Phuket is one of the most visited places in Thailand. The island is quite known for its beaches, thrilling activities, nightlife, golf etc. This travel advice would be quite useful while traveling there.

Best Time to Visit
Most appropriate time to visit Phuket is November to March. During these months, the average temperature is around 30C and humidity bearable. Cool breezes flowing from the sea make the climate cool, helping foreign tourists feel at ease.

Internet
Internet services could be availed in Phuket at all main tourist regions. All upscale hotels offer internet service. Some wi-fi spots are also set up in the island.

Food
Eat all the food in your plate if invited for a dinner or lunch. At the time of community dining, the person thought to be most honored is expected to pay. So expect you to pay at a function, take it positively. As soon as the host invites you to dine, begin. You need not wait for all the food to arrive.

Getting Around
Most international tourists hire taxis for getting around. If you want to move faster, you could take motorbike taxis. However, most of the bikers are known to drive too fast. For more affordable travel, you could use tuk tuk which are little red trucks having seats for passengers. The air-conditioned mini buses colored yellow and green also run in Phuket town and vicinity. And if you plan to move from one place to other all day, you are always advised to hire a taxi or car.

Electricity
Electric current in Phuket island is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles). A number of plugs and sockets are in use. Take a plug-adapter kit if you want to use shavers, tape recorders and similar appliances.

Tour Agency
You are advised to avail services only from registered travel agencies. As everywhere, you would find touts in Phuket too. So establish the credentials of an agency before hiring services.

Drinking Water
Tap water is available in Phuket. However, you better drink bottled water. The reason being most tourists are not accustomed to that kind of water. Avoid purchasing ice.

Business Hours
Shops and stores are open seven days a week while government offices and commercial establishments operate on a five-day week. Most offices, shops and stores are closed on public holidays.

Language
Almost all Thais associate with tourism sector have working knowledge of English. So if you are an English speaking person, it would be fine.

Tourist Police
Tourist police takes care of the security of the tourists in Phuket. The tourist police emergency hotline is 1155.

VAT Refund
Foreign tourists are not required to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on items more than 5,000 Baht which they wish to take home. However, make sure that the papers are complete before applying.