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Office hours are generally 08:00 to 16:30, Monday – Saturday. Shop’s hours vary depending on their type. There are six major shopping centres on the island: Robinsons and Ocean Plaza in Phuket City, Tesco Lotus, Big C and Central Plaza on the By-pass road, and Ocean Plaza in Patong. Jungceylon, in Patong is being built at the time of printing and should be open by the end of 2004. The large shopping centres stock a wide range of western and local products, and in general are open 10:00 to 22:00 seven days a week. Mini-marts usually open from 08:00 to 21:00 seven days a week and hardware, chandleries, pharmacies, newsagents etc. open from 09:00 to 17:00, except Sundays. There are also many 7 Elevens around the island which are open 24-hours. Post Offices open Monday – Friday 08:30 to 16:30, Saturday 09:00 to 12:00 and are closed Sunday and public holidays.

Local markets carry an amazing array of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood as well as everything from pots and pans to clothes. In the larger centres these markets are open daily, the best time to visit being early in the morning.

Phuket City is the commercial centre of the island and Patong, Karon and Kata Beaches are the main centres of tourism. There are some good deals to be had on many items such as perfumes, cameras, electrical equipment, jewellery and brand name clothing at greatly reduced prices. Local products include fine silks, ornately carved furniture, Thai antiques, basketry and sculptured handicrafts. Art and crafts from all over Thailand (and the region) are sold in Phuket. There are some restrictions on exporting antique items and Buddha figures, check with the shop and relevant authorities before you buy.

Bartering is the norm in many shops and public markets. As this is the custom, don’t be offended at the inflated prices offered by some vendors. Remain calm and polite, offering a smile or a joke to achieve the best results and make these daily negotiations more enjoyable. Bartering in the larger department stores and supermarkets is not the norm, however. There, the price on the tag is the price you pay.