RAWAI & PHUKET
Plan your arrival and get your bearings in Phuket with advice from Sun House Rawai.
Last reviewed:
Getting around without a scooterTaxis, ride apps and buses
Scooter hire & drivingCheck your licence before hiring
Cash, cards & ATM feesAvoid repeating fixed ATM fees
Beach flags & safe swimmingA red flag means stay out
Island & boat outingsPick the right trip for your group
Being a good guest in PhuketCourtesy makes the day easierHealth & emergency helpKeep these numbers handyComplete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card within the three days before arrival.
Use the Thai e-Visa website to check the requirements for your passport, entry scheme and arrival date. The TDAC does not replace a visa or determine how long you may stay.
Arrange your ride from Phuket International Airport to Rawai before you fly.
You can book a taxi or take public transport. Give the driver the Sun House Rawai map pin; Phuket Town is a different destination.
Sun House can arrange your airport transfer as a separate service, with or without VIP. Send us your arrival details when you get in touch.
A Thai SIM gives you a local number for driver calls, verification codes and local services.
You can buy one at a Thai operator shop or the airport. Some 7-Eleven stores also sell tourist SIMs, but stock, setup support and plans vary by location.
Using a Thai SIM with a local account can reduce transport-app costs compared with a typical foreign-number tourist setup. Fares still vary by trip, offer and account.
Sun House can help you set up a Thai SIM as a separate service. The VIP Experience is an option if you’d prefer us to organise more of your stay.
You do not need to ride a scooter to get around Phuket.
For short trips, use a taxi or ride-hailing app and confirm the pickup point, destination and fare shown before you travel. Public buses suit some routes, but they are not door-to-door.
Only ride if you have motorcycle experience and a licence valid in Thailand for that vehicle.
If you’re unsure, take a taxi. Being able to hire a scooter does not mean your licence or insurance covers you to ride it.
You can choose your own rental or ask the Sun House office to arrange one as a separate service, even without VIP.
Keep some Thai baht with you for small businesses that don’t accept cards.
Thai ATMs usually charge a fixed withdrawal fee for foreign cards. Krungsri’s 2026 tariff lists ฿250 for Visa, UnionPay and JCB, and ฿350 for Mastercard, before any fee from your own bank. Check the charge on screen before you confirm.
Card minimums vary by shop; some convenience stores ask for around ฿200. Keep small baht notes for market stalls and independent vendors.
Do not swim under a red flag. Ask the lifeguard where swimming is allowed that day.
At Nai Harn, Ya Nui and other Phuket beaches, follow the flags and local closures even if the sea looks calm.
Choose an island outing that suits your group, and plan around the sea conditions.
Confirm the departure pier, transfers and what the price includes. Check weather cancellation terms before paying.
Tell us what kind of outing you have in mind. Sun House can help organise it as a separate service; the boat operator runs the trip.
Be polite, stay calm and remember that Rawai is home to the people you meet here.
Sabai describes comfort or ease. Bring a little of that spirit: nobody needs to win an argument in the Phuket heat.
Medical emergency: call 1669. Tourist Police: call 1155.
Give your location and a landmark. Keep your accommodation address and insurer’s number on your phone.
