When to Visit Phuket?
Phuket has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, commonly known as high season and low season (monsoon season). Throughout the year, there are about 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness, with the sun rising around 6:30 AM and setting at 6:30 PM, varying by about 20 minutes during the year.
High Season runs from late October to the end of May, with the sunniest days typically in February. Rain is rare in February, and if it does rain, it’s usually brief—sometimes just a five-minute shower in a small area.
Low Season spans from late May to mid-October, with the heaviest rainfall in September, when showers can be frequent.
Many people imagine the rainy season as a long stretch of constant rain and gray skies, but that’s not the case. There are plenty of beautiful sunny days where the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
What Currency Is Used in Phuket?
The official currency in Phuket is the Thai Baht. Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100, 50, and 20 Baht, while coins are available in 10, 5, 2, and 1 Baht, along with the less commonly used 50 satang (0.5 Baht) and 25 satang (0.25 Baht).
While most major credit cards are accepted in shops and restaurants, they are not typically accepted in taxis, markets, massage parlors, beer bars, or many other local businesses.
For the best exchange rates, consider using the small exchange booths found along the streets—they’re easy to locate and usually offer competitive rates.
What is the electricity voltage?
In Thailand, the standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 50 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.
ATM in Phuket
ATMs are widely available and generally operate securely. However, when using machines in the Bangla area of Patong, it’s a good idea to be cautious and avoid having someone look over your shoulder—this is just common sense.
Important Notes:
- In Thailand, the cash is dispensed first, followed by the card ejection. This can easily lead to forgetting your card after withdrawing cash, especially if you’ve had a few drinks!
- When exchanging money, always count your bills in front of the cashier, as there have been occasional reports of missing funds.
SIM Cards
SIM cards are readily available for about 50 Baht at most convenience stores around Phuket. The quickest way to get one is to pick up a free SIM card at the airport’s baggage claim area, often from TRUE Move. Once you’re settled into your hotel, head to a nearby 7-Eleven to top up your credit. According to feedback from travelers, all major networks (TRUE, DTAC, AIS, and 12Call) work well in Phuket, though DTAC is generally preferred for better data speeds (especially for Internet and Facebook).