This guide covers all the practical essentials for visiting Phuket. From currency and communications to customs and etiquette, here's everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Also see safety tips, getting to Phuket, and when to visit.
Currency & Money
Thai Baht (THB)
Thailand's currency. Commonly used notes: 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple), 1000 (beige). Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 baht.
Exchange Rates (Approximate)
- 1 USD ≈ 35-36 THB
- 1 EUR ≈ 38-40 THB
- 1 GBP ≈ 44-46 THB
- 1 AUD ≈ 23-25 THB
Rates fluctuate - check current rates
Where to Exchange
- Airport exchange booths (convenient but lower rates)
- Money changers in town (better rates)
- Banks (best rates, need passport)
- Hotels (worst rates, avoid)
ATMs
- Available everywhere
- 220 THB fee per withdrawal
- Daily limits typically 20,000-30,000 THB
- Use ATMs inside banks during day for security
- Notify your bank before traveling
Credit Cards
- Accepted at hotels, malls, restaurants
- Visa and Mastercard most widely accepted
- Many small shops cash only
- 3-4% foreign transaction fees common
- Always carry cash as backup
Language & Communication
Thai Language
Official language is Thai. English widely spoken in tourist areas but limited in rural areas and with older Thais.
Essential Phrases
- Hello: Sawasdee (add "krap" for men, "ka" for women)
- Thank you: Khop khun (krap/ka)
- Yes/No: Chai / Mai chai
- How much?: Tao rai?
- Excuse me: Khor thot
- Help!: Chuay duay!
- Delicious: Aroi
- Too expensive: Paeng pai
Numbers
- 1 = Neung
- 2 = Song
- 3 = Sam
- 4 = See
- 5 = Ha
- 10 = Sip
- 100 = Roi
- 1000 = Phan
Communication Tips
- Download Google Translate app (works offline)
- Have hotel address written in Thai
- Use translation apps for menus
- Pointing and smiling goes a long way
- Thais appreciate any attempt to speak Thai
Internet & Phone
SIM Cards
Highly Recommended!
- Available at airport and 7-Eleven stores
- Main carriers: AIS, DTAC, TrueMove
- Tourist packages: 299-599 THB for 7-30 days
- Includes data (typically 10-50GB) and local calls
- Bring passport for registration
- 4G coverage excellent throughout Phuket
WiFi
- Free WiFi at most hotels, restaurants, cafes
- Speed and reliability varies
- Not always available on beaches
- Shopping malls have good free WiFi
- Don't rely solely on WiFi - get SIM card
Useful Apps
- Grab: Transportation
- Google Maps: Navigation
- Google Translate: Language
- XE Currency: Exchange rates
- Agoda/Booking: Hotels
- Line: Popular messaging app in Thailand
Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping Guide
Not mandatory but appreciated for good service
- Restaurants: 20-50 THB for casual, 10% for upscale
- Hotel Porter: 20-50 THB per bag
- Housekeeping: 20-50 THB per day
- Taxi: Round up or 10-20 THB
- Spa/Massage: 50-100 THB (10-20% of bill)
- Tour Guides: 200-500 THB depending on tour
Cultural Etiquette
- Head & Feet: Head is sacred, feet are lowest. Don't touch heads or point feet at people/Buddha
- Respect for Royalty: Never disrespect the Thai royal family (illegal)
- Temples: Dress modestly, remove shoes, women can't touch monks
- Public Displays: Limit affection in public, no kissing
- Pointing: Don't point with fingers, use whole hand
- Anger: Never lose your temper or raise voice - "losing face"
Temple Dress Code
- Cover shoulders - no tank tops or sleeveless
- Cover knees - no shorts or short skirts
- Remove shoes before entering buildings
- Scarves and pants available for rent
- Better to dress appropriately than rent
- Modest dress shows respect
Time, Electricity & Measurements
Time Zone
UTC+7 (ICT - Indochina Time)
- No daylight saving time
- 7 hours ahead of London (GMT)
- 12 hours ahead of New York
- Same time as Vietnam, Cambodia
Electricity
220V, 50Hz
- Type A, B, C plugs (2-pin flat/round)
- Most US/EU electronics work with adapter
- Hotels often have universal outlets
- Buy adapters at 7-Eleven or airports
Measurements
- Metric system used
- Temperatures in Celsius
- Distances in kilometers
- Weight in kilograms
- Liquids in liters
Business Hours
- Shops: 10 AM - 9 PM
- Malls: 10 AM - 10 PM
- Restaurants: 10 AM - 10/11 PM
- Bars: Until 1-2 AM
- 7-Eleven: 24 hours
- Banks: 9 AM - 4 PM weekdays
Important Information
Visa Requirements
- Many nationalities get 30-60 day visa exemption
- Must have passport valid 6 months
- May need to show onward ticket
- Extensions possible at immigration office
- Check your country's specific requirements
Water & Food Safety
- Don't drink tap water - buy bottled
- Ice in restaurants generally safe
- Street food usually safe if busy/cooked fresh
- Wash hands frequently
- Peel fruits or wash thoroughly
- Carry hand sanitizer
Weather Considerations
- High season: November-April (dry)
- Low season: May-October (rain)
- Always hot and humid (24-33°C)
- Afternoon rain common in low season
- Pack light clothes and rain jacket
Alcohol Laws
- Legal drinking age: 20 years
- Alcohol sales banned 2-5 PM and midnight-11 AM
- Banned near temples and schools
- Buddhist holidays may have alcohol bans
- Bars/clubs must close by 1-2 AM
Shopping Tips
- Bargain at markets (start at 50% of asking price)
- Fixed prices in malls and most shops
- Get tax refund on purchases over 2,000 THB
- Keep receipts for VAT refund at airport
- Check quality carefully before buying
Public Holidays
- Songkran (Thai New Year): Mid-April
- Chinese New Year: January/February
- Loy Krathong: November (full moon)
- Banks and government offices closed
- Tourist areas usually stay open
Quick Reference
Emergency Numbers:
Tourist Police: 1155 | Police: 191 | Ambulance: 1669
Average Costs:
Street food: 50-100 THB | Restaurant: 150-400 THB | Beer: 80-150 THB
Airport Transfer:
Taxi: 800-1000 THB | Grab: 600-900 THB | Airport Bus: 150 THB
Useful Thai Phrases:
Hello: Sawasdee krap/ka | Thank you: Khop khun krap/ka | How much: Tao rai?