Updated on November 4, 2025
Phuket, a wonderful tropical paradise in Thailand for travellers around the world, is well known for its sandy beaches, warm ocean and plentiful of sunshine. Still, there are some precautions worth noting before you explore the island, and it is wise and safe to say that you need to do some research about the place prior to arriving. These facts include the weather or season, currency, people, and even transportation or way of driving.
Related article: 5 Reasons to Choose Phuket for Your Next Island Holiday
10 Things Worth Knowing Before Arriving in Phuket
They say that it’s better to be safe than sorry, and nowhere is it more evident than in Phuket. Many tourists make the mistake of packing (or worse, over-packing) the wrong items, not to mention ingesting food and drink that may not be suitable for their sensitive palates and stomachs. These tips are here to guide you with your planning before arriving in Phuket.
#1 The Humidity Can Be Unbearable
Regardless of the size, Phuket is still considered an island tropical country. Therefore, humidity is something that should be expected. On a normal day, the average weather in Phuket is somewhere around 30 degrees Celsius, but you can actually feel way higher than that due to the humidity. It can be a little uncomfortable at first, but with enough water and proper attire, you will absolutely feel just fine.
In the meantime, you can track the weather in Phuket with an app or website to help you plan for the tropical climate, and pack weather-appropriate clothing such as loose tops, shorts, and lightweight shoes made of natural materials.
#2 It Rains Once In A While
A tropical island always comes with the sunshine and rainy day, and Phuket is no exception. The island is basically a year-round destination, where you can travel throughout the year because there is no such thing as severe weather in Phuket. There might be some rainstorms, but it is only a normal situation for the tropical island.
However, if you want to know the best time to experience pleasant weather in Phuket, you should remember not to travel to Phuket during September and October because these are the rainiest months of the year. Apart from this, there might be some thunderstorm during May due to the monsoon season. However, you can still enjoy plentiful of sunshine.
#3 You Can Expect Mosquitoes
Insects and warm weather are like best friends, and this is all you need to know by the time you decide to travel to a tropical country. Mosquitoes seem to be one of the most “popular” insects that travelers will come across. They are everywhere, even in 5-star hotels.
Of course, many accommodations will have mosquito sprays prepared for you. Otherwise, you can buy insect repellents which are available at most drugstores and convenience stores around the island. They work like magic and there are many choices for you, from the natural kind to the more potent tropical-strength ones that are deadly to mosquitoes.
Related article: The Type of Luxury Villa Rentals You Can Find in Phuket
#4 Tap Water is Not Drinkable
If you stay in a hotel, resort, or luxury villa, you will find “complimentary drinking water” in the room. This is a polite way to inform their guests that the tap water is undrinkable. For guests of Phuket’s upscale villa rentals who need to stock up on drinkable water, they can inform the Guest Experience Services staff at their villa to keep a supply of water ready before their arrival, be it regular still water or popular sparkling water for drinking.
#5 There is No Official Form of Public Transport
Phuket is big enough to be a standalone province, but it is not big enough to get their own public transportation. Until then, visitors who want to get around Phuket on some form of public transport will have to hire a tuk tuk to take them around the island; these are often inexpensive, but can be slow, and not all tuk tuks can access locations and estates for private villas.
The safest and most reliable means of transportation for villa guests remains private transportation, especially with a car and driver. These can also be arranged with the Guest Experience Services staff.
Related article: 7 Ways of Transportation to Travel Around Phuket
#6 Locals Drive on The Left
Yes, Thais and locals always drive on the left. Be aware that sometimes locals will drive against the flow of the traffic, which is very dangerous for everyone and especially for those who do not expect that to happen. Again, to avoid accidents, it is best to hire a driver . If you are confident with your driving skill, you may even try your hand at driving around Phuket, but always drive carefully.
#7 English Can Be A Challenge for Locals
Most of the locals can speak basic English as they are trained to communicate with guests. However, if you would like to continue conversing with them, you might find it difficult or impossible. Some of them might not even speak English at all, so the best way to go is to get a guidebook with basic Thai terms, or simply download a translation app with audio recording capabilities on your mobile phone.
Related article: Essential Phrases To Learn When Visiting Thailand
#8 Thai Baht is The Official Currency, and Cash Is Still King
In Phuket, the Thai Baht is an official currency just like any other provinces in Thailand. You can find many banks and currency exchange counters almost everywhere in Phuket or even at the airport upon your arrival, but keep in mind that not all villas are located near areas where you can likely find money changers. Also remember that not all stores in Phuket take credit cards or e-payment modes, so it’s important to still carry your Baht in cash.
#9 SIM Cards for Mobile Phones are Easy to Find
With this generation, mobile access is a must. Some of you might be asking this question before even start planning your holiday so worry not. In Phuket, you can find SIM cards with internet service in almost every convenience store.It is easy and cheap for you to get one legit SIM cards. You can just buy it and then top up your credit and then you are good to go.
Just make sure that your phone has an open line and an empty or refillable slot for the SIM card, since some phones from international providers are locked in on that provider alone. In this case, an e-SIM plan may be a viable alternative to a physical SIM card.
#10 The Electrical Sockets and Voltages May Differ
For tech geeks, they might be asking what kind of electric plugs and power they use. In Phuket, as with the rest of Thailand, a two-legged electric plug with 220 volts at 50 Hz is often used. Some villas also have international plug sockets, but you may need to leave your lower-voltage devices at home, or ask for an adapter or converter from your villa manager just in case.
Related article: 10 Fun Facts About Phuket, Thailand
Be Prepared For Your Trip to Phuket
Knowing what to expect from the weather, environment, and local culture in Phuket will help guests stay informed about what to expect on their upcoming visit, especially before they set foot on the island. This should keep guests from costly travel mistakes such as driving on the wrong side of the road, getting stranded without transportation, or not packing enough of the right clothes, toiletries, and medication.
Keep these helpful tips in mind before coming to Phuket, and you can be prepared for anything that can come your way.
Get to know the best of Thailand’s favorite island getaway with our Phuket Travel Guide.
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
