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How do I get to Phuket?
Phuket has an international airport with direct flights to Singapore,
Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, besides about 12 daily direct
flights from Bangkok. Additionally, there are now direct charter
flights to many European Cities.
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Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Visitors from most western countries, including Europe, North
America, Australia and News Zealand are granted a 30 day stay
on arrival. Other nationals are required to produce a tourist
visa and should contact their local Thai consulate for more details.
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Transportation from the airport?
Phuket airport is located about 45 mins. North of the major
beach resorts. There is a regular minibus service – cost around
US$3 per person. A private taxi can be hired at the airport at
around US$13.
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Where can I change money?
Thailand’s currency is Thai Baht and can be exchanged on arrival
at the airport. The exchange rate is around US$1/Baht 40. Commercial
banks, ATM machines and currency exchange booths are plentiful
in the Islands’ major resorts. Most hotels offer currency exchange
services, although the rate is likely to be lower. Credit cards
are widely accepted.
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What about the weather?
November through to the end of April is the dry season, being
the period of the north east monsoon, with air temperatures in
the region of 30-35°C. During the month of May the wind changes
around with the southwest monsoon season setting in until October;
this is the rainy season, although the showers can be heavy, they
don’t usually last for too long and some excellent weather can
be enjoyed, with slightly lower temperatures.
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Health
You should take the normal precautions as on any other foreign
holiday. Phuket has three international hospitals and there are
many localized doctors’ surgeries around, in case you should need
medical help.
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What is the water temperature
like?
The average water temperature ranges from 26-30 Celsius. This
is warm. We do however get the occasional thermo-climb. This is
a cold current that flows up from the deep. This can bring the
temperature down to 21 Celsius, but normally only lasts a short
time.
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Do I need a wetsuit?
We do recommend that you bring a wet suit or skin suit (lycra).
Especially if you are joining one of our liveaboard cruises. Heat
loss can lead to cramps & exhaustion. Wet suit will also protect
you from brushing against coral & rocks as well as stings from
Jellyfish.
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Are jellyfish a problem?
On the whole, no! We do occasionally get some stingers in the
water, but they generally only stay around for a week or two.
A wet suit is your best bet against getting stung.
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When
is the best time of year to see whale sharks?
They tend to be more common during February, March & April.
This is due to large plankton blooms that occur during these months.
This does not mean to say that they can not be seen at other times
of the year. They have been spotted all year round.
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