What currency is used in Phuket?

Phuket uses the Thai baht (THB).

What is the emergency number in Phuket?

In Phuket, call 191 for police, 1669 for an ambulance, 1155 for the tourist police.

How much does a day in Phuket cost?

Roughly $35-55 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $90-150 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.

Is Waypacker free to use in Phuket?

Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.

Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?

Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.

Can I meet locals in Phuket without staying with anyone?

Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.

Will anyone see my exact location?

No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

Phuket travel guide

Thailand

Thailand's largest island is far more than its party strip, with quiet coves in the south and a historic old town full of shophouses and cafés. Pick your beach carefully and it can feel surprisingly unhurried.

Essentials

Language: Thai; English is common in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas
Currency: Thai baht (THB)
Plugs: Types A, B, C, F and O, 220 V
Emergency number: 191 for police, 1669 for an ambulance, 1155 for the tourist police
Tipping: Not expected; leaving the small change is appreciated, and resort restaurants often add a 10% service charge.

Rough daily budget

Approximate spend per person per day, in US dollars:

Backpacker: $35-55, with a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport.
Mid-range: $90-150, with a private room and restaurant meals.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Where to stay in Phuket

Phuket Old Town: pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses, local noodle shops and a Sunday evening walking street on Thalang Road.
Kata and Karon: long sandy beaches with a more relaxed, family-friendly feel than Patong.
Rawai: the laid-back southern tip, with seafood by the pier and easy access to the viewpoints.

Getting around Phuket

Taxis and tuk-tuks are pricey by Thai standards, so agree the fare first or use a ride-hailing app. Blue songthaew buses run from Phuket Town out to the main beaches, and a smart bus runs along the west coast from the airport.

Best time to visit Phuket

November to April, the dry season, when the Andaman Sea is calm and clear.

Top things to do in Phuket

Wander the shophouse streets and murals of Phuket Old Town, then browse the Sunday walking street
Ride up to the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill for views across Chalong Bay
Watch the sunset from Promthep Cape at the island's southern tip
Visit Wat Chalong, the island's most important Buddhist temple
Drive or walk up Khao Rang, the hill above Phuket Town, for a view over the old town and the bay

What to eat in Phuket

Mee hokkien: thick yellow noodles fried with seafood and pork in a rich gravy, a Phuket staple
Moo hong: pork belly slow-braised with black pepper, garlic and soy
O-tao: a sticky omelette of small oysters and taro, sold at markets and street stalls
Kanom jeen: fresh rice noodles with a choice of curries, eaten for breakfast

Day trips from Phuket

Phang Nga Bay: sheer limestone karsts and sea kayaking through hidden lagoons, around an hour to the piers by road
Phi Phi Islands: dramatic cliffs, clear water and snorkelling, roughly two hours by ferry
Khao Sok National Park: rainforest and a jungle-ringed lake, around three hours by road for a long day

Local etiquette

Dress modestly away from the beach, and cover shoulders and knees in temples. Do not touch people's heads or point your feet at people or Buddha images, and speak respectfully about the royal family.

Staying connected

Tourist SIMs are sold at the airport and in convenience stores (bring your passport), eSIMs are widely available, and Wi-Fi is standard in hotels and cafés.

Staying safe

From May to October the west-coast beaches can have strong rip currents, so swim only where the flags allow it. Rent jet skis and scooters only from reputable operators, wear a helmet, and photograph any rental before you take it out.

A local tip

Eat breakfast in Phuket Town, where kanom jeen curry stalls and dim sum shops serve locals long before the beach crowd wakes up.

Visas:rules depend on your nationality and change often – check your own government's official travel advice before you go.

Meet people in Phuket on Waypacker

Waypacker is a free travel community: stay with ID-verified local hosts, join meetups and city groups, and ask people who live in Phuket for advice. We are new here, so if you live in Phuket, you could be one of the first hosts.

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Questions about Phuket

What currency is used in Phuket?: Phuket uses the Thai baht (THB).
What is the emergency number in Phuket?: In Phuket, call 191 for police, 1669 for an ambulance, 1155 for the tourist police.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?: November to April, the dry season, when the Andaman Sea is calm and clear.
How much does a day in Phuket cost?: Roughly $35-55 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $90-150 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.
Is Waypacker free to use in Phuket?: Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.
Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?: Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.
Can I meet locals in Phuket without staying with anyone?: Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.
Will anyone see my exact location?: No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

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