What you need to do if you are planning a long stay in Thailand

People come to Phuket for a relaxed lifestyle, delicious food, and eternal summer. Many prefer to stay on the island for the winter because some people enjoy the sea instead of snow and a swimsuit instead of a coat. If you have also decided to come to Phuket for an extended stay, it’s important to prepare thoroughly.

• Book your accommodation in advance. It’s much more cost-effective to rent a hotel, apartment, or villa ahead of time than to do it the week before your flight, especially if you’re traveling during the high season. You can find suitable options in our Apartments Rental and Villas Rental sections.

• Get an eSIM from your home country. Phuket has high humidity, and SIM cards often malfunction, leaving people without connectivity and access to online banking. By the way, it’s also important to update and securely store your bank card passwords and security words.

• Arrange a power of attorney. Anything can happen, and it’s better to take preventative measures. A power of attorney for a close person can make life easier in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Obtain an international driver’s license. Renting a car in Phuket is only possible if you have an international driving permit. While you might be able to rent a car without one, it’s a certain risk. We’ve explained how to rent a car properly here.

• Get a UnionPay debit card – they work in Thailand. This will allow you to make purchases and withdraw cash.

• Get medical insurance. Healthcare in Thailand is of a high standard but quite expensive. Of course, it’s best to avoid needing a hospital, but it’s wise to have insurance. By the way, it’s also a good idea to get a health check-up at home, especially if you have chronic conditions.

• Take care of necessary beauty procedures. While Phuket’s beauty industry is well developed, with many services offered by skilled Slavic professionals, the prices at good salons are unlikely to please you.

• Make sure you have no outstanding debts, unpaid fines, or bills. These can cause problems when leaving the country.

Prepare thoroughly for wintering in Thailand, and enjoy your time without any hassle!