Goa, India Hotels and City Guide

Goa - Travel Tips

Goa Travel Tips

The tropical climate, frenzy of activity, countless knick-knack vendors, roadside food stalls, crowded streets and the never-ending daily chaos – to manoeuvre oneself around all this, a tourist requires a bit of insider knowledge about Goa.

Setting your priorities straight, it’s always better to take a reliable guide with you, wherever you go. These knowledgeable and officially appointed tour guides are able to assist you with anything, from translating Konkani to choosing a good quality carpet.

Clothing

Goa is located on the Malabar Coast, with many sunny days and extensive sandy beaches, so always dress for the tropics. Cotton clothes are the best option during the warm and sunny days. Woollen clothes are rarely needed, and even if you do feel the cold, all you need is a light wool jacket or sweater. The windy and chilly season is from early December to late January, sometimes extending to mid-February.

Currency

The currency unit used everywhere in India is the Indian Rupees (INR). Most of the currency in circulation is notes, with a few coins with very small values. Currency denominations set in notes are 1000, 500, 100, 50, R20, 10, 5, 2, and 1. The notes of Rupees 5, 2 and 1 are rarely used, with coins of the same denominations used frequently. Coins are also available in 50 paise, 25 paise, 10 paise and 5 paise. The three latter denominations are of very little value, and is rarely used. The 500 and 100 Rupee notes are similar in appearance, and travellers should be careful when accepting cash and balance and change for currency.

Money exchanging facilities are available at the airport and state banks. The Indian Rupee cannot be taken out of the country nor purchased while out of India. Most major hotels and resorts offer their own currency exchange service for tourists and some reputed banks including HDFC and ICICI have ATMs accepting Master and Visa cards for cash withdrawals.

Travellers cheques are widely accepted and the most recognised currencies include the United States Dollar (USD) and the British Sterling Pound (GBP).

If any documents or valuables are lost, contact the nearest Government of India Tourist Office or the nearest State Government Tourist Office or the nearest Police Station.

Health and Safety Tips

Goa is quite safe for travellers, but it’s always good to be alert. Keep all travel documents, money and valuable items well-hidden from the public eye. It’s best to carry travellers cheques rather than liquid cash. ATMs are available in most places of the capital city Panjim, reducing the need to have ready-cash with you.

Voltage in Goa is 220 volts a / c, 50 cycles, so remember to pack an adapter for all your electrical appliances.

Never leave baggage and items unattended.

Always have a small emergency card with your name, age, blood group and other relevant medical details and a contact phone number to use in case of an emergency.

Do not accept sweets, drinks and other consumable items from strangers. It may be used to induce a deep sleep and steal your belongings.

Be careful with what you eat and drink. Always ask for bottled mineral water and check out the smaller restaurants if you’re seeking authentic Goan cuisine. Fresh seafood is the safest and most delicious cuisine to enjoy.

Wash your hands with soap and water often. Make sure you have a good bath at the end of the day. Feet should be appropriately covered to avoid infections.

Don’t be deceived by the apparent cheap rates of goods and services. Most often, prices are quoted way above the marked rates, and it would still appear to be very cheap because of the currency conversion rates. Check with reliable sources before embarking on a shopping trip or making any deals.

Refrain from handing out money to beggars; these are almost always full-time professionals in search of easy money.

Beware of roadside touts, as they are not appointed officially and may not be trustworthy.

Use insect repellents and mosquito nets whenever possible and wear suitable clothes to avoid insect bites.

Avoid accepting any sexual services offered, as no assurance is available for the cleanliness or health conditions of the people offering such services.

Motor traffic circulation is on the left, and pedestrians should walk on the right. Foreign nationals must have an International Driving Licence and should keep all travel and other relevant documents at hand.

All religious sites should be equally respected and always remember to observe silence when passing such a site. When entering a religious site, especially a Hindu temple, remove any footwear. A small donation for the maintenance of the temple is expected upon leaving the building.

Offer 20 percent of the asking price when bargaining in small establishments. Be prepared to pay 35 to 45 percent of the original asking price.

To extend your visa, contact the Foreigners Regional Registration Office located in the Police Headquarters at Panaji.

Cameras and video filming are prohibited in some tourist spots, so always check before you enter with such equipment.

Government appointed tour guides are available from reputed travel agencies and always shop in government approved stores for good quality products for bargain prices.

Deposit garbage in the nearest waste bin available.

If you need to visit a hospital, always insist on sterilised or disposable syringes, and make sure any blood transfusion is done after ample testing to prove the blood is not infected with a disease.

Public Pay Toilets are available in most reputable places and these should be used when needed. Refrain from using the free public toilets.

Taxis and auto-rickshaws should be paid according to metred rates and if no metre is available, travellers should use the tariff card issued by the Directorate of Transport as a guide to recognise acceptable rates. These tariff cards are displayed inside the taxis.

Vehicles are not allowed in the beach.

Tips for Tourists

The peak travel season in Goa is from October to January, and Goa is crowded and extremely festive during this period. The temperature and humidity are, comparatively, bearable during the season.

When touring Goa, don’t just concentrate on the most known beaches and attractions. Goa has a large selection of smaller beaches with more privacy and guaranteed relaxation.

Do not swim out into the sea during the Monsoon period. Lifeguards are present at the beaches of Goa, and tourists should always speak to them and ensure the sea is safe for swimming.

Laws and Regulations

The use, possession and trade of any drug (hard or soft) is illegal in Goa. If any tourist is caught with such drugs, the minimal sentence is 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 Indian Rupees. Drug offences do not qualify for bail and time-off for good behaviour is not an option. Serving the given sentence is mandatory.

Articles made from rare and endangered, thus protected, animal species have no sale and purchase rights. It’s prohibited to acquire such articles and if found in possession, it’s a punishable offence.

Nudity at the beach or public places is prohibited. It’s punishable under national and state laws.

Hotels in Goa, India