Immigration
You do not require a visa to enter Phuket. Your passport must be valid for six months or more prior to your departure date.
Currency & Banking
The local currency in Thailand is the Thai baht.
$1 AUD = $22.50 baht (as at March 2019)
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Phuket. Cash can be obtained using several internationally recognised credit/debit cards through ATMs.
Before you travel ensure you organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, cash, and debit/cash cards. We recommend you check with your bank to confirm if your ATM card will work in Phuket.
Weather
It’s going to be hot. On average each day has 9 hours of sunshine, so you expect good weather. Temperatures generally settle between 25°C and 34°C. The daily average temperature for Phuket during late March and early April is around 33°C. Despite the slight chance of rain, the weather is very hot, with the average humidity around 85%.
Electricity
Thailand uses 220V AC electricity. Power outlets most commonly feature two-prong round or flat sockets.
Tipping
Tipping in hotels is not expected, but again is always appreciated, for instance 20 – 50 baht for the porter that carried your bags up to your room, or 20 baht left under your pillow for the cleaner. In all restaurants it is customary to leave behind any loose change in coins as a tip.
Taxis
Taxis are common in Phuket, the drivers are quite honest and, in most instances, use metres. For those that do not and only work off fixed rates, be sure to set the price before starting out and only pay upon destination arrival. It is recommended you book any taxis through the hotel reception.
Time Difference
Phuket will be four hours behind Australia AEST during the time of travel (taking into account Daylight Savings). There is a six-hour difference to New Zealand.
Drinking Water
At the resort, you will find “complimentary drinking water” in the room. The hotel is not being nice to you by providing such a luxury, in fact, it is a way to inform their guests that the tap water is undrinkable.
Although, you might find it annoying to buy drinking water, it is easy and cheap to buy cool, fresh and clean drinking water in Phuket. You can find a selection of drinking water whether it is a bubbling, still or mineral water you can find them in convenient stores at a super friendly price.
SIM card for mobile phones are easy to find
With this generation, mobile access is a must for every holidaymaker. Some of you might be asking this question before even start planning your holiday so worry not. In Phuket, you can find SIM card with internet service in almost every convenience store.
It is easy and cheap for you to get one legit SIM cards. You can just buy it and then top up your credit and then you are good to go. DTAC Happy, TRUE, and AIS are some of the top providers.
