Would you let taxi drive you to ATM in Phuket, Thailand? (cruise ship)

[zitsky]

Some folks tell me Thailand is cash only and in Phuket a driver will take us to an ATM.  Sounds like a good way to get robbed.  Taxis won’t take USD.  

 

Someone suggested GRAB to me but others say taxi companies won’t let them pick you up AND they still want cash.

 

Any advice?  I have been all over the world and only scammed once.

[Shiba_Lover]

Your bank should be able to order some Thai bhat for you prior to travel.  I often have my bank order foreign currency when I will be someplace it may be inconvenient to get to an ATM prior to when I think I will need some cash.

[bpwarne]

11 hours ago, zitsky said:

Some folks tell me Thailand is cash only and in Phuket a driver will take us to an ATM.  Sounds like a good way to get robbed.  Taxis won’t take USD.  

 

Someone suggested GRAB to me but others say taxi companies won’t let them pick you up AND they still want cash.

 

Any advice?  I have been all over the world and only scammed once.

Been to Phuket many times. award there just last Feb off Celebrity Millenium. You can walk right off ship, up pier to street, turn right and you will come across money exchange booths and ATMs within literally a minute walk. And no, Thailand is not a cash only  place, and they love US dollars. We lived in northern thailand in 3016 when my wife retired.

[bpwarne]

11 hours ago, zitsky said:

Some folks tell me Thailand is cash only and in Phuket a driver will take us to an ATM.  Sounds like a good way to get robbed.  Taxis won’t take USD.  

 

Someone suggested GRAB to me but others say taxi companies won’t let them pick you up AND they still want cash.

 

Any advice?  I have been all over the world and only scammed once.

Sorry, turn Left at End of pier, not right.

[zitsky]

42 minutes ago, bpwarne said:

Been to Phuket many times. award there just last Feb off Celebrity Millenium. You can walk right off ship, up pier to street, turn right and you will come across money exchange booths and ATMs within literally a minute walk. And no, Thailand is not a cash only  place, and they love US dollars. We lived in northern thailand in 3016 when my wife retired.

Thanks.  Do you think taxi drivers are reasonable with the fares in Phuket?  Pretty honest and reliable?  Should I bother with car hailing apps?  We don’t have a problem paying more if drivers are honest.  We plan to go to Old Town unless we find someplace better.

[Tranquility Base]

7 minutes ago, zitsky said:

 We plan to go to Old Town unless we find someplace better.

Are you docking or tendering ?
IE: will your location be Patong or Deep Sea Port at Ao Makarm ?

[zitsky]

8 minutes ago, Tranquility Base said:

Are you docking or tendering ?
IE: will your location be Patong or Deep Sea Port at Ao Makarm ?

@bpwarne was on Millennium on what seems to be a dock not a tender port.  So I would expect the same thing on my Millennium cruise.  Does it change?

[Tranquility Base]

Yes, it can change depending on the season / weather.

Good weather season is usually tender right in Patong.

Monsoon season is often Deep Sea Port on the other side of the Island, and some distance from attractions.

Although there are some nice beaches / resorts in that Cape Panwa area.

Edited September 3 by Tranquility Base

[bpwarne]

5 hours ago, zitsky said:

@bpwarne was on Millennium on what seems to be a dock not a tender port.  So I would expect the same thing on my Millennium cruise.  Does it change?

Millenium tendered. But once at dock must walk to road, just a few minutes walk. you are then on main beach road, most everything is to your left. Do not need taxi to walk around town if fit.

[zitsky]

2 hours ago, bpwarne said:

Millenium tendered. But once at dock must walk to road, just a few minutes walk. you are then on main beach road, most everything is to your left. Do not need taxi to walk around town if fit.

Thanks.  I thought Old Town was quite far from the port (walking)?  We are not committed to old town if there are interesting places near the port.  We have day two planned and want to take it easy on day one.  
 

I see there is an aquarium?

 

Can anyone remind me how to find what ports are tender in the planner or website?

Edited September 3 by zitsky