I am coming to Phuket for a few months to "check it out" to see if we want to live there permanently. Can anyone recommend any short term lets for 1-3 mths. I am on a fairly tight budget so are there any deals to be had out there or has tourism picked up slightly?

Can anyone recommend also a good cheap guest house/hotel where i can stay this week for a week or so.

Iam aware i need to book a return flight as i will be coming on a 3 month tourist visa however until i get to Phuket and "check it out" ,will not know the exact date i will be leaving whilst on my 3 month stay. Should i risk not booking the return flight and if they question me the worse case scenario is i purchase a return flight at the airport ......i will be coming from Singapore on Tiger Airways. Any advice would be appreciated.

I would contact a company such as siam real estate in order to sort out a short term let. They have a huge selection of properties in almost every area covering most price ranges so i would havce thought you could find something acceptable.

Maybe buy a cheap flight to KL with Air Asia so it looks like you are leaving the country within the 3 months?

I live in Phuket and can assure you that many short term lets are available just cruising around. I have a new studio available that may be perfect for you, PM me if interested.

If you are on a Tight Budget then maybe Phuket is not the place for you! Go to the immigration forum and learn about Visa Runs and other requirements to live here.

Plenty of places available if you just cruise around and look. Do you plan on working here?

"Tight budget".

I recommend that you consider an alternate location in Thailand.

I suggest Changmai, or Pattaya.

I have just rented an apartment for 5500 per month, water is 300 and 6baht/ unit vfor electricity - which has its own meter so you know you aren't getting ripped off. It is about a 10min walk to the beach, there is a 7-11 right around the corner. The unit has a/c and a fan - also comes fully furnished. It is a studio without kitchen facilities - who needs / wants to cook anyhow.

There is a apt right next to mine for 7500 (has balcony). There are plenty of places around - the key to finding them is to get here and look around. I befriended the manager of a bar here and she has helped me out no end with free motorbike, getting a place etc.

There are deals everywhere...

"Tight budget".

I recommend that you consider an alternate location in Thailand.

I suggest Changmai, or Pattaya.

I have just rented an apartment for 5500 per month, water is 300 and 6baht/ unit vfor electricity - which has its own meter so you know you aren't getting ripped off. It is about a 10min walk to the beach, there is a 7-11 right around the corner. The unit has a/c and a fan - also comes fully furnished. It is a studio without kitchen facilities - who needs / wants to cook anyhow.

There is a apt right next to mine for 7500 (has balcony). There are plenty of places around - the key to finding them is to get here and look around. I befriended the manager of a bar here and she has helped me out no end with free motorbike, getting a place etc.

There are deals everywhere...

Good deal...can I ask where in Phuket you live ?

I have just rented an apartment for 5500 per month, water is 300 and 6baht/ unit vfor electricity - which has its own meter so you know you aren't getting ripped off. It is about a 10min walk to the beach, there is a 7-11 right around the corner. The unit has a/c and a fan - also comes fully furnished. It is a studio without kitchen facilities - who needs / wants to cook anyhow.

There is a apt right next to mine for 7500 (has balcony). There are plenty of places around - the key to finding them is to get here and look around. I befriended the manager of a bar here and she has helped me out no end with free motorbike, getting a place etc.

There are deals everywhere...

Good deal...can I ask where in Phuket you live ?

Sorry, slow reply. The apartment is in Patong Beach about a 5minute walk to the beach!