Much like the rest of Thailand, Phuket Island boasts relatively reasonable prices for the increasing numbers of foreign tourists who flock there each year. Yet for larger purchases while in Phuket, it's often cheapest to use a credit or debit card, since exchanging cash or traveler's checks can come with considerable fees. Armed with the right information, travelers should feel free to pay with plastic in Phuket.
Contact your credit card company plus the bank that issued the card before leaving for your trip to Thailand. Verify what their foreign currency conversion fees are; that is, how much you'll be charged on top of the cost of each foreign purchase. According to MSN.com, Visa and MasterCard each charge a 1 percent "transaction fee" on each purchase abroad, while many credit card-issuing banks, including Bank of America, Citibank and J.P. Morgan Chase, charge an additional 2 percent on these foreign purchases. Know how much you'll be charged before you go to Phuket, and if possible, bring along a credit card from a company that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
Write down your credit card information including the card number, expiration date and three-digit validation number on the back of the card, as well as numbers to contact in case of loss or theft. Stow this information in a safe place separate from the credit cards themselves while in Phuket, such as in a money belt or hotel room safe.
Stay at large resort or chain hotels, which accept credit cards. These include the Best Western Phuket Resort, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort and the Impiana Phuket Cabana.
Dine at some of Phuket Town's popular eateries, such as Ka Jok See and Natural Restaurant, which accept MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
Shop at large chain stores such as the ones located in Phuket Town's Robinson Ocean Plaza. Smaller establishments, including those surrounding the Municipal Market, are less likely to accept credit cards.
Keep a close eye on your card during any transactions, as there have been increasing reports of Thai storekeepers defrauding foreign customers by copying sensitive credit card information, according to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Use your credit cards to withdraw cash from ATM machines in Phuket Town at branches of Thai Farmer's Bank, Bangkok Bank or Siam Commercial Bank. This can be a quick and easy way to obtain cash in Phuket when there's no other option. However, use this as a last resort, as foreign ATM cash advances can incur inflated fees and interest rates, especially if you won't be back home right away to pay the bill. Again, check with your credit card company to learn about specific charges for ATM withdrawals overseas.
It's increasingly common for foreign merchants to offer to convert charges into a customer's home currency instead of having it converted by the credit card company. Known as dynamic currency conversion, this seemingly helpful service can often be more expensive, so its best to politely decline if offered.
Keep in mind that Phuket merchants are at liberty to add a surcharge to the purchase when you choose to pay by credit card.
Dixon, Laura. "How to Use Credit Cards in Phuket." Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/use-credit-cards-phuket-16176.html. Accessed 20 April 2019.
The Buddhist monastery Wat Chalong seen from the grand pagoda, Phuket, Thailand.