Navigating Island Living
Daily life in Phuket revolves around island geography. Unlike Bangkok with its BTS/MRT or Chiang Mai's compact Old City, Phuket requires personal transportation. Most expats rent scooters (฿2,500-3,500/month) or cars (฿12,000-20,000/month). Beaches are spread across the 49km-long island, making vehicle essential.
Setting up utilities, getting a SIM card, and opening a bank account is straightforward. English is widely spoken in expat areas like Rawai, Patong, and Bang Tao, making daily tasks easier than in smaller Thai cities.
Most popular option for expats. Honda Click or Yamaha NMAX automatic scooters. Essential for daily errands, beach hopping, and avoiding expensive tuk-tuks. Parking free everywhere.
Recommended for families, rainy season, or if uncomfortable on scooter. Essential for groceries, airport runs, and traveling with kids. A/C crucial in Phuket heat.
Expensive and controlled by local mafia. Useful for airport runs or when drinking, but avoid as daily transport. No meters - negotiate price before getting in.
Ride-hailing apps work in Phuket but face resistance from tuk-tuk drivers. Cheaper than tuk-tuks but pickup can be tricky in touristy areas. More reliable in residential expat neighborhoods.
Phuket has NO public bus system like Bangkok. NO shared songthaews like Chiang Mai. Tuk-tuks are expensive and monopolized. You NEED scooter or car for daily life. Budget ฿2,500-3,500/month minimum for transport.
This is the biggest adjustment for Bangkok expats used to BTS/MRT. Factor transport costs into your Phuket budget.
Three major carriers: AIS, TrueMove H, and dtac. Buy SIM at airport (24/7 service) or 7-Eleven. Prepaid is easiest for expats. Tourist SIMs available with data packages.
Popular Plans:
AIS has best coverage in Phuket
TrueMove H best for international calls
Top-up at 7-Eleven or via app
Fiber internet widely available. AIS Fibre, True Online, and 3BB are main providers. 100-300 Mbps speeds common. Essential for remote work and digital nomads.
Internet Plans:
12-month contracts common
Installation takes 3-7 days
Landlord permission sometimes required
Biggest utility expense in Phuket. A/C essential year-round (26-33°C). Charged per unit (kWh). Condos often charge ฿6-8/unit vs government rate ฿4-5/unit.
💡 Tip: Set A/C to 25-26°C, use ceiling fans, close curtains during day to reduce costs.
Water very affordable. Trash collection usually included in condo fees. Some areas charge small trash collection fee.
Water quality varies - most expats buy drinking water (฿15-20 for 6L refill).
Minimal (Studio):
Comfortable (2BR Villa):
Opening a Thai bank account is essential for paying rent, utilities, and daily expenses. Most common banks: Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn (K-Bank), Siam Commercial (SCB), Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya).
💡 Go to larger branches in Central Festival or Phuket Town for English service.
Difficulty Opening Accounts:
Some banks have become stricter. If denied, try different branch or bank. Kasikorn and Krungsri generally easier than SCB. Bring proof of residence and be patient.
Makro & Tesco Lotus
Bulk buying, cheapest prices
BigC & Tops Market
Multiple locations, good selection
Villa Market
Import foods, expensive but quality
7-Eleven
Everywhere, 24/7, basics
Phuket Weekend Market
Naka Market, Sat-Sun evenings
Rawai & Chalong
Morning markets, fresh produce
Banzaan Fresh Market
Patong, fresh seafood & produce
Central Festival
Biggest mall, all major stores
Jungceylon (Patong)
Central Patong location
Boat Avenue
Laguna area, villa market
Porto de Phuket
Lifestyle mall, dining