Both baht and dollars are accepted at duty-free shops.

Plan to spend at least 20–30 minutes shopping at duty-free if you just want to quickly browse and pick up a few items (alcohol, cosmetics, perfumes, souvenirs). Ideally, allocate 45 minutes to an hour.

The Duty Free at Phuket Airport is not very large, especially compared to Bangkok, but it does have a basic selection. Prices are not always cheaper than in regular stores, so it’s a good idea to compare in advance – especially for cosmetics and perfumes.

Also note that there are duty-free stores in Phuket itself – King Power and GMS Duty Free. To shop there, you’ll need to show your return flight ticket. This allows you to shop in a more relaxed setting without the stress of catching a flight.

By the way, shopping at duty-free isn’t your only option – you can get a VAT refund on many purchases. We have a detailed guide on how to get a tax-free refund in Phuket, where we explain all the nuances of the process.

Also, check out the Useful Info section, where you’ll find everything you need to know about vacationing and living in Phuket.