Phuket, Thailand 🇹🇭
#390
,
Nomad Score:
75%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Phuket is a popular island destination in Thailand known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average speed of 30 Mbps, with higher speeds available at coworking spaces |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 THB ≈ 0.03 USD, ATMs widely available, Visa and MasterCard accepted |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B/C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove, offering prepaid options |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | SCB, Bangkok Bank, and Kasikorn Bank offer services in English |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in most establishments, mobile payment options like Rabbit Line Pay available |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for shorter stays |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Bodega Phuket Party Hostel and The Memory at On On Hotel |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Patong Beach is popular among tourists for its nightlife and proximity to the beach |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Chalong and Rawai offer a quieter environment with coworking spaces and cafes |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | TheHive Phuket is popular among digital nomads for its community vibe and fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | One Chun Cafe offers a relaxing atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are regularly hosted at coworking spaces, including workshops and social gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Phuket Expats' foster community and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most widely used taxi app in Phuket. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Many local shops offer scooter rentals starting from 200 THB per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kata Beach is an accessible beach known for its clear waters and surfing. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways offers the best regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways and Emirates are popular for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Phuket has a good network of roads connecting to other provinces, including Highway 402. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Phuket does not have a train station; buses and minibuses provide intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly by songthaew (shared taxis) with no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and van services connect Phuket to nearby provinces like Krabi and Surat Thani. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bangkok Phuket Hospital offers high-quality medical care and services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Republic offers classes in various styles for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Jetts Fitness is a popular 24/7 gym in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats can be found throughout the island. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Grab Food and Foodpanda are popular options for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Table in Phuket Town offers an extensive vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mango Tango is famous for its mango sticky rice. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Phuket Weekend Market offers budget-friendly food and shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco Lotus offers online grocery shopping and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bangla Road in Patong is known for its lively nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Phuket Beer is a local favorite along with craft beers at the Phuket Beer Factory. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Ovino Wine Bar offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Khao Pad (fried rice) stalls are commonly found throughout the island. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Blue Elephant specializes in Royal Thai cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Big Buddha is a prominent landmark and cultural site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Phuket Trickeye Museum features interactive 3D art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Phuket Town showcases colonial architecture and cultural heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Chalong is the largest and most important Buddhist temple in Phuket. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Phuket Vegetarian Festival is celebrated annually with vibrant street processions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Thalang Road in Old Phuket Town is known for its cultural significance and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Simon Cabaret offers elaborate shows and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Phuket Weekend Market is a great spot for local food and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is widely available at bars and beach clubs around the island. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Phuket Town has various murals around the Old Town area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Baipai Thai Cooking School offers immersive cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Phuket Art Village promotes local artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Sino-Portuguese buildings in Old Town are iconic. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Phuket's unique blend of cultures reflects its rich history and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Phang Nga Bay is renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs and beautiful islands. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sirinat National Park offers diverse ecosystems and beaches. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Promthep Cape Walk offers scenic routes with stunning ocean views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Karon Viewpoint offers breathtaking views overlooking the bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is abundant in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Freedom Beach allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | QuickFix and local mobile repair shops are available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Siam Language School offers Thai language classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Phuket public library offers reading and study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural and social events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Hub in Phuket Town provides a space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Phuket does not have legal casinos, but nearby islands may have gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 80,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 3,200,000 THB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 60,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,400,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 75,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 4,500,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 55,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,300,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 65,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 5,200,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 45,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,600,000 THB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Personal income tax is progressive with a maximum rate of 35% |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | YES, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% of the assessed value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 38,000 THB tax exemption for foreigners on income derived outside Thailand. |