Hey Kitty,

I went to phuket last year and booked all my day trips on my credit card with no issues at all (they cost anywhere between £10-£30 on average depending on what you do - and you probably can haggle the price, but I booked mine at the hotel and was more than happy to pay what they asked considering what you get out of it!). I used various cash points for both my credit and debit cards too and again, no issues.

If the card you are taking is for backup only and you are taking plenty of cash (consider travellers cheques please! Don't want your trip ruined by losing all your cash in the first few days!) then you should be fine.

I found that pretty much all the restaurants there were fine... and the street stalls too, but I met up with a couple of locals lasses and regular ozzie travellers so they knew where to take me!! Even the KFC was good (I know... I'm in thailand eating a KFC, but I had a late night urge and the security guard that rode me there enjoyed it too!!)

Coincedentally, a friend and I are going in April too. It will be her first time there, and only my second, so should be a blast!!