Locations, prices, and bulk shopping strategies for expats
From experience: Tesco Lotus and Makro are the two main bulk-shopping options for Phuket expats. Tesco is everywhere (easier), Makro is cheaper (warehouse-style). Most expats use Tesco for regular groceries and convenience; Makro for monthly bulk runs or non-perishables. Tesco has better fresh produce and international brands; Makro beats it on price if you buy in volume. This guide tells you which to use when.
Phuket Town, Patong, Kathu, Rawai, and more
Phuket Town and Patong; bulk-focused
Tesco 8 AM-10 PM; Makro 9 AM-9 PM
| Location | Area | Size | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesco Lotus Extra | Phuket Town (largest) | Large hypermarket | Widest selection, fresh market section, home goods |
| Tesco Merlin | Patong | Large | Central beach location, convenient for tourists |
| Tesco Kathu | Kathu (central island) | Medium | Good for north-island residents |
| Tesco Rawai | Rawai | Small-Medium | Convenient for south-island expats |
| Tesco Cherng Talay | Cherng Talay (Laguna) | Medium | Bang Tao/Laguna area shoppers |
Tesco excels at fresh vegetables, fruits, Western brands (cheeses, deli meats, baking ingredients), and ready-made meals. Tesco Town is the largest and has a wet market section with fresh herbs, local vegetables, and seafood. Prices are moderate (10-20% above budget supermarkets, but fresher stock). You'll find international foods here that Makro doesn't carry.
Free membership. Get a plastic or digital card. You accumulate points (1 point per 1 THB spent) and get personalized discounts. Points convert to vouchers (100 points = 50 THB voucher). Useful if you shop weekly. Not required, but worth registering your phone number for the digital card.
You must have a membership card to enter. Thai nationals and residents get free membership. Foreigners pay 500 THB annually (valid nationwide at all Makro locations). Worth it if you shop monthly. You'll save more than 500 THB quickly on bulk purchases.
To apply: Bring passport and work permit or long-stay documentation. Process takes 15-20 minutes. Digital membership is now available—register on their app for contactless entry.
Makro is 5-15% cheaper on most non-perishables and wholesale goods. Buy larger quantities: 24-pack beer, 1-kg packages of dry goods, etc. Stock rotation is slower (less fresh), but for items like rice, pasta, canned goods, cereal, and beverages, Makro wins. International brands are less common here—it's Thai wholesale-focused.
The math: Bulk buying at Makro saves 20-30% if you buy in volume. Small individual purchases don't save much.
Weekly Tesco run: Fresh groceries, dairy, international brands, ready meals. Spend 1,000-2,000 THB.
Monthly Makro visit: Bulk non-perishables, household supplies, beverages. Spend 2,000-5,000 THB (saves 20-30% vs retail).
7-Eleven for emergencies: Late-night milk, beer, snacks.
Both accept credit/debit cards, ATM cards, and mobile payments (PromptPay, AirAsia, Alipay). No minimum purchase. Large hauls over 5,000 THB? Card is safer than cash.
| Factor | Tesco Lotus | Makro |
|---|---|---|
| Price (per unit) | Higher | Lower (bulk purchases) |
| Fresh Produce | Excellent | Fair |
| International Brands | Excellent | Limited |
| Locations in Phuket | 6+ stores | 2 warehouses |
| Membership | Free (Clubcard) | 500 THB/year (required) |
| Convenience | Very convenient (multiple locations, flexible) | Less convenient (warehouse style) |
| Bulk Items | Available but pricier | Cheapest option |
| Household Supplies | Good selection | Excellent, cheapest |
| Hours | 8 AM-10 PM | 9 AM-9 PM |
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Makro is generally 5-15% cheaper on bulk items and wholesale goods. Tesco is more convenient with better fresh produce selection. For household essentials and non-perishables, Makro wins. For fresh food, Tesco is better.
Tesco: Free membership (Clubcard) improves discounts. Makro: Membership required (free for Thai ID, 500 THB annually for foreigners); valid nationwide.
Major locations: Phuket Town (largest), Patong Merlin, Kathu, Rawai, and Cherng Talay. Hours: typically 8 AM-10 PM.
Two main locations: Phuket Town (Thepkrasattri Road) and Patong Beach Road. Both are large warehouse-style stores. Hours: 9 AM-9 PM typically.
Weekday mornings (Mon-Fri, 9-11 AM) are quietest with freshest stock. Saturdays are packed. Sundays are moderate. Avoid holidays and long weekends.
Yes, both accept credit/debit cards, ATM cards, and mobile payments (PromptPay, AirAsia, Alipay). No minimum purchase required. Cash discounts don't exist.
Questions about what to buy, where to shop, or budgeting for groceries in Phuket? Our team shops here weekly.
Multi-Currency Card for Shopping: [AFFILIATE_WISE] lets you shop at Tesco and Makro with a card that doesn't charge foreign fees. Store items in your account from home before traveling.
Health Coverage for Active Living: Lots of walking/shopping? [AFFILIATE_CIGNA_HEALTH] covers accidents and health issues that arise from daily activities.