WHAT TO TAKE TO PHUKET:

Phuket Island is the pearl of the Andaman Coast. One of the most prestigious resorts in the world is famous for its luxurious hotels and magnificent beaches. Translated from Malay, “Phuket” means mountain. The island really does resemble a mountain that rises from the depths of the sea. Phuket enchants tourists with its ancient architecture, which mixes Indian, Portuguese and Chinese styles, as well as pristine nature. Nightclubs, restaurants and shopping and entertainment centers await those who love noisy entertainment. In our article, we will talk about what to take with you to Phuket, what clothes to pack in your luggage, as well as what documents, medicines and other things you will need.

A SUITCASE OF USEFUL THINGS:

1. Documents

When planning your trip, take into account the fact that you may need some time to prepare some documents. Do not put off this important item of preparation until the very last moment. Especially for our article, we prepared a table with detailed comments, where we entered the necessary papers that will be needed for the trip to Phuket.

2. Passports

The document must be valid for at least six months before your return from the trip. There must be at least one blank page in the passport where you can put a visa. Most countries require separate passports for children.

3. Children’s birth certificate

You must take this document with you if your and your child’s surnames are different.

4. Visa

You can get one upon arrival at the airport in Thailand, for which you should take two 3 × 4 photographs, fill out a migration card and a questionnaire, the forms for which are issued on the plane, and also present copies of return tickets. A visa is issued at the airport if you are a citizen of the Russian Federation or Ukraine and are entering Thailand for no more than 30 days. Citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan must obtain a visa before the trip.

5. Permission for a child to travel abroad

Required if the child is traveling with one of the parents or with a group. In some countries, this is not a mandatory document, so it is important to find out what requirements for obtaining a permit apply in your country.

6. Money and bank cards

Every tourist who has obtained a visa in their home country must have at least 20,000 baht or the equivalent in another currency upon entry to Thailand. If a visa is issued upon arrival, this amount is 10,000 baht per person. Employees of the Immigration Service of the Kingdom of Thailand do not take into account money on bank cards and bank statements.

7. Medical insurance

Medicine is very expensive in Thailand, so it is in your best interest to obtain an insurance policy that will cover expenses in the event of an accident or injury.

8. Driver’s license

International driver’s license in the form of a booklet.

What to take with a child to Phuket:

Long flights during travel cause concern for many parents. A direct flight from Eastern Europe to the “Land of Smiles” takes 9-11 hours, and if the flight is indirect, then even more. Therefore, the composition of luggage and hand luggage should be carefully thought out. We are in a hurry to share what to take children to Phuket so that your vacation is perfect.

Clothes:

Due to its geographical location, the island has a wonderful climate. Warm and sunny weather reigns here almost all year round. However, the amount of precipitation on this paradise island is almost twice as high as in all other resorts in Thailand. In addition, in the fall, during the rainy season, there are strong storms. According to most tourists, the best time to relax in these parts is from November to March. At any time of the year, for a vacation in Phuket, you will need comfortable and light clothes, preferably made of natural fabrics. What clothes to pack and how much of it is needed depends on the age of your child. The younger the tourist, the more luggage he needs. If you are going to the “Land of Smiles” for 7 or 10 days, then expect that very young travelers will need to take 1-2 sets for each day of rest.

Pack a small backpack with things for the trip. For a small child, take 2-3 sets of clothes on board the plane so that you can change your fidget if necessary. If you are going to stay on the island for a long time, then you should not pack several suitcases of clothes. Thailand is famous for its cheap textiles, so you can buy everything you need here.

Accessories:

Phuket is famous not only for its heavenly nature, but also for its incredible shopping opportunities. Shops, supermarkets, shopping centers, megamalls are found at every step. Every day there are some promotions and sales, and the wealth of choice and assortment will amaze the imagination. The main shopping centers are Patong and Phuket Town. Shops are open from 9:00 to 22:00, there are also 24-hour ones.

Of course, you will buy everything you need in Phuket, and the prices will pleasantly surprise you. However, after a long flight, it is much more pleasant to devote the first hours to rest, rather than looking for the nearest shops. We have prepared a list of what you should take to Phuket if you are traveling with a baby.

If the child is already old enough, does not need diapers and can walk long distances on his own, then the list is shortened. Do not forget to take only:

• a large pack of wet wipes;
• hand sanitizer;
• shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush;
• sunscreen;
• comb;
• repellents.

Gadgets and other equipment:

When traveling, gadgets and electronic devices are simply irreplaceable things. It is hard to imagine how people used to do without all this. Cartoons, programs, books or games on your smartphone will help you brighten up your leisure time on the road. A few days before the trip, check the functionality of all gadgets, put chargers, batteries and cords. Make sure that there is enough money on your phone account in advance. Since tablets and smartphones have replaced many gadgets at the moment, it simply does not make sense to take some things with you. It is enough to install the necessary programs. For example, taking a heavy camera with you only makes sense if you are a professional photographer.

So, what to take on vacation:

• smartphone;
• tablet, laptop;
• Power bank.

