I've done abit of research, but there are a few questions couldn't get an answer for.
Buy local simcard - which company and where are they(airport?), I'm looking for one with data and calls
Get "phuketshuttle.com" - Its 750b - $25-30aud 1 way, wouldn't the local taxis be cheaper? Or are they all in cahoots with regards to hiked prices?
tuktuk and taxi travel around Phuket, I read haggle/set price before hand - is there a basis to go with this ie 10-20mins 200b?
Thanks,
End of September, need a break from work.
Anyone/where in particular I should do currency exchange, are Phuket Airport exchangers reasonable?
Airport will sting you, grab only enough that you need for the taxi plus a bit more
Check bank rates here:
http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx
Change first box to aud.
Rates are just under 29.3 (super rich is in bkk only)
Any bank or exchange both is acceptable, use that website as reference to make sure your rate is at the pointy end. Banks will likely require a passport, exchange booths won't.
I'd suggest a 49 baht True Sim. get the 2GB package for 550 baht then add on some more credit for texts and calls. I had good coverage all around Thailand and it was faster than the free wifi at the places i stayed. I couldn't get the data to work at first but gave my phone to one of the true guys who got it working on the spot. I presume you can purchase at the airport but can also purchase and top up at any 7/11.
When you land ignore the people who approach you offering a ride. From memory there is a little desk outside the airports exit door (there will be people lining up at it) and it has the cheapest shuttle bus prices and will drop you off at your hotel. I think it was 400 baht to patong. The bus first takes you to a travel agency where you tell them your hotel and they try to get you to sign up for tours or places to stay at inflated prices, just tell them you're not interested in purchasing anything. I'm assuming you are going alone with that suggestion as it is 400 baht per person.
I'm going in 2 weeks :)
I paid 500 baht for a taxi to Patong, and there was 3 of us. Or you go to the taxi rank, where they would charge you by the meter, would would charge u less =)
We got a private guide to pick us up from the airport it was 800 baht for the four of us . We may have paid a bit too much but it is always nice to have someone waiting with your name on a card after a flight.
If you look up trip advisor there are guides - I read too much and thought every tuk tuk driver would rip you off but we never had any problems.
SIM card - there is a booth in the airport that gives you a free sim and you top up at 7 eleven (which are literally every 50 metres)
Have a great time and remember even if you get ripped off its only a couple of dollars.
Thanks everyone
Looking forward to it in 3 weeks time for a week, probably should of booked a longer, got a good resort for a good price
remember even if you get ripped off its only a couple of dollars
Definitely, a few dollars isn't a big deal,
Those nasty headline stories do get into your head
Do not use the 'airport limousine' counter in the airport it is a total rip off (first time visitor mistake).
Best bet is the 'taxi meter' cab rank (blue and yellow taxis), take a right as soon as you walk out of the airport and you'll see it. They've got a listing of fixed prices reasonably priced, there is a surcharge for certain hours though.
Do they take you via a travel agent? We had that.
Haha yes I needed that detour as much as a bullet to the head after the long flight (plane couldn't land for a while due to bad weather). No such adventures on the meter taxi (ironic name considering it's fixed price)
how much are they,
Was going to just go to phuketshuttle and hire a car, as as precaution for what I suspect maybe my first visit.
I think it was about 500 baht to Patong.
Speaking of Patong, if you love seafood you've got to check this place out not far Jungceylon shopping centre http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g297930-d186…
Bought a fat lobster for 2300 baht (with some haggling) from the market downstairs, then there're a number of restaurants in a food court type setup that will cook it for you for about 400 baht (do not however go to "Fb banzaan Terrace" restaurant at the end they ruined some thankfully much cheaper seafood we bought on an earlier day). Astronomically expensive meal for two by Thai standards but still way cheaper than what you'd pay in Sydney for something like this at fish markets
Grab a dtac sim. Assume they are at Phuket airport, but only ever grabbed them in Bangkok
Sims will be sold by the week, month, etc. they are cheap enough. $10/wk $30/mth ballpark, with calls and net.
Make sure your phone is unlocked.
If you use whatsapp, disregard the whatsapp detection of change in phone number. Ignore it and you will continue to use your aus whatsapp number/account on dtac sim.
Getting from airport to hotel for first time visit is critical and needs to be stress free.
Grab a private shuttle such as your example. Their prices are fine. It is a 30-40 minute drive to the popular spots, so worth paying appropriately.
Drivers must wait outside Phuket airport building, there'll be hundreds of them… You just need to sift through to find the one with your name on the card.
At patong, roads are one way around town, so a driver most likely won't get out of his chair for less than 200baht.
They'll be heaps of drivers around with tuktuks and SUVs and minivans, some will have boards with sample prices.
Get a feel for the prices from the first few, then haggle hard.
As for price, depends on situation. We paid 200 to go from one end of patong to the other, but only 600 for a minivan for 4 hours patong to kata plus wait for us while we dine, etc.
When r u going?