FastFacts

Useful information for travellers heading to Phuket:

Language(s): Thai, but English is widely understood

Capital City: Bangkok

Population (Thailand): 65 million

Area (Thailand): 198,000 square miles

Telephone calling code: +66

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Major hotels have 110V adapters

Currency: Thai Baht - Exchange Rates

Credit cards: Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Master Card, VISA, Diners and Carte Blanche are accepted at most hotels and state run shops in the major cities.

Taxes: 10% VAT, refundable before leaving the country for purchases over 5000 baht - Details...

Tipping: An additional 5% to 10% is acceptable in restaurants. No tipping in simple restaurants and food stalls. Small tips for bellboys and room maids.

Visa requirements: Thailand permits passport holders from many countries to enter without Visas - Details...

Time zone: GMT +7 hours - Current time...

National Holidays: Thailand has 21 official holidays per year - Details...

Business hours:
Government offices are open Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Most offices open 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
General banking hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30am - 3:30pm.
Shopping centres are open everyday from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm.

Less useful (but interesting) information for travellers heading to Phuket:

Movies filmed in Phuket and surrounding areas:

Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Phang Nga Bay, Phang Nga, Krabi

Etiquette: It is illegal to insult the royal family.