A trip to Phuket becomes significantly more convenient if you install a few useful apps in advance. They'll help you navigate the island, call a taxi, order food, translate menus, and easily find nearby places. We've compiled an up-to-date list of apps for tourists in Phuket that actually work, save time, and help you avoid common mistakes.

Why is it better to install these applications?

Phuket is a popular tourist destination, but not everything here is organized in the typical European way. In the apps, you can:

• quickly call a taxi at a pre-determined, fixed price;

• find the nearest exchange office, pharmacy, cafe;

• read the menu and price tags in Thai;

• order food to the hotel;
  

• order necessary goods, cosmetics, and clothes for your vacation;

• navigate the map even without knowing the language.

The Best Apps for Tourists in Phuket

Grab — taxi and food delivery

Grab is the most popular app in Southeast Asia. In Phuket, it's used for taxis, food delivery, and courier services.

Advantages:

• fixed price without bargaining;

• the car brand and driver rating are visible;

• safe and convenient;

• You can pay by card.

When it's useful: trips around the island, transfers to shopping centers, food delivery to the hotel.

Lifehack: If you downloaded it and the app is in Thai, go to your phone's settings, find the app, and change the language to English. This will automatically translate the app menu to English. However, when ordering at some cafes, dishes and their descriptions may still be in Thai—this is the seller's preference and can't be changed. To translate such items, take a screenshot and upload it to an online translator, such as Google Translate.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a free service from Google that lets you translate text, speech, photos, and documents between dozens of languages.

Key features of the app – what's important when traveling to Phuket

•  Camera/photo translation – point your camera at a cafe menu, sign, or plaque, and the app will quickly display the translation. This is handy when the text is in Thai and you don't speak the language.
• Voice and text input —you can simply speak or type to get a translation. This is convenient when chatting with locals, asking for directions, or ordering food.
• Conversation mode (simultaneous translation) – when you and your conversation partner are speaking different languages, Google Translate can translate your lines on the fly, providing both voice and visual translations. This is especially useful in taxis, at markets, and when communicating with Thais.
• Offline mode – you can download language packs (e.g., Thai → Russian / English) before your trip so the translation works even without internet access – on the beach, in the mountains, or while traveling.
• Saving phrases/phrasebook - You can save frequently used phrases and translations so you don't have to re-enter them, which is convenient for frequent travelers or recurring situations.

What to look out for/limitations:

• Translation is automatic and not always perfect. It helps you understand the meaning, but it doesn't guarantee 100% accuracy, especially if the phrases are complex, contain jargon, or contain idioms.
• When translating from a camera/photo - sometimes the text is difficult to read (fuzzy font, lighting) - it is worth holding the camera straight, in a well-lit place.
• There may be limitations in offline mode: some features (such as voice translation) work better online.

Lifehack: To achieve maximum translation accuracy, use the simplest, shortest possible phrases in Russian. This will increase the chances that your translation will be understandable to your interlocutor. Avoid translating long texts, complex stories, and complex sentences. Avoid words with double meanings.

Bolt is a cheaper taxi service.

Bolt's prices are often lower than Grab's, so tourists use both services and compare.

Pros:

• quick car search;

• low rates;

• user-friendly interface.

Important: In some areas, car availability is higher on Grab, so it's best to have both apps.

Google Maps - Navigation for Phuket

Google Maps in Phuket is the most accurate navigation tool.

Why you should install them:

• walking routes work great;

• beaches, markets, and observation decks are shown;

• There are reviews of places.

Lifehack: download an offline map of Phuket in advance, just in case you don't have internet access. I can't recommend maps.me, as I regularly hear negative reviews about its performance.

Trip.com — hotel booking

Phuket often has special offers, and hotels change prices daily. If you suddenly want to travel to Phi Phi or Krabi on your own , this app will definitely come in handy.

Tip: Sometimes the price in the app is lower than at the hotel counter.

Shopping apps in Phuket: Shein, Lazada, and Shopee

These are all similar to Wildberries and Ozone in Thailand, but with delivery to your hotel, apartment, or villa.

Shein - clothing and accessories at low prices

This is a popular app for ordering fashionable clothes, swimwear, accessories and home goods.

What is convenient for tourists:

• A huge selection of summer clothing, ideal for Phuket's climate.
• Frequent discounts, coupons and fast delivery across Thailand.
• You can order things to the hotel, try them on and return them if they don’t fit.
• The application operates in Russian (it is enabled automatically or through the settings).
  

If you forgot your sandals, swimming trunks, or phone case at home, or want some affordable outfits for photos, Shein is a great option. Prices are usually lower than in tourist stores.

Lazada is Thailand's #1 marketplace.

This is Thailand's premier online store, offering literally everything: clothing, electronics, cosmetics, beach essentials, luggage, first aid kits, food, children's accessories, and much more.

Benefits for tourists:
• Delivery within Phuket takes 1-3 days.
• Possibility of payment in cash upon receipt.
• There are often big sales (9.9, 10.10, 11.11, etc.).
• Large selection of travel products: waterproof covers, bags, sunscreen, adapters, power banks.

Whether you need a power bank for excursions, a beach bag, swimming masks, wet wipes, baby supplies, or inexpensive household items, Lazada will be cheaper and faster than local stores.

Shopee is Lazada's main competitor.

Another major Asian marketplace, loved by Thais and expats.

Peculiarities:

• Often lower prices than Lazada.
• There are cashbacks, coins, and discounts on almost every order.
• Convenient search and filters.
• You can order delivery to the nearest 7-Eleven (very convenient for tourists).
  
  

Useful apps make your vacation in Phuket safe, comfortable, and significantly easier. By installing these services from the list, even a novice tourist can confidently navigate the island, save time, and enjoy a truly enjoyable vacation.

And of course, don't forget that we've been organizing the best excursions in Phuket for over 13 years, both for groups and individuals . We've selected the highest-quality programs and offer them to our clients. To contact a manager for a free consultation, click the button below this article and fill out the contact form.