For many travellers, Phuket is the first contact with Asia or exoticism in general and often less experienced travellers head here, for whom the initial fear of the unknown is natural.
Is Phuket safe? What tourist traps are you most likely to encounter?
Scams and tourist traps
Phuket is a touristy place, and unfortunately that includes scams and tourist traps. What are the most common ones?
Destroyed jet ski
Riding a jet ski is one of the most popular attractions in Phuket. Many tourists are driving a jet ski for the first time and some dishonest rental companies rely on this.
When you return, they will charge you fees of thousands of baht for the damage you caused to the jet ski. In reality, the jet ski was damaged long before that and you just didn't notice it when you picked it up.
The surest way to avoid this scam is not to rent a jet ski at a commonly available beach, but perhaps during a stopover on a remote island as part of a trip organised by a local tour operator.
Damaged scooter and confiscated passport
As with a jet ski, be very cautious when renting a regular road scooter.
Take a photo and ideally film the bike from all angles before you rent it, so that you have at least some proof that you are renting it with minor damage not caused by you.
If the rental company asks for your passport as a deposit, don't even consider renting and go to another company. Never give your passport as a deposit to anyone in Phuket.
Stop at a jewellery shop
This tourist trap often happens when taking a taxi or minivan from the airport.
The driver will stop at a "local" jewellery shop offering you local jewellery at a bargain price. In doing so, you will actually be buying worthless stones.
Photo on Bangla Road
Especially on the central Bagnla Street in Patong, you will encounter people who will offer you a selfie with their exotic pet (parrot, snake, etc). They then ask you for a fee of hundreds of baht for the photo.
Overpriced taxis
Scams widespread around the world involve taxi rides without a meter and up to several times overpriced.
The most common scams are tuk-tuks and taxi drivers on the streets.
Ideally, download the Bolt or Grab mobile apps on your mobile phone to check the normal taxi price and better negotiate your tuk-tuk ride.