How to make friends in Phuket

honestly, just spend time talking to strangers will do, i always take initiative to say 'hey' and strike a conversation with just about everyone i meet including the locals, so far, almost everyone i have came across, locals or farangs have been very helpful in giving me direction or recommendation where to shop or eat. i feel very much at home except that i could not get over the ideal of not been able to flag down a metered taxi whenever and wherever in phuket, it near impossible to get around if you do not drive or ride a bike, its even tougher when i tried to rent one at an affordable price as every excuse i hear so far is high season is coming???