Phuket Taxi Options
Phuket taxis are an efficient and comfortable way to travel around Phuket. Although some scamming incidents do occur from time to time, if you are careful and check the legitimacy of your cab, you should enjoy a seamless ride to your destination. Is the taxi vehicle old and not well-maintained? Isn’t it equipped with a Taxi sign on the roof and doesn’t it display the company’s logo on its doors? Isn’t it fitted with a taximeter? You should definitely avoid hiring its services. Overall, taxis in Phuket are red and yellow and feature the Taxi light on their roof indicating their availability, the company’s logo on their front doors, and their license number and the taxi driver’s data inside the vehicle. Although they are a popular transit option among the island’s visitors, they are, unfortunately, dependent on the traffic levels, which are usually high in the town of Phuket and close to the major attractions.
The Popular Tuk-Tuks and Other Transit Options
The metered taxis in Phuket are one of the most popular transit alternatives. Still, the local tuk-tuks are also favored by the island’s visitors as they provide a unique transit experience. Unlike the three-wheeled Bangkok tuk-tuks, the Phuket tuk-tuks aren’t but four-wheeled mini trucks. They are brightly colored (red or yellow) and come equipped with sound systems and sometimes even disco balls, transforming the ride into a party. That being said, they are open-air on their sides and aren’t recommended for large groups of travelers or passengers with luggage. Moreover, they are far more expensive than metered taxis in Phuket. Indeed, their fares can be even double the rates of ordinary taxis. You’ll find them in Phuket and along the most popular beaches on the island. Although signs with their rates are to be found across the island (at least at the main beaches), tuk-tuk drivers always negotiate their fares. Hence, you should expect a rough bargain, keeping in mind that their starting fee is usually much higher than the expected rate for the journey. Additionally, it’s important to clarify whether the agreed price is per person or for the entire ride. In general terms, the costly tuk-tuks are recommended for the experience and short rides.
Alternatively, several ride-hailing companies also provide their services in Phuket. Bolt and Grap are two of the leading providers. Offering fixed fares and the possibility to pay via a bank card, ride-hailing companies are often chosen by Phuket’s visitors for their rides.
Lastly, if your destination is within a close distance and want desperately to avoid the traffic jams, you can also opt for a motorbike taxi. Their drivers wear striking-colored vests and provide passengers with helmets. Although motorbike taxis are cheap and fast, they are certainly not the top-advisable option when it comes to safety.
Phuket Taxi Rates and Prices
The Phuket taxi prices and fares are governmentally implemented. However, many drivers offer fixed fares in an effort to increase the actual rates. Thus, you should negotiate taxi rates only if you are certain about the actual cost of your ride. In detail, the rates of taxis in Phuket, according to which taximeters charge journeys, are:
- Starting Fee (for the first 2km/1.2 miles): ΤΗB 50 ($1,44/€1,36)
- From 2-15km (1.2-9.3 miles): THB 12 ($0,34/€0,32) per km
- For the next 15km (9.3 miles): THB 10 ($0,29/€0,27) per km
- Waiting time: THB 3 ($0,086/€0,081) per minute
- Called taxis: THB 50 (1,44/€1,36) surcharge
Overall, taxis in Phuket accept payments in cash, in Thai baht. In fact, passengers are advised to carry small bills as taxi drivers often don’t have enough change. Some taxi companies may accept bank cards as well. That being said, you should always check with the driver and be prepared to pay in cash.
How to Hire a Taxi in Phuket
Metered taxis in Phuket aren’t easy to find. Indeed, hailing one from the street can be challenging and time-consuming. Thus, passengers usually call for their cab, catch a tuk-tuk, or use a ride-hailing service. On the other hand, taxi stands are to be found at the airport, outside the shopping malls, and close to major hotels.
Phuket Taxi to Phuket Airport
Useful Tips about Taxis In Phuket
- You can hire a taxi driver for the entire day. While unlicensed drivers often suggest such offers, you can negotiate a price with your taxi driver for all your transit needs throughout the day.
- Many taxi drivers offer tours during the ride to increase the final fare. Unless money isn’t an issue, you should deny such offers.
- As soon as you enter the taxi in Phuket, you should check that the taximeter is on and working properly.
- Most taxi drivers in Phuket speak English.
- Tipping the driver isn’t obligatory. Still, passengers typically round up the final rate for pleasant rides.
FAQs
Are taxis expensive in Phuket?
Overall, taxis in Phuket aren’t considered expensive. Still, they are dependent on traffic levels, meaning that during rush hours, rides are pricier. Moreover, many taxi drivers try to negotiate fixed fares, charging passengers higher than what the taximeter would indicate.
Is it easy to get taxis in Phuket?
Hailing a taxi from the street is challenging in Phuket. Thus, unless you head to a taxi stand (outside shopping malls and major hotels) or call for your cab, you’ll likely have to wait a long time to flag a taxi down on the street.
Do you tip taxis in Phuket?
Passengers aren’t obligated to tip taxi drivers in Phuket. However, when the provided services are satisfactory, customers usually leave a small tip. Hence, although tipping isn’t obligatory, it is customary.
Are tuk-tuks expensive in Phuket?
Phuket tuk-tuks (the four-wheeled mini trucks) are expensive. In fact, they usually cost double the price of ordinary metered taxis. However, the island’s visitors often opt for a tuk-tuk ride, as it provides a unique transit experience, with music systems and even disco balls.