Most travelers fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT), the island's main airport for domestic and international flights. From HKT, you can reach the main resort areas and Phuket Town by road transfer. Phuket is also a common gateway for ferry and speedboat routes to nearby islands (Phi Phi, Krabi coast) and for dive-boat departures from Chalong Pier and other marinas.

Phuket's primary airport and a major gateway to Southern Thailand. Most visitors connect via Bangkok or fly direct on regional routes.

A practical alternative if you are combining Phuket with Krabi or planning a Phi Phi based itinerary, though it adds a longer ground or sea transfer to Phuket.

Phuket is easiest with a plan for getting around:

Private transfers and taxis are common for airport and pier logistics.
Rideshare apps operate in many areas, but availability and pickup rules can vary by zone.
Scooter rental is widespread, but risk is high. Only ride if licensed, insured, and confident.
For divers, a stay near Chalong or Rawai can reduce daily pickup time significantly.

Thailand requires most non-Thai nationals to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entry. The TDAC manual states submission is required for all non-Thai nationals and should be completed 3 days in advance of arrival.

Visa rules depend on nationality. Thailand has a published visa-exemption scheme for many countries (with specific stay limits) and visa-on-arrival options for others. Always confirm your current eligibility and allowed stay length with an official Thai embassy or consulate before you fly.

Most dive operators provide tanks, weights, and rental gear. Bringing your own mask, computer, and exposure protection improves comfort and fit.
If you are doing wreck or offshore days, consider Nitrox and carry a surface marker buoy.
For liveaboards, pack soft luggage and keep critical items (computer, mask, meds) in carry-on.
Rinse and dry gear thoroughly; humidity is high year-round and mold can build quickly in closed bags.

Cash is widely used for markets, small restaurants, taxis, and some tour add-ons like park fees. Cards work well at larger hotels and many dive shops, but keep cash for piers and day-trip logistics.

ATMs are common in resort areas and Phuket Town. Expect per-withdrawal fees and plan fewer, larger withdrawals to reduce charges. Carry a second card if possible in case one fails.

Thailand commonly uses plug types A, B, C, and O on a 230V / 50Hz supply. Many hotels have mixed sockets, but a universal adaptor is still a good idea. Make sure chargers are dual-voltage if your home standard differs.

Communications

Local prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport and in towns, with strong coverage across most of the island. Remote offshore areas depend on the boat's radios and the operator's logistics rather than mobile signal.

Language

Thai is the main language. English is widely spoken in tourist and dive-industry areas, especially around Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong, and Phuket Town.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that explicitly covers scuba and freediving, plus evacuation and hyperbaric treatment. DAN-style diving coverage is common among visiting divers. If you plan to rent a scooter, confirm your policy covers motorbike use under local licensing rules.

Packing list

Exposure: most divers are comfortable in a 3mm suit year-round; bring a 5mm if you get cold on repetitive dives or long boat days.
Sun: rashguard, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses.
Safety: SMB, whistle, and a small dry bag for boat days.
Comfort: seasickness meds, hydration salts, and a light rain layer in monsoon months.

Phuket

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Gear Logistics Checklist

Practicalities

Currency

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