Considering Spending Life in Phuket As An Expat? Here’s What You Should Know

Phuket is more than just a holiday destination, it’s a vibrant, welcoming island where expats from all over the world come to build a better life. Whether you’re a retiree seeking sunshine and serenity, a digital nomad chasing the ideal work-life balance, or a family looking for international schools and a safe, healthy environment, life in Phuket as an expat can be truly rewarding.

This guide will walk you through what to expect when moving to Phuket, from lifestyle and cost of living to housing, healthcare, education, and day-to-day life. It’s designed to help you make an informed decision and settle into your new tropical home with ease.

Why So Many Expats Choose Phuket

Thailand’s largest island has long attracted foreigners with its warm climate, stunning beaches, laid-back lifestyle and lower cost of living compared to the West. But life in Phuket as an expat offers much more:

  • A well-developed infrastructure with international hospitals, shopping centres and quality roads

  • A wide range of modern housing, from luxury sea-view villas to affordable condos

  • Excellent international schools

  • Diverse expat communities in areas like Rawai, Nai Harn, Chalong, Kamala, and Bang Tao

  • A thriving café culture and coworking scene for digital nomads

  • Easy access to Bangkok and global destinations via Phuket International Airport

Whether you prefer tranquil beachside living or access to international restaurants, yoga studios and gyms, you’ll find a neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle.

Cost of Living in Phuket

Phuket offers great value compared to many Western countries. While luxury is available, many expats live comfortably on a modest budget.

  • Rent: Condos can start around THB 12,000/month, while pool villas begin around THB 35,000/month

  • Utilities: Electricity and water costs vary, especially if using air-con often

  • Groceries: Local markets are affordable; imported goods are more expensive

  • Dining out: Local Thai meals can cost as little as THB 60–100; international cuisine ranges from THB 150–500+

  • Transport: Motorbikes are the most common and affordable option; car hire and Grab (taxi) are also available

  • Healthcare: Excellent private hospitals and clinics offer world-class service at a fraction of Western prices

Best Places in Phuket for Expats

Different areas of the island attract different types of expats, depending on lifestyle and priorities.

  • Rawai & Nai Harn: Popular with families and retirees; quiet, green, and close to nature. Many villas for sale and rent.

  • Chalong: Great for families, close to schools and shops, with affordable housing.

  • Bang Tao & Laguna: A more upscale expat area with golf courses, beach clubs, and high-end villas and condos.

  • Kamala: Growing in popularity with retirees and long-term expats.

  • Patong: Known for nightlife, but some expats prefer the convenience and energy.

If you’re looking to buy, there are excellent options for villas in Phuket  and if you don’t have pets and prefer to buy a freehold property, then there is also a wide selection of Phuket condos for sale. 

Healthcare in Phuket

Phuket offers excellent private healthcare, with hospitals like Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Dibuk Hospital known for their international standards. Many doctors speak English, and wait times are typically short. Dental clinics, wellness spas, and alternative treatments such as acupuncture and Ayurveda are also widely available.

Health insurance is highly recommended for expats, though walk-in appointments are very affordable for basic care.

International Schools and Education

Families moving to Phuket will find a strong selection of international schools, including:

  • BCIS International School (Chalong)

  • HeadStart International School (Chaofa West Road)

  • UWC Thailand (Thalang)

  • QSI International School (Koh Kaew)

  • Kajonkiet International School (multiple locations)

These schools offer British, American, or IB curriculums and cater to students from nursery through to high school.

You can read about the numerous amounts of Phuket schools now open in Phuket here: 

International Schools in Phuket

Working in Phuket as a Digital Nomad

Phuket has become a hotspot for digital nomads and online entrepreneurs. With reliable internet, a range of coworking spaces (especially in Rawai, Chalong and Phuket Town), and a supportive expat network, it’s easy to work remotely while enjoying the island lifestyle.

Some popular coworking spots include:

  • Hatch Coworking (Rawai)

  • Garage Society (Patong)

  • Regus (Phuket Town & Thalang)

Do note that a proper visa or work permit is needed to legally work or operate a business from Thailand.

Visas for Long-Term Stay

Thailand offers several visa options depending on your situation:

  • Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A or O-X) – for those over 50

  • Education Visa (ED) – for those learning Thai or other subjects

  • Long Stay Visa (LTR) – a new option with tax and work perks

  • Elite Visa – long-term visa for high-income individuals

  • Marriage Visa – for those married to Thai nationals

Visa rules do change frequently, so it’s best to consult a local visa agent or immigration lawyer before making plans.