In addition, the following will also come in handy:

• blender;
• kettle;
• waterproof case for smartphone.

Toys:

On a long trip, you cannot do without your favorite toys. Offer your child to pack for the trip themselves, they will probably enjoy this activity. Just explain that two or three small dolls or cars will go on vacation. In addition, buy puzzles, travel mini-games, coloring books, drawing accessories in advance for the trip, which should be given out “in portions” during the trip. At the seaside, you can take a bucket, a shovel, molds, an inflatable vest, armbands, a mask and a snorkel. Check these toys and accessories in your luggage.

What medications to take:

Pharmacies are not uncommon in Phuket. Most of them work according to the same schedule as stores. Prices for medications are relatively low, and pharmacists speak English. Many medications may have a Thai name, but pharmacy workers, as a rule, help find the right product by the main active ingredient.

Please note that some pharmacies do not allow entry in shoes, this is indicated by a sign at the entrance or several pairs of shoes near the door. Let’s talk in more detail about what your first aid kit should contain and what medications to take to Phuket:

• medicines for chronic diseases;
• antispasmodics;
• antipyretics; tablets for sore throat; spray or syrup for cough;
• a remedy for sunburn;
• drops for a runny nose;
• drops for ear pain;
• enterosorbents;
• an antidiarrheal agent, intestinal antiseptics;
• an antiallergy agent;
• motion sickness tablets;
• a remedy for minor wounds;
• a plaster, bandage;
• a remedy for insect bites;
• an electronic thermometer;
• aspirator (for babies under one year old);
• earplugs.

If you need special medications, then a few days before the trip, visit your doctor and get a prescription in English. You cannot bring medications containing psychotropic and narcotic substances to Phuket.

Medicines for a child under three years old should be in the form of syrup or suspensions.

Child nutrition:

Thai national cuisine is quite specific, it is distinguished by unusual combinations of products and a large number of hot spices. We have dedicated a separate article to this topic. Phuket hotels are focused on guests from Europe, so the cuisine is maximally adapted to European tourists. Porridge, fruits and juices are offered for children. Children’s dishes in hotels are prepared with a minimum addition of spices and sugar. Basically, tourists only have breakfast in hotels, and lunch and dinner in cafes, restaurants or buy street food. Any establishment can offer young tourists a children’s menu. As a rule, this is rice, soups, salads, stewed meat. Large supermarkets sell baby food from well-known manufacturers. Many parents note the good quality of the puree of the local manufacturer Peachy. It should be noted that some products are in great shortage in Phuket. Therefore, if your child prefers buckwheat porridge, pretzels, dry biscuits or a certain type of jarred puree, then it is better to take the necessary supply of favorite products from home. If you plan to cook on vacation yourself, then put a blender in your luggage.

According to Thai law, you cannot import food products without the appropriate certificates. At the same time, things are inspected only selectively and they do not find fault with baby food.

What currency is better to take to Phuket:

We suggest considering in detail the question of what money to take to Phuket. Here, as everywhere in Thailand, the national currency is the baht. It is advisable to take dollars or euros with you, which you can exchange for baht at any bank or exchange office. It will be problematic to exchange the currency of other countries. Banks are open from 9:00 to 17:00. When exchanging currency at a bank, you must present your passport or a copy of it. Bank cards are accepted for payment, but you will need cash in souvenir shops, markets or small stores. How much money to take with you on vacation depends only on your capabilities. In order to guide you when planning your budget, we will give some prices in Phuket:

• average bill for two in a popular restaurant – from 1000 baht;
• lunch in an inexpensive cafe – from 65 baht;
• cappuccino – 80 baht; rafting – 1000 baht;
• safari – 600 baht;
• sea fishing – 1200 baht; water park – 1200 baht; souvenirs – from 20 baht;
• sightseeing tour of the island – 1200 baht.

What can not be brought to Phuket:

According to local legislation, you cannot take to Phuket:

• drugs, medications that include psychotropic substances;
• weapons, explosives;
• fighting dogs;
• electronic cigarettes, liquid for them, hookahs;
• pirated copies of software.
• meat, milk, canned food and other products that do not have special certificates.

What can you bring in:

According to the laws of the Kingdom of Thailand, you can bring in:

• clothes and valuables worth no more than 10,000 baht;
• gadgets and equipment for personal use;
• jewelry. If their total amount exceeds 80,000 baht, they are subject to mandatory declaration;
• 200 cigarettes; 1 liter of alcoholic beverages.

What you can not take to Phuket:

Before closing your suitcase, check everything again. We have prepared a short list of what you do not need to take to Phuket:

• Diapers. It is not advisable to take too many diapers for children, as they can be bought at any local store.
• Beach toys.
• Beach umbrella and mat.
• Household chemicals and cosmetics.
• Umbrella and raincoat.
• Repellents. Experienced tourists say that it is better to take locally produced mosquito repellents.

We will be glad if we helped you plan what to take on holiday to Phuket!

We wish your holiday to be exciting and unforgettable!

                                     Good Bye!