Phuket Overview Guides

Phuket Island, Thailand is the country's largest island; it is roughly the size of Singapore, covering an area of about 540 km sq. It is roughly 20km across at its widest point, and 48km from the north to south. It has a population of just over 250,000.

Phuket Island is Thailand's leading tourist destination

With its excellent beaches, wide range of accommodation and top-class restaurants, Phuket has become firmly established in the last couple of decades as one of Asia's premier beach resorts.

Business hours

Phuket Island's Business hours are 9am - 5pm on weekdays, and 9am - 12 noon, Saturdays. Stores are open between 10am - 10pm, daily. The business hours generally vary on public holidays.

Banking hours

Phuket Island's banks are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm. You will find a few bank branches are open as late as 8pm, and even on Saturdays; these are usually located in busy shopping centers.

Money

Currency is the Thai Baht. Check out our handy Currency Converter to find the value in your own currency.

Currency exchange

Phuket Island's currency exchange booths are open for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may also use any of the numerous ATMs that are available 24/7. Most of these ATMs will accept your card via the Cirrus or Plus networks. The Thai Baht is the Island's official currency.

Electricity

The voltage on Phuket Island is 220 volts. The flat two-pin US plug and the round European plugs are generally universal, and you can purchase an adapter at most local stores. . Keep in mind that you will need to purchase a Thai plug, which you will find in most convenience stores.

Language

English is widely spoken across the island, particularly at most of the tourist destinations. Keep in mind, however, that English is a second language for most Thai's, so there will be varying levels of competency and accent.

Cameras and Photo Processing

Most major brands of film and digital memory cards can be bought in Phuket. Film and digital photo processing is widely available and 2-hour service is common. Throw-away one-time cameras are widely available, too.

Last Updated: 18 Oct 2011

Photos for Quick Phuket Facts

29 Gallery Photos