18 Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket

What is the Weather Like in Phuket

(this is a live webcam over Patong Beach)

Phuket lies in a tropical region and is warm all year round. Temperatures range from ‘WARM’ to ‘TOO HOT’.
High Season is the best time to come: The coolest and supposedly best months are December to March.
Rainy Season: June to August is a mix of rain and sun, usually enjoyable. September, October and November are often the wettest months.
Hottest Time: April and May are the hottest months.

What currency is used in Phuket?

Thai Baht Banknotes: 1,000, 500,100, 50, 20. Coins: 10, 5, 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, bazaars, massages, beer bars and other local businesses. The best place to exchange your currency is actually in those little booths by the street, easy to find. Click here to learn where to find the best currency exchange rates in Phuket.

What is the electricity voltage?

220Volts – 50/60 Hz

What do electric plugs look like in Phuket?

The most common is the ‘Two round pins‘, sometimes with the ground (Europlug CEE 7/16) and occasionally the old ‘Two flat parallel blades‘ similar to the US (NEMA 1­15 or JIS C 8303). Most modern plugs accept both. Adapters are easy to find at the many convenience stores.

Do I Need a Visa for Phuket?

Most visitors don’t need a visa. Thailand now 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.

New for 2025: From 1 May 2025, everyone entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (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.

Visa rules change frequently. Double-check current requirements with your nearest Thai embassy or consulate before travelling.

Use this link to check if your country requires a visa on arrival (and how to get one online)

Phuket International Airport

Phuket airport is a large and modern complex, accommodating the millions of visitors Phuket receives each year (in normal times, obviously). A full page is dedicated to the renovated, enlarged and improved Phuket International Airport: what to expect on arrival, how to get to your hotel, money changes, etc. It’s not that stressful if you know what to expect.

ATM in Phuket

ATMs are everywhere and usually work safely. In the Bangla area of Patong, make sure no one watches over your shoulder, but isn’t it just common sense?

Withdrawal fees: Thai ATMs charge a 250 Baht fee for foreign card withdrawals (increased from 220 Baht in July 2025). AEON Bank ATMs charge only 150 Baht but have lower withdrawal limits and are harder to find. Withdraw larger amounts to minimise the fee impact.

NOTE: In Thailand, money comes out FIRST, and only after you take your money, your card is ejected! A great way to forget your card in the machine after those three beers!

NOTE: When changing money at a money exchange, count your money in front of the cashier; there have been some cases of missing money. The best exchange rate is usually in the non-brand exchange booths you will spot easily on most streets of the main beaches.

Car Rentals in Phuket

Renting a car at the airport is very simple, but we recommend you book in advance if you prefer a specific model, especially during the high season. Cars are third-party insured (it will only cover the damage done to the other vehicle you may hit), but you will have to pay for any damage to your car. Always double-check the condition of your car before leaving the airport. The best is to pay a little extra to have it fully covered and worry-free.

You can also rent a GPS at the airport. Renting cars from the street is possible; you will see plenty around the island, but it’s a lucky draw. As long as things go fine, you might save a few baht, but it can get ugly if something happens. In any case, call the tourist police: 1155. They have a good basic understanding of English.

Hotels in Phuket

Booking your hotel in advance is always cheaper than on arrival, especially at the airport. There are so many hotels in Phuket that there is no lack of choice. The most important thing is to choose your location; if you want everything available at any time, go to Patong, but get ready for some crowds. If you like it quiet and romantic, Mai Khao Beach is the place for you. Something in between good for the family? Kata, Karon or Kamala. Note that beaches quiet during the high season often appear deserted in low.

Driving in Phuket

With so many things to see and do in Phuket, renting a bike or a car seems to be one of the best ways to get around freely at a low cost. But it comes with some risks and dangers. Following these basic rules might help to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Jet Skis

It costs around 1,500 baht for 30 minutes. This is just an indication; the rate varies with the gasoline price, but it is always up, never down! Jet ski riders are often victims of accidents or major scams involving huge, unjustified fines. Stay away from them; it’s not worth it!

Suntan vs Sunburn

Please don’t take it lightly: the sun in Phuket is strong, even on a cloudy day. Do yourself a favour and don’t ruin your chances of a nice, smooth suntan on your arrival day by overexposing yourself without sunscreen. In 24 years, we have had some pretty severe sunburns! Take it easy in the first days; trust us, you will get a better tan! Read about mistakes people make on a 1st visit.

Swimming Safety in Phuket

Swimming red flags and warning signs must be taken seriously, especially during the low season. Riptides are treacherous, and no matter how good a swimmer you are, the danger is real. One second, you stand waist-deep on the sand; the second, later, you are meters away and swimming back can be impossible. During the low season, pick a hotel with a nice swimming pool if you want to swim your laps. The newspapers report daily rescues, so please think twice.

Taxis and airport transfers

Taxi Meters often forget to turn on their meter and therefore will try to overcharge you on arrival or offer a higher ‘agreed’ rate. Keep an eye on that meter and insist. Also, always assume that taxi meters, even in Bangkok, NEVER have small change. This can lead to serious tips!

Tuk Tuks

Tuk Tuks have a bad reputation… I feel sorry for the few drivers I met who were nice guys. ALWAYS agree on the fare before you go, and always bargain since they will try to overcharge by default, maybe by 30%. It’s not recommended for girls to ride a tuk-tuk alone at night. Otherwise, it’s convenient since they are everywhere, and once again, most tuk-tuks are OK.

Visa Overstay

Make sure you double-check the expiry date of the arrival stamp on your passport! If you overstay, it will cost you 500 Baht per day, up to a maximum fine of 20,000 Baht (reached after 40 days). The fine stays at 20,000 Baht whether you overstay 40 days or several years.

Blacklist rules: Overstays under 90 days get a fine only, no entry ban. Over 90 days means a 1-year ban from Thailand. Over 1 year means a 3-year ban. Get caught by police instead of surrendering voluntarily at the airport? That’s a 5-year ban minimum.

Pay your fine at the airport when leaving. It must be paid in Thai Baht cash. Immigration will escort you through the departure process. Always better to surrender voluntarily than get caught during your stay.

Water (and Ice)

The consensus recommends not drinking tap water and buying drinking water (widely available). Usually, your hotel will supply a couple of complimentary bottles, and 7-11 stores are everywhere. However, ice is safe! Companies supplying ice all over the island use filtered water.