First Week in Phuket: Arrival Checklist for New Expats (2026)

Q: Which SIM card should I get at Phuket Airport?

AIS, True Move H, and DTAC all have counters at Phuket International Airport (arrivals hall). AIS has the best coverage island-wide. For a 30-day tourist SIM with 10GB data, expect to pay 299–599 THB. If you're staying long-term, AIS offers monthly plans from 399 THB with unlimited data (with speed caps after a threshold).

Q: Can I open a Thai bank account in my first week?

It depends on your visa. On a tourist visa or visa exemption, most Thai banks won't open an account. On a Non-OA, Non-B, LTR, or Elite visa, Kasikorn Bank (KBank) and Bangkok Bank are the most foreigner-friendly in Phuket. The KBank branch on Yaowarat Road in Phuket Town is used to expat applications. Bring passport, visa, and proof of address.

Q: What's the easiest way to get around Phuket without a car?

Grab (app-based taxi) works well in central Phuket and covers most of the island. For day-to-day freedom, most expats rent a scooter — Honda PCX 150 or similar — for around 3,000–4,500 THB/month. Bolt is also active in Phuket. Avoid negotiating with tuk-tuks (notoriously overpriced). Renting a car for your first week while you get oriented is a smart move.

Q: How much cash should I have for my first week?

Have at least 20,000–30,000 THB cash for your first week. ATMs at Phuket Airport charge a 220 THB foreign transaction fee — withdraw larger amounts to minimise fees. Wise or Revolut cards minimise conversion costs. Budget for: SIM card (500 THB), first month's rent deposit (often 2 months), transport, food, and initial household setup.

Landing in Phuket is exciting — and slightly overwhelming. There are SIM cards to buy, accommodation to secure, immigration to satisfy, and a whole island to figure out. This checklist walks you through day-by-day so nothing falls through the cracks.

The first week in Phuket sets the tone. Get the admin right early and you'll be sipping your first mango smoothie at Nai Harn beach by Day 4. Get it wrong and you'll spend Week 2 queuing at the immigration office in Chalermprakiat Road with a stack of documents. Here's the order that actually works.

Day 1: Airport to Accommodation

Day 1 — Arrival Day

From Phuket International Airport

Get a SIM card at the airport counters (AIS, True, or DTAC — arrivals hall) DO NOW
Withdraw 10,000–15,000 THB from airport ATMs (220 THB fee — withdraw large amounts)
Arrange transfer to accommodation — pre-book Grab or use airport taxi stand (metered)
Check in and confirm your landlord has received all documents
Ask landlord to file TM30 form within 24 hours LEGAL
Connect to WiFi and download key apps: Grab, Bolt, Google Maps, LINE
Orient yourself: find nearest 7-Eleven, pharmacy, and food options

🛵 Airport Transfer Tip

Pre-book a Grab from the airport — dramatically cheaper than official airport taxis. From Phuket Airport to Rawai or Nai Harn (south): around 600–900 THB. To Bang Tao (north): 250–400 THB. To Patong: 350–500 THB. Don't accept offers from touts inside the terminal.

Days 2–3: Essential Admin

Days 2–3 — Admin Priority

Immigration & Legal Basics

Confirm TM30 has been filed by landlord (get a copy) REQUIRED
Check your visa type and its conditions — know your expiry date
If on a long-stay visa: register at Phuket Immigration Office (Chalermprakiat Rd) WEEK 1
Download the Phuket Immigration Office location on Google Maps: near Central Festival
If you need a visa agent, shortlist from our vetted directory
Note your 90-day reporting deadline in your calendar — don't miss it CALENDAR

Days 2–3 — Money & Banking

Getting Your Finances Set Up

Set up Wise or Revolut if you haven't — essential for fee-free transfers DO EARLY
If eligible, visit KBank on Yaowarat Road (Phuket Town) to open a Thai account
Collect documents for bank account: passport, visa, proof of address, photos
Ask landlord for a utility bill or rental contract for address proof
Set up PromptPay once account is open (instant Thai bank transfers)
Download K Plus (KBank app) or Bangkok Bank Mobile app

For a full breakdown of banking options, see our Phuket banking guide. The ATM fee situation is real — 220 THB per foreign card withdrawal adds up fast. Getting a Thai account or using Wise minimises this significantly.

Save Money on Every Transfer to Thailand

Thousands of Phuket expats use Wise to transfer money from the UK, EU, Australia and US. Mid-market exchange rate, low fees, fast transfers.

