Is it better to buy duty free spirits at Australian airport or in
Bangkok airport on our way thru to Phuket? Also has anyone had prescription spectacles made up in Phuket - any recommendations, cost and making time, etc. I read on this forum that there are many tailors in Phuket. What is their workmanship like and cost of having suits made? Also where is the best place for large size ladies to shop for clothing in Phuket - department stores, boutiques, market? This is our first trip to Phuket and need lots of shopping tips. Thank you all.

Hi Luckyduck.
To answer your question on alcohol, I found that it was cheaper to go to a supermarket and but it there. I think I paid around $10(aust) for a 750ml bottle of Vodka. Not sure about top brand stuff but bourbon and rum were fairly cheap too. Also have a look at the 7 11's.

For shopping/Phuket tips try CATHY & GARY'S TRAVEL PAGES
Cathy's website is full of useful info.

My sisters found that getting clothes made in Phuket was very time consuming because you had to go back for so many fittings. What they did was get something made and then check the quality and fit and then order more. But what happened was that most stuff is made off the premises and you have no idea who is making it. The first shirt was great but all the others were too small in the neck area. Also when the items were to be picked up the price increased. So might be an idea to get them to write final price down to get around this.

Maybe you could ask for some recommendations from previous visitors. I think there is a big problem at the moment of being hassled so much buy the tailors whilst walking the streets. Maybe you could have a look in the archives for references to tailors????

Hope you have a great time!!!

At New Bangkok Airport, You could Buy at "King Power" New Free Tax Shopping Malls.

You will be stumped for buying large ladies clothes anywhere. We have been 8 times all over the place and never found anything. They have woken up to the fact that men want bigger tshirts but not the fact that European, Australian and American women are often bigger. They class a uk size 14 as xxl. no hope for me then !!!!!!!!!
Yes there is the option of having things made but if like me you just wanted to purchase tshirts, trousers, shorts etc you won't have any luck either in Bangkok or the islands.

__________________
Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

Hi Luckyduck.
I have read on various forums where you can purchase alcohol from shops in Phuket cheaper than Duty Free.
I am going in August and this is what we intend on doing.
Counting down 8 weeks and 4 days......yippee...........

We came back from Thailand last week but could not buy alcohol at duty free in Thailand, For some reason you can't buy it in Thailand airport and take it through, if not already purchased and put in your luggage then you can only buy it at duty free Australia.
I had bought some spirits and had it in my suitcase, but was planning to buy the rest at the airport. so I got a little bit. If I was you I would purchase it before and put it through with your luggage because it is miles cheaper in Thailand than at our duty free in Australia
We had no problem buying cigarettes but not alcohol.
Maybe you can check up before you leave in case the people from Kings Duty free Thailand put us on a bum steer. Up until this trip we had no problem buying our alcohol in Thailand duty free.

We've never had a problem buying duty free when leaving Thailand to come back to UK - could it be to do with restrictiions in your home country?

__________________
Alison

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It's Better to Burn Out than just to Fade Away!

Maybe the problem with buying duty free alcohol in Thailand has to do with the limits of liquids you can take on board now. In Australia it has to be carried in100ml bottles I think.

I think you have hit the nail on the head there Karon .It's all to do with the new security restrictions on liquids that came in to effect in the last couple of months.
You can't take any containers of liquid exceeding 100mls--this includes toothpastes,mosturisers ect too.Even perfume will be taken from you.Being that it is dutyfree you cannot open the packages until you are in the departure lounge by which time your cases are already onboard so it's a real catch 22.
Cheers laura