Thai Visa Information Guide – List of Visa Types in Thailand

How to Obtain a Retirement Visa in Thailand

Day-to-Day Life in Phuket As An Expat

Expect a relaxed pace of life, outdoor living, and a calendar full of community events, markets, beach meetups, fitness classes and cultural festivals. Phuket is a very liveable island with modern conveniences and plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded people.

From early-morning walks along Nai Harn Lake to family barbecues in your villa garden or sunset yoga at Promthep Cape, daily life is shaped by nature, sunshine and community.

Phuket’s Rapidly Expanding Infrastructure

One of the many advantages of moving to Phuket is the pace at which the island is modernising. As part of Thailand’s wider investment in national infrastructure, Phuket has seen significant upgrades to its roads, transport systems, healthcare, and lifestyle amenities in recent years — making life in Phuket as an expat even more comfortable.

Phuket now boasts:

  • Modern international hospitals and clinics

  • World-class golf courses and sports facilities

  • Thriving marinas and a growing yachting scene

  • Upscale shopping malls, supermarkets, and cinemas

  • A wide range of recreational options including gyms, spas, and wellness centres

  • Excellent international schools for all ages

The Thai government has demonstrated long-term commitment to improving connectivity across the country. In Phuket, road upgrades and new bypasses have helped reduce traffic congestion. Plans are also moving forward for the Phuket Light Rail Transit (LRT) system — a modern train line designed to connect the north and south of the island, including the airport and Phuket Town.

Additionally, Thailand’s broader vision includes the long-discussed high-speed railway from China to Singapore, which would pass through Thailand and improve regional travel.

It’s clear that the island’s development is not slowing down – Phuket’s infrastructure is evolving quickly to meet the demands of international residents and long-term visitors.

Getting to Your New Home: Phuket International Airport

If you’re relocating to Phuket, getting here is easier than ever. The Phuket International Airport (HKT) serves as the island’s global gateway, with a modern terminal, extended runway, and growing list of international flight routes.

Since its major upgrade in 2017, HKT now handles over 16 million passengers per year and is Thailand’s second-busiest airport after Bangkok. It operates 24 hours a day, welcoming flights from Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and across Asia.

The 3,000-metre runway has allowed for more direct long-haul flights, helping eliminate the need for stopovers in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. The airport currently accommodates around 10 flights per hour, with capacity to expand to 24 flights if required.

At the same time, both Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, key connecting hubs for domestic and regional travel continue to expand, bringing more inbound traffic into Phuket and strengthening Thailand’s position as Southeast Asia’s transport hub.

For those planning a new life in Thailand, the ease of access to Phuket is a key advantage, whether flying in for the first time or travelling frequently for business or pleasure.

Getting Around Phuket: Do You Need to Buy a Car?

Phuket is a large island, and while it has improved public transport in some areas, most expats and long-term residents prefer the convenience of owning their own vehicle. Whether you’re living in a hillside villa or a beachfront condo, having a car offers greater flexibility, especially if you’re commuting to international schools, golf courses, or supermarkets.

Buying a car in Phuket is relatively straightforward, and many Japanese brands are manufactured locally, keeping prices reasonable. Luxury vehicles are also widely available, though import taxes can be steep. The cost of petrol remains lower than in Europe, which helps offset overall running costs.

For families or retirees settling in places like Rawai, Nai Harn, Bang Tao or Chalong, owning a vehicle makes day-to-day life easier, from grocery shopping to exploring the island’s stunning coastline.

Final Thoughts

Life in Phuket as an expat offers something for everyone — from retirees and families to remote workers and wellness seekers. With an ideal climate, welcoming community, quality healthcare and endless lifestyle benefits, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to call Phuket home.

Thinking of Buying Property in Phuket?

If you are planning to spend life in Phuket as an expat, you may also want to consider buying property. Whether you’re planning to retire in Phuket, relocate with your family, or invest in a tropical lifestyle, the island offers a vibrant property market with something for everyone. From freehold condos near the beach to luxury pool villas in Rawai and Nai Harn, there are options to suit every budget and lifestyle.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward owning your dream home in the sun, make sure you’re informed before making a purchase. Start with our expert-written, in-depth resource:

View Our Renowned Phuket Property Guide: Your complete guide to buying property safely and smartly in Phuket.

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