🧭 First-Timer's Guide · June 2026
Phuket for
First-Time Travellers
SIM cards, currency, airport arrival, scooter safety, rip currents and basic etiquette — the practical things nobody tells you until you're already there.
~45 min
Airport to Karon/Kata/Patong
THB
Thai Baht — cash still useful
🛵 #1 risk
Scooter accidents
📶
SIM Card & Connectivity
EASY, CHEAP
Connectivity in Phuket is cheap and simple to arrange — both eSIMs bought before you fly and physical SIMs bought on arrival work well, with strong coverage across the main beaches and islands.
| Option | Data | Cost (₹) | Best for |
|---|
| Airalo eSIM (Thailand) | 5 GB / 7 days | ₹550–₹900 | Set up before you fly |
| Airport SIM counter (AIS/dtac/True) | Unlimited data plans | ₹500–₹900 | Easy walk-up option on arrival |
| Local SIM in town | Unlimited / 8 days | ₹600–₹1,000 | Longer stays, strongest network |
| Indian roaming pack | Varies | ₹1,200–₹2,500 | Last resort only |
💡 Tip: If setting up on arrival, the SIM counters at Phuket International Airport are genuinely convenient — staff there set up the SIM and confirm it's working before you leave the counter.
💵
Currency & Cards
THB
The Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted at hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but cash genuinely matters for street food, night markets, scooter rentals, and tuk-tuk rides.
💳
Zero-markup forex card
Use for hotels, larger restaurants and shopping — avoids forex markup fees that regular Indian debit/credit cards apply.
💵
Cash for daily spending
Street food, tuk-tuks, scooter rental deposits and small local shops are far easier in cash — carry ~THB 2,000-3,000 for daily use.
🏧
ATMs are widely available
Unlike more remote destinations, ATMs are plentiful across Phuket's beach towns — though most charge a foreign transaction fee (~THB 220 per withdrawal).
🧮
Rough exchange rate
THB 1 ≈ ₹2.32 (June 2026). Use this for quick mental math when negotiating at markets.
✈️
Airport Arrival
HKT
All direct flights from India land at Phuket International Airport (HKT). It's roughly 30-45 minutes to Patong, Karon or Kata by road, and closer still to Kamala and Surin.
✓
Use the official airport taxi counter
Fixed-price coupon taxis inside the terminal are more reliable than unmetered touts outside.
✓
Grab works from the airport too
Pre-booking a Grab ride or hotel transfer avoids any pickup negotiation entirely.
✓
SIM counters right after immigration
Set up connectivity before leaving the terminal — useful for maps and ride-hailing right away.
✓
Have your TDAC confirmation ready
Immigration checks this alongside your passport — see our
Phuket Visa guide for details.
🛵
Scooter Safety
READ THIS FIRST
Scooter rental is genuinely convenient for getting around Phuket — but scooter accidents are also the most common cause of tourist injury on the island. This is worth taking seriously, not just a formality.
✓
Always wear a helmet
Required by law, and genuinely reduces injury severity — police do check, especially near Patong.
✓
Carry an International Driving Permit
Technically required alongside your Indian licence — insurance claims can be denied without one if you're stopped or in an accident.
✕
Don't ride at night or after drinking
Road conditions, lighting and other drivers all make night riding meaningfully riskier — this is where most serious accidents happen.
✓
Confirm your travel insurance covers scooters specifically
Some standard policies exclude motorbike accidents unless you hold a valid licence and wear a helmet — check before you ride.
⚠️ Genuinely worth repeating: If you're not an experienced rider, consider Grab or taxis instead — Phuket's roads include some genuinely challenging hill sections, especially around Kamala and Patong.
🌊
Beach Safety & Rip Currents
MONSOON SEASON
Rip currents are a real risk at several Phuket beaches — particularly Patong, Karon and Kata — during the monsoon season (May-October) when seas are rougher.
✓
Check for red flags before swimming
Red flags mean dangerous conditions — swimming is genuinely not advised when posted, regardless of how calm the water looks.
✓
If caught in a rip current, don't swim against it
Swim parallel to the shore until free of the current, then swim back in — swimming directly against it just causes exhaustion.
✓
Swim near lifeguard-patrolled sections when possible
Not all beach stretches are patrolled — sticking to monitored sections adds a real safety margin.
🙏
Etiquette & Local Customs
🙏
The "wai" greeting
A slight bow with palms pressed together is the traditional greeting — a friendly nod or smile is also perfectly acceptable for tourists.
👘
Temple dress code
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples — many provide loan sarongs for those underdressed.
👣
Remove shoes indoors
Common at temples, some restaurants, and most homestays — watch for shoes lined up at the entrance as your cue.
🧠
Avoid touching heads
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture — avoid patting heads, including children's, even affectionately.
🇹🇭 Good to know: Thailand's monarchy is held in very high regard, and public criticism of it is both culturally sensitive and legally restricted — best avoided as a conversation topic entirely.
💰
Tipping Culture
| Where | Typical Tip |
|---|
| Restaurants (no service charge) | Round up or ~10% |
| Restaurants (service charge included) | Optional, small extra for great service |
| Massage / spa therapist | THB 100-200 per session |
| Tour guides / boat crew | THB 100-200 per person, per day trip |
| Taxi / Grab drivers | Not expected, rounding up appreciated |
| Hotel staff (bellhop, housekeeping) | THB 20-50 per service |
💡 Good to know: Tipping isn't obligatory in Thailand the way it is in some Western countries, but it's genuinely appreciated and increasingly common in tourist areas — a small tip for good service is always welcome.
❓
FAQ
Is scooter rental safe in Phuket?
Scooter accidents are the most common cause of tourist injury in Phuket. It's manageable with caution — wear a helmet, avoid riding at night or after drinking, and confirm your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents before renting.
Are there rip currents in Phuket?
Yes, particularly at Patong, Karon and Kata beaches during the monsoon season (May-October) when seas are rougher. Always check for red flag warnings and avoid swimming when flags are posted.
Do I need cash in Phuket, or are cards enough?
Cards work well at hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but cash is genuinely needed for street food, tuk-tuks, scooter rentals and small local shops. Carry roughly THB 2,000-3,000 in cash for daily spending.
How far is Phuket airport from the beaches?
Roughly 30-45 minutes by road to Patong, Karon or Kata, and slightly closer to Kamala and Surin. Fixed-price taxi counters and Grab are both available at the airport.
Is tipping expected in Phuket?
Not obligatory, but genuinely appreciated. Rounding up at restaurants, tipping THB 100-200 for a massage or day tour, and small amounts for hotel staff are all common practice.