Moving to Phuket? Start right here.

Sort your visa before you book flights

This is where most people get wrong-footed. Phuket has more visa options than most of Thailand — retirement visa (800,000 THB in your Thai account), Thailand Elite (5-year, 600,000 THB one-off), Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa for remote workers, and the classic tourist visa + border run. There's no single right answer. It depends on your age, income, and how permanent your move is.

Our recommendation: if you're earning remotely and under 50, look seriously at the LTR Visa. If you're retired and want simplicity, Thailand Elite. Both can be handled by visa agents in Phuket Town — we list the ones we trust in our service directory.

Get international health insurance

Phuket's best hospital — Bangkok Hospital Phuket on Overseas Drive — will treat you without insurance, but you're paying upfront. A fractured wrist costs 30,000–50,000 THB. An appendix removal, 150,000–300,000 THB. International health insurance from a provider like Cigna Global or Pacific Cross costs 80,000–160,000 THB per year for most expats — and is absolutely worth it.

Don't rely on travel insurance for long-term stays. It typically caps out at 90 days and excludes pre-existing conditions.

Pick your area — they're completely different

Phuket is not one place. Rawai and Nai Harn in the south is where long-term expat families settle — quieter, walkable beach, excellent local restaurants, 5 minutes from Chalong and good international schools. Bang Tao and Laguna in the northwest is the upscale end — luxury villas, BISP and UWC for schools, higher prices. Phuket Town is cheapest and most local. Patong is party central — great if you want that, genuinely difficult if you don't.

Our honest advice: spend your first month in an Airbnb trying two or three different areas before signing a lease. Monthly rentals in Rawai start at 15,000 THB for a basic one-bed, 30,000–60,000 THB for a decent villa with pool.

Open a Thai bank account

You need a Thai bank account faster than you think — for paying rent, utilities, Grab, and eventually visa requirements. Kasikorn Bank (KBank) and Bangkok Bank are both expat-friendly. Bring your passport, non-immigrant visa, and a Thai address (your landlord's address works initially). The Chalong and Central Festival Phuket Town branches have English-speaking staff.

Set up Wise for receiving money from abroad — the exchange rates are far better than international transfers to Thai banks, which typically charge 2–3% on top of a poor rate.

Get your driving license sorted

Phuket without a motorbike or car is significantly harder. Grab works in the main tourist areas, songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) run fixed routes, but you'll be dependent and overcharged. Convert your home country license at the Land Transport Office in Chalong — bring your passport, home license, a medical certificate (any clinic, costs 100–200 THB), and a ID photo. It's a half-day process and costs around 505 THB per license type (car and motorbike are separate).

Research schools if you have children

Phuket has excellent international schools — better options than most Thai cities outside Bangkok. British International School Phuket (BISP) in Koh Kaew is the most established. UWC Thailand in Mai Khao is IB-focused and genuinely excellent. HeadStart in Rawai is more affordable and great for younger kids. Annual fees range from 350,000 THB (HeadStart) to 750,000+ THB (BISP). Most schools have waiting lists — start the process 6–12 months before you plan to arrive.