Everything you need to
live well in Phuket
Visas. Housing. Healthcare. Banking. Schools. Cost of living. Written by expats who moved to Rawai in 2019 and never left. No fluff, no generic Thailand advice — just Phuket.
12 topics. Every Phuket expat question answered.
From your first tourist visa to buying a condo in Bang Tao — we cover every practical aspect of expat life in Phuket.
Visas & Immigration
Non-OA, Elite, DTV, LTR, marriage visa, 90-day reporting, visa agents in Phuket.
Housing & Renting
Where to live, what to pay, contracts, furnished vs unfurnished, long-term villa rentals.
Healthcare
Bangkok Hospital, Siriroj, Vachira — how they compare, costs, health insurance options.
Banking & Money
Opening a Thai bank account, Wise transfers, SWIFT/IBAN, avoiding ATM fees.
International Schools
BISP, UWC Thailand, HeadStart — fees, admissions, which area they're in.
Working in Phuket
Work permits, setting up a business, teaching, remote work, co-working spaces.
Transport
Renting a scooter, buying a car, Grab, songthaews, getting a Thai driving licence.
Lifestyle
Food, gyms, fitness, nightlife, expat community, pets, shopping, utilities.
Tax & Finance
Thai tax residency, DTA treaties, what to declare, what to avoid.
Retirement
Non-OA visa, retirement budget, where retirees live, healthcare planning.
Cost of Living
Real 2026 numbers — rent, food, transport, healthcare. Single, couple, family budgets.
Moving to Phuket
Shipping costs, what to bring, what to buy here, expat movers, first week checklist.
8 Phuket areas. Honest, area-specific advice.
Every area has a different vibe, price point, and expat community. We cover all of them.
Rawai & Nai Harn
Local feel, affordable, south Phuket
Bang Tao & Laguna
Upscale, family-friendly, long beach
Phuket Town
Cultural hub, most affordable, authentic
Kamala
Quiet, upscale, between Patong and Surin
Surin & Cherng Talay
Luxury villas, expat families, restaurants
Kata & Karon
Mid-range, surf beach, relaxed vibe
Chalong
Muay Thai, affordable, central south
Patong
Entertainment, nightlife, tourist hub
Most-read by newcomers
The guides every Phuket expat reads first — bookmarked, printed, shared.
Cost of Living in Phuket 2026 — Real Numbers
Rent, food, transport, healthcare. What singles, couples and families actually spend.
Phuket Visa Guide 2026 — Every Option Explained
Elite, Non-OA, LTR, DTV, marriage visa — which one is right for your situation.
Healthcare in Phuket — Bangkok Hospital vs Siriroj
Costs, quality, English-speaking doctors, and what health insurance you actually need.
Renting in Phuket — What You Get for Your Budget
Area-by-area rental prices, contract tips, furnished vs unfurnished.
Best Expat Health Insurance for Phuket 2026
What local vs international plans cover, which providers work with Bangkok Hospital.
Best Areas to Live in Phuket for Expats in 2026
Honest comparison of all 8 expat areas — by lifestyle, budget, and what matters most.
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