Driving
Taxis and Tuk Tuks are everywhere. They will have posted pricing to basically anywhere in Phuket, haggle! You can usually get 50-100BHT off.
Scooters: You DO need a valid International Drivers License to drive or you will have to pay a small fine if you get pulled over.
Water
As a general rule do not drink the tap water. but, we drank the Twinpalms water and had no issues. Talk to your hotel at check-in. Ice is always made with clean water and is safe.
Most hotels provide daily water bottles and you can usually request more.
Money
When exchanging always count your money and ask for a receipt. We traveled with USD and exchanged it at the Phuket airport for BHT, there are ATMs on nearly every block should you need to pull out additional cash.
1 USD = 30 THB
Phones
Wifi is available at most hotels and many restaurants.
SIM cards are easy to find at any convenience store or pick up a free one at the airport luggage claim (usually from TRUE Move) then go to the next 7-11 and add credit to it.
Plugs
No adapter needed for standard US electronics.
E-cigarette
Outlawed since 2014, you can face fines if caught using them in public. Use discretely or on your hotel balcony.
Tips & Tricks
Temples: Ladies, always bring a scarf with you to wrap around your legs or shoulders. Short shorts & bare shoulders are disrespectful in temples.
Avoid getting Scammed at bars: If a bartender challenges you to a game if you win they will buy you a drink, if you win then you buy them a drink. BUT once they win they will show you a different menu or sign for 'staff' drinks that are sometimes 5x more than it should be!!
Haggling: Ask the price, offer 25% and dont give up until you get 50% off.
Restrooms: When out and about not all toilets will have TP.
Mosquitos: Dengue fever does occur in Phuket but it is uncommon. Malaria is rare to the point of non-existence. Avoid getting bitten and cover up at night.
Buddha: Buying statues and getting Bddhist tattoos are disrespecful, sometimes even illegal.Royalty: The Tahi royal family is very respected - public criticism of them is illegal. The national anthem is played on the raido at 8am & 6pm and before movies in the cinema. You'll be expected to stand for it.
Alcohol: Convenience stores only sell alcohol from 11am-2pm and from 5pm - midnight. Bars and restaurants offer alcohol anytime except on religious and royal holidays like Buddha Days.