Thailand and Phuket FAQ
Time Difference
+3 hours Abu Dhabi
+7 hours GMT
Language
English is widely spoken in tourist areas and is
taught in most secondary schools.
Climate
Tropical climate with year-round temperature range
from 22°C to 36°C (72°F - 97°F) Dry season November to
April and rainy season from May to October which are
usually of short duration and generally followed by
sunshine.
Currency Rates
1 AED = approximately THB 9.4
1 GBP = approximately THB 70
1 US$ = approximately THB 38
1 Euro = approximately THB 46
1 RUB = approximately THB 1.3
Credit Card Usage
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. A
surcharge of 3% may be added on occasion.
Mobile Phones
There should be no problem using your mobile phone
in Thailand. If need be a local SIM card can be
purchased.
Internet
Wireless internet is supplied in all Richmond
developments.
English Television
UBC is the main satellite company and offer sports,
cartoons, CNN, BBC, HBO etc.
Electricity
Electric supply is 220 volts. Plug sockets are
either flat 2 pin or round 2 pin. Adapters are commonly
available.
Water Supply
Available through public system or private wells.
Drinking Water
Tap water is not advised/unsafe. Bottled water is readily available.
Medical Services and Dentistry
There are 3 international standard hospitals plus 7 local
hospitals and more than 80 health centers.
Shopping
There are four international hypermarkets, countless smaller
supermarkets and traditional street markets and bazaars.
Schools
There are three international schools in Phuket, plus a
comprehensive Thai education system ranging from
kindergarten to university level.
The British International School has been established
since 1996, QSI International School and Greenhouse
International Pre-School.
Banks
Cash machines are widely available using Maestro,
Cirrus or Plus. Cash advance can be obtained using Visa
and Mastercard over the counter.
Opening a bank account is a simple process, all that is required is
a passport and residency documents.
Security
With very little crime, Phuket is already renowned
as one of the safest places in the world to live.
Cost of Living
From petrol to food to medical services, visitors
are amazed at their new-found buying power in this
tropical paradise.
Household Staff
Domestic help, at very reasonable cost, is readily
available from a kind and willing labour force.
How do I Get There?
By Air - Please refer to out Flight Info section.
By Road - Bangkok is 885km north of Phuket, a drive of about 8-13
hours.
By Sea - There are marinas offering excellent anchorage and
facilities.
Getting Around
Taxis and limo services are available at the
airport. Average fare is THB 400-800 depending on
destination.
Tuk-tuks (small red pick-up trucks) can be flagged down
in popular tourist areas i.e. Patong. Average fare THB
100-200 depending on destination.
Buses or Songtaews have regular routes . Fare ranges
from THB 20-40
Car hire is widely available. Average rate THB 1500-3000
per day including driver and gas.
Motorbike hire is widely available.
There are regular ferry services between Phuket and the
Phi-Phi islands.
You can charter anything from a small long tail fishing
boat to a luxury yacht.
Do I need a Visa to enter Thailand?
Most foreign nationals can enter Thailand on a 30
day tourist visa which can be obtained on arrival,
longer tourist visas can be applied for at Thai Embassy
in your home country.
An extension can be applied for at the immigration
offices in Patong and Phuket City.
Further details can be obtained at the Royal Thai Embassy..
To enquire about investing in property in Phuket please call one or email of our experienced international property consultants. +971 4 399 9090 international@prebdubai.com