Shopping in Phuket: Malls, Markets and VAT Refunds for Tourists

Malls and shopping centres

• Central Phuket, made up of Central Festival and Central Floresta joined by a walkway near Phuket Town, is described as the island's largest mall, with a big supermarket, cinema and aquarium.
• Jungceylon in Patong is the main mall on the west coast.
• Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket in Bang Tao are open-air complexes with restaurants, shops and a supermarket, with a Friday night market at Boat Avenue.
• Premium Outlet and Limelight Avenue in Phuket Town are also listed by guides.

Malls mostly open in the late morning and close around 10pm. Prices are fixed, and some run discount cards for tourists.

Markets and bargaining

Markets such as Naka Weekend Market and Chillva Market are cheaper and negotiable, and the Sunday walking street in the old town is a local favourite. See the tipping and bargaining guide for haggling manners, and the old town guide for the Sunday market. Fresh markets are also the cheapest place for food. See the eating guide.

VAT refunds for tourists

Foreign tourists can claim back part of Thailand's 7 percent VAT on goods bought in shops that display a VAT Refund for Tourists sign. Guides give the main steps:

• Spend at least 2,000 baht including VAT per shop per day, and show your passport.
• Ask for a P.P.10 form and keep the original tax invoice.
• Keep goods in hand luggage so officials can inspect them, then have the form stamped at customs at the airport and claim at the refund counter.
• Some sources mention a minimum total spend, and a downtown refund option with a cash limit, so confirm the current rules with the shop and the Revenue Department.

Only non-resident visitors are eligible. People living in Thailand, such as work-permit holders or long-stay residents, generally cannot claim, so do not expect a refund. The airport guide covers the departures process.

Practical tips

• Keep receipts and warranties, especially for electronics.
• Compare prices online before buying. The online shopping guide covers couriers and apps.
• Carry cash for markets and a card for malls. See the money and banking guide.
• Beware of fake branded goods and pushy touts, as the scams guide explains.