me and my girl are traveling to phuket later in the year . as this is our first time we are a little lost , so i have a zillion questions to ask

first off , which part of phuket is the best area / hotel to stay 3 0r 4 star , and what and where is the best transport from the airport to the hotel . were can you change money , is it better to change it here in australia or when we get there to phuket . and what kind of activities / tours can we do and sites to see , a great place to shop (for the girl ) .
and what kind of beer is there ? , we have traveled to bali many times a use around a hundred dollars a day , what kind of a budget will we need in phuket . is it much dearer in phuket than bali ?

thanx screamin