change in the street, at unbranded booths. Walk around to compare rates. There are usually many booths in beach towns. Bank exchange booths are also fine, just a little more expensive. The difference is small and won’t make much difference at the end of your holiday, so don’t waste too much time on it.
ATM fees: Thai ATMs charge a 250 Baht fee for foreign card withdrawals. AEON Bank ATMs charge only 150 Baht but are harder to find. Withdraw larger amounts to minimise the fee impact.
Can I use my credit card in Phuket?
Credit cards are not accepted everywhere in Phuket, but things are improving. You can use one at shopping malls, convenience stores and established restaurants. The rule of thumb:
1) Ask the staff before you sit at the restaurant or check the accepted credit card stickers at the door.
2) Always carry enough cash for the day in case they don’t accept cards. ATMs and money changers are everywhere and easy to find anyway. Visa is the most used, followed closely by Mastercard. American Express is not often accepted outside shopping malls.
Will not accept: Markets, local restaurants, tuk-tuks and taxis.
Will accept: Shopping malls, convenience stores, upmarket restaurants, and some tour agents (sometimes with a 3% fee for small amounts).
Where can I get a SIM card?
Tourist SIM packages at Phuket Airport cost 299-699 Baht, depending on data allowance. Look for the AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove stands in the arrivals area. Staff speak English and will set everything up for you.
You can find cheaper packages at 7-Eleven once you’re settled, starting from 199 Baht for basic 30-day internet. All three networks work well across Phuket.
eSIM option: If your phone supports eSIM, you can pre-order online and activate instantly without visiting a shop.
How will I go from the airport to my hotel?
There are plenty of ways to reach your hotel from Phuket International Airport, even if you land very late. From the most expensive (fastest) to the cheapest (can take hours):
1) Book a transfer with your hotel
2) Use the airport silver limousines
3) Use a taxi meter
4) Share an airport minivan
5) Ride the Phuket Smart Bus (50-170 Baht)
How do I get around Phuket?
Getting around Phuket is easy during the day and not too difficult at night. Tuk-tuks are the most visible option, and while they are fun and exotic, the cost can add up quickly. Grab and Bolt are available but can take a little longer to reach you. The Phuket Smart Bus runs from beach to beach and is cheap but slow. You can also rent a motorbike or a car, but driving here comes with risks.
Renting a Car in Phuket
Getting a car at the airport is easy, but it’s better to book ahead if you want a specific type of car, especially during busy times. The basic insurance only covers damage to other cars, not to your rental car. Before you leave the airport, check your car carefully. Paying more for full coverage insurance is a good idea. Renting from the street is riskier. You might save some money, but if something goes wrong, it could be difficult. In any emergency, you can call the tourist police at 1155. They speak good English.
Is Phuket safe?
Phuket is very safe, probably safer than most other countries. Of course, the experience might differ for each traveller, but overall, if you follow common-sense safety rules, you should never have to worry. I give a few pieces of advice on the safety page, but remember that these are common-sense tips. The island offers many options and activities to the solo traveller, depending on how alone you want to remain.
Should I book my tours in advance?
For most tours, no. Tour availability depends on the month you arrive and how specific you are about the company you want to use. Most tours can be booked once in Phuket with your hotel tour counter (a bit more expensive), on the street, or at a travel shop. All are safe to use and can organise almost any tour since they all work with the same operators anyway.
If you want something more specialised, like a private cruise or sea canoe with John Gray, you should book online in advance to avoid disappointment. Also, remember that December and January are peak months, so don’t wait until the last minute during high season.
Can I book a taxi with a driver for a day?
Yes, and it’s easier and cheaper than you might think. A good driver will take you around the island following your itinerary or help you plan the day, often with great local advice. Ask your hotel to arrange one, or check the Phuket 101 Facebook group for recommendations.
What are the things I shouldn’t miss?
FOMO is real when you spend that much to travel that far, and you can only do it once a year or less! To make it more challenging, Phuket is blessed with a hundred things to see and do, beaches and islands to explore! That’s why I have several pages with large images for you to browse: 75 Best Things to Do in Phuket, 20 Things people always miss, 40+ beaches and 15 best islands. If you’re an Instagrammer, don’t miss my ‘Best Instagram Spots in Phuket‘!
What are the things I shouldn’t do?
Thailand is very open-minded, more than most countries. But there are a few things a traveller should know. Most are just advice and recommendations. Wearing revealing clothes in a temple or pointing your bare feet at someone will only be frowned upon. Avoid elephant trekking. Some things are serious matters and can get you in real trouble, such as disrespecting the Royal Family.
FAQs about Planning a Trip to Phuket
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