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Basics
Phuket
Thailand's largest island, at 540 square kilometres, Phuket is roughly
the same size as Singapore and the country's richest province in terms
of family income. It has long been a favourite destination for westbound
yachts to wait out the southwest monsoon. The number of yachts grows
from March to January, when many set off toward the Bay of Bengal.
With many facilities and skilled tradesmen devoted to the yachting
industry, Phuket is one of the best and most economical places in
the world to do big things to little boats.
Population
The population of registered residents is about 230,000, with some
60,000 living in Phuket Town, but in fact the population is much higher
— more than 500,000 according to some estimates — with many
non-registered residents who come from other provinces and countries
to live and work. In addition, tourism is the main industry, and at
any time there is up to 35,000 tourists (three million a year and
growing) on the island during high season.
Money
Currency is the Thai baht (about 42 baht for US$1). If sailing from
Malaysia, be sure to buy some Thai baht there, since you will likely
stop in at small Thai islands before reaching Phuket or Phi Phi, and
many have no money-changing facilities. Locals will be reluctant to
accept other currencies, and are unlikely to know the exchange rate.
On Phuket, 24-hour cash machines (ATMs) are plentiful, and take most
major credit cards. Banks are open Monday to Friday, 0930 to 1530,
but money exchange booths around the main tourist centres stay open
longer hours, seven days a week, and accept major credit cards, travellers'
cheques and many foreign currencies.
Electricity
220 volts, 50 cycles. Several different plugs are used, but the US
type with two flat posts and European type with two round posts are
common. Many sockets are designed to accept both, or adapters can
bought many places.
Time
Thailand is seven hours ahead of GMT, one hour behind Malaysia.
Work week
The Thai work week is typically Monday to Saturday, but don't expect
government offices to be open on Saturday. Grocery stores stay open
seven days. Some convenience stores remain open 24 hours.
Water
Tap water is generally not safe to drink on Phuket. Bottled drinking
water is cheap and available everywhere.
Tipping
Not mandatory, but widely done and greatly appreciated by underpaid
servers. Don't worry about percentages — 20 to 30 baht is enough
on most bills. Some upscale establishments will tack a service charge
onto room, bar or restaurant bills.
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Yachting guide to Phuket, Langkawi & the
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