Power Adapter

Electricity in Thailand is 220 volts at 50hz which is compatable with devices sold in many countries including the UK. If you are coming from a country that is not compatible then you will need a voltage converter. These can often be found amongst the travel accessories sold at airports though you will probably get them a lot cheaper by purchasing one locally before you travel.

Even if you do not need a voltage converter you will most likely require plug adapters. Most electrical outlets in Thailand will fit a plug with either two horizontally opposed flat pins (see right) or two round pins in the same configuration. Cheap adapters can found in many Phuket 7-11 or Family Mart stores but it would pay to have at least one with you before you travel so that you can be sure you are able to do things like charge your phone as soon as you check in to your hotel.

Something to Write With on the Plane

Shortly before your plane arrives in Bangkok you will be given an entry card to fill in. More than half the passengers will then be wanting to borrow a pen so they will be in short supply. Save yourself a little stress and keep one handy. You will also need your passport number so its a good idea to write it down to save rummaging through the overhead locker to get your documents.

There will be many other times that you need a pen so its a good idea to keep at least one in your room or for ladies to keep one in their handbags.

Hotel Directions and Map

The local taxi drivers are familiar with most of Phuket's hotels so you should not have any trouble finding yours. However, there's still a chance that they may not have heard of it or there might be a misunderstanding due to language difficulties. Having a map that clearly shows your hotel's location should solve any problems.

If you are staying at one of the smaller boutique hotels its even more important to do this as they are less well known to cabbies. If you are unable to obtain or print a map then the next best thing is to ask the driver to phone the hotel for directions so make sure you have the number handy.

Mosquito Repellent

This item is easily bought all over Phuket but its a good idea to apply some as soon as you get off the plane at Bangkok as the mosquitoes may well decide not to wait for you to go and buy some.

Malaria is not normally a problem on the island but there are a few cases of Dengue fever each year though usually they are confined to non-tourists who have to work or live in the danger areas. Most of the time, however, mosquito bites in Phuket are just a nasty irritation and will itch for two or three days before clearing up.

Keep your repellent handy and take care especially around sundown. If you are sitting near standing water at any time of day its a very good time to apply protection.

Finally, do not sleep with open windows unless they are screened. A single mosquito can cause a series of unsightly bites if allowed uninterrupted feeding while you sleep. If you see one in your room do not go to bed until it is taken care of. Many hotels will send someone to spray guest rooms upon request but failing that, it can be purchased at most 7-11s and Family Marts..

Warm Weather Clothing and Footwear

Phuket is hot all year round whether it is raining or not so loose, breathable garments are the most suitable whatever time of year you visit. These days there are many modern synthetic fabrics that fit the bill nicely but, if in doubt, cotton is always a good choice though it may cling to the skin if you perspire in which case white may not be the ideal colour. It would pay to remember, however, that Phuket is a shoppers paradise particularly for summer clothing so it may be wise to not take too much with you.

For strolling around town, sandals are ideal and can be purchased very cheaply almost everywhere. Although very popular, backless sandals or "flip-flops" are not, in our opinion, a good choice due to the uneveness of some footpaths. Also, a flash cloudburst can quickly make this type of footwear slippery and a hazard in themselves.

Travel Medicine

Pharmacies are one of the most common types of shops to be found in Phuket and stock most of the things you'd find in any western country but visitors should be aware that some drugs that are prescription-only in many countries are sold freely in Thailand. For this reason some people might feel more comfortable purchasing travel medicines before leaving home.

High on your list should be Immodium and antacid tablets as Thai food is generally very spicy and the change in diet can cause stomach upsets for a few people. If you plan on taking advantage of the many sea tours then motion sickness tablets might also be worth considering.

Thai Phrasebook

Phuket is a tourist hotspot so most of the local Thai people know enough english for you to get by without having to speak a word of Thai. However, there will be times when you wish to do more than ask for directions or barter for goods and a Thai phrasebook can be a great help in these situations. Amazon is a good place to pick up a cheap one.

Its not essential to take one with you as they can be purchased quite cheaply in Phuket but buying before you go will give you some time to learn the basics before you get there. Note: if buying in Phuket, take care that it is english to thai and not thai to english as they look similar at a glance.

Emergency Phone Numbers

You'll have them somewhere but its best to be organised and keep an easily accessible list of all the emergency numbers you might need.

Some prime candidates for the list should be the numbers to report lost or stolen credit cards, your travel insurance contact and the number of your country's embassy.

Battery Chargers

Obvious but easy to forget are things like mobile phone and laptop chargers. There are many electrical appliance retailers in Patong but if your model of appliance is not sold in the country then you might have trouble. You would also need to bear in mind that whatever you buy there will be for Thai electrical sockets and will therefore probably require an adapter to use it when you return to your home country.

Email Server and Login Password

If you use a web based email client such as Hotmail or Gmail then all you need to remember are your sign-in details and you can access your mail from one of the many internet cafes or hotel lobby computers.

If you use an email client such as Microsoft Outlook then you will need additional information to access your mail. Check the account setup and copy the address of both the smtp and pop3 servers (also write your password down). You can then set up your account on any computer but remember to delete it after use or others using the computer after you will be able to access your mail.