Chapter · Arrival
What to do the moment you land: how to leave the airport, how to reach your hotel and what it costs, where to change money and get internet. No overpaying, no stress.
Phuket International Airport is one of Thailand’s busiest. Two terminals: T1 for international flights, T2 for domestic. They’re ~200 m apart, signposted.
Four reliable options — from budget to zero-effort.
Comfortable electric buses along the west coast: Nai Thon → Surin → Kamala → Patong → Karon → Kata → Rawai. Hourly. Stop is by the domestic terminal (T2); ~200 m from T1 by the signs.
Best for: day flights, light luggage
A driver meets you with a sign, fixed price, minivan for up to 8. Pick date, time and address in advance. Price depends on the area.
Best for: families, groups, late flights
Grab (~1000 ฿) is officially allowed, pickup at the exit. Bolt / InDrive (~700 ฿) are cheaper but drivers wait off-site (~300 m). They accept foreign numbers and cash. Install the apps before you fly.
Best for: budget and easy
A counter right in the terminal, fixed price — get in and go. No need to deal with apps the minute you land.
Best for: simplest option
PhuketStayPro
We meet you at the airport, drive you on a vetted transfer, sort your SIM and money exchange, and brief you on the area. One chat and it’s all handled.
Grab is about 1000 ฿ ($30), Bolt/InDrive about 700 ฿ ($20), official taxi $50–70, a pre-booked transfer from 1500 ฿. The Phuket Smart Bus is 200 ฿.
Easiest are Grab/Bolt (fixed-price apps), a pre-booked meet-and-greet transfer, or the official taxi counter in the terminal. On a budget, take the Phuket Smart Bus along the west coast.
Airport rates are poor — change only $50–100 for the taxi. Do the main exchange at certified bank booths in the tourist areas (e.g. Central Phuket, 4th floor). Bring your original passport.
The airport is 20–30% pricier. Cheaper at any 7-Eleven: SIM ~50 ฿, unlimited month ~350 ฿, weekly pack ~700 ฿. Carriers: AIS, DTAC, TrueMove H. Passport required. Or an eSIM activated before you fly.
Where to go next?
300+ vetted restaurants, beaches, spas and activities across 5 districts, with a map. Lifetime access.
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