Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Things to Avoid
Touts
Ignore strangers who approach you offering to sell goods such as gems, or drive you
somewhere. These friendly locals often seem like they have your best interests at
heart, but they are almost always making a big profit from your credulity.
Motorbikes in Unsuitable Conditions
If you rent a motorbike, avoid driving at night or when it is raining. The roads become
slick during precipitation and even the slightest error, such as pressing the front brake
instead of the rear brake when riding downhill, can spell disaster. Similarly, at night
you might not be able to see bumps or sandy patches on the road.
Tap Water
It is best not to drink tap water on Phuket. Some high-end hotels purify their water
systems, but visitors should generally avoid drinking from taps. It is much safer to
drink bottled water provided by your hotel, or purchased from a convenience store.
Note that ice cubes at most restaurants and roadside food stalls are made with puri-
fied water.
Pickpockets
Visitors should beware of pickpockets in crowded spaces such as night markets and
tourist streets. Women should always carry their purses and bags in front of their bod-
ies, and keep the zippers closed. Men should move their wallets into their front pock-
ets. While such theft is rare, it does occur occasionally.