Open Wise Account →

Days 3–5: Accommodation & Transport

Days 3–5 — Housing

Settling Into Your Home

If still in temporary accommodation, confirm longer-term rental contract
Document the rental property with photos — before and after PROTECT DEPOSIT
Test all utilities: water, electricity, air-con (check it's working, not just blowing warm air)
Get WiFi installed — AIS Fibre or True Online; takes 1–3 days from order
Check water quality — most expats use a water cooler (Sprinkle delivers island-wide)
Get landlord's LINE ID for communication — LINE is the standard in Thailand
Understand your electricity meter — PEA bills monthly, often large with A/C

Days 3–5 — Transport

Getting Around Phuket

Rent a scooter (Honda PCX 150/Click 125 — about 3,000–4,500 THB/month) FREEDOM
Buy a helmet — don't use the free one that comes with the rental; get a proper one from Makro/Tops
Start the process of getting a Thai driving licence at Land Transport Office (Chalermprakiat Rd) WEEK 1-2
Download Grab and Bolt as backup transport
Learn the main roads: Phuket bypass road, Thepkasattri Rd (north-south), Chao Fah West/East
Save key locations in Google Maps: immigration, your nearest hospital, Makro

Phuket's roads are manageable but require respect. The bypass road and Thepkasattri Road are fast and have regular accidents. For your first few days, take the slower routes until you understand how Thai drivers behave. Read our Phuket transport guide for the full picture on licences and safety.

Days 5–7: Healthcare & Insurance

Days 5–7 — Health

Don't Skip This Step

If not already insured: get expat health insurance immediately DON'T DELAY
Register with Bangkok Hospital Phuket or your nearest hospital as a patient
Bangkok Hospital: 2/1 Hongyok Uthit Rd — Tel: 076-254-425
Siriroj Hospital: Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town — Tel: 076-361-888
Locate nearest pharmacy: Boots and Watsons branches around Central Festival
Transfer prescription records to local doctor if managing chronic conditions
Find a dentist — dental care is excellent and affordable in Phuket (300–800 THB check-up)

⚠️ Insurance Is Not Optional

Bangkok Hospital Phuket is excellent — and expensive. A routine visit costs 2,000–4,000 THB. An emergency involving surgery or ICU will run 200,000–500,000 THB or more. One serious accident without insurance can wipe out years of savings. See our healthcare and insurance guide for Phuket-specific plan recommendations.

Get Health Insurance Before You Explore

Riding a scooter in Phuket without health insurance is a genuine risk. Compare expat plans covering Bangkok Hospital, Siriroj, and all major Phuket hospitals.

Compare Insurance Plans →

End of Week 1: The Orientation Drive

By Day 7, take a full-island orientation drive. It sounds simple but it's transformative. Understanding the geography makes everything easier — where the supermarkets are, which areas feel right for you, how long it takes to get from Bang Tao to Rawai (longer than you think).

Suggested route: Bang Tao → Kamala → Patong → Kata → Karon → Rawai/Nai Harn → Chalong → Phuket Town → Big Buddha → back north. Allow half a day minimum. Stop at Big C Extra on the bypass road and Makro Phuket Town for a shopping orientation.

Read our individual area guides to understand what makes each neighbourhood distinct. Most expats think they want Patong — and end up in Rawai or Bang Tao within 6 months.

Week 1 Checklist Summary

Full Week Summary

Before End of Week 1

SIM card with data plan DONE DAY 1
TM30 filed by landlord 24 HRS
Transfer app (Wise/Revolut) set up ASAP
Rental contract signed and photographed
WiFi ordered/installed
Scooter or car rental sorted
Health insurance active BEFORE RIDING
Nearest hospital located and saved
Bank account process started (if eligible)
90-day reporting deadline in calendar
Grocery store locations known (Makro, Big C, Villa Market, Tops)
Emergency numbers saved: Tourist Police 1155, Bangkok Hospital 076-254425

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to report to immigration when I arrive in Phuket? +

Yes. If you're staying in your own accommodation (not a hotel), your landlord must file a TM30 form within 24 hours of your arrival. On a long-stay visa, register your address at Phuket Immigration Office (Chalermprakiat Road) within 7 days.

Which SIM card should I get at Phuket Airport? +

AIS, True Move H, and DTAC all have counters in the arrivals hall. AIS has the best island-wide coverage. A 30-day tourist SIM with 10GB data costs 299–599 THB. Long-stay expats should move to a monthly AIS or True plan from around 399 THB/month.

Can I open a Thai bank account in my first week? +

On a tourist visa or visa exemption, most banks won't open an account. On a Non-OA, LTR, or Elite visa, KBank (Yaowarat Road branch, Phuket Town) is most foreigner-friendly. Bring passport, visa, and proof of address.

What's the easiest way to get around Phuket without a car? +

Grab works well in central Phuket. For daily freedom, most expats rent a scooter for 3,000–4,500 THB/month. Bolt is also active. Avoid negotiating with tuk-tuks — they're notoriously overpriced for non-tourist routes.

How much cash should I have for my first week? +

Have at least 20,000–30,000 THB cash. ATMs charge 220 THB per foreign transaction — withdraw larger amounts. Budget for: SIM (500 THB), first/last month deposit, transport rental, food, and initial household items.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Phuket Expat Guide earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we use ourselves.