Arrival at Phuket
Located at longitude 98° 18' 45" and latitude 08° 06' 38", 82 feet above sea level, Phuket International Airport is 32 km. from Phuket Town.

For the volume of visitors it handles (Phuket Int'l Airport - IATA code HKT - is second only behind Bangkok in terms of passengers and cargo handled) is not a particularly large airport and you won't find too much in the way of amenities - this goes for arrivals as well as departures - but the basics are covered (luggage carts are available free of charge, left luggage facility and so on..).

There are two arrival terminals international and domestic both on the same level in the same building (same for departure terminals).

In any event after deplaning go directly to immigration. Visitors and tourists need a valid passport, disembarkation card, and customs declaration (given to you on the aircraft and filled out prior to arrival at the immigration desk). The lines are frequently long at peak arrival times but the lines move swiftly if all the forms are completely and properly filled out.

Upon successful presentation of these items to the immigration official, most visitors will be granted access to the country for 15-30 days depending on your visa (see main page). Once you clear immigration you proceed down to the baggage claim area then onto the arrival hall where you will find money changers, ATMs and limousine (taxi) service and so on. If you don't have any Thai baht now is the time to exchange some money. The rates are not as good as in town but they are not bad and, after all, what choice do you have?

For those visiting only for a day or two but with a lot of luggage there is a left luggage facility at the far end near the domestic arrival area. Whilst safe, it's your responsibility to lock your bags and it doesn't make sense to store anything you'd feel bad about if it were stolen.

Lastly, if you need any travel assistance, there is a tourist information desk smack in he middle of the arrival hall open daily 8.00 am until midnight.