Goa is an outstanding holiday destination with sun-kissed beaches, luxurious villas, bright skies, and lengthy coastlines. Goa is filled with the hippie vibe in the North and with the tranquillity in the South. It impresses you with flea markets and bright nightlife, promising amazing holidays to any type of traveler. Moreover, it is an outstanding honeymoon spot for all newly married couples who want a mix of adventure and romance.
However, the key to an incredible holiday is a plan. In this article, we are going to list the main points that you need to know when traveling to Goa. Here you may find some useful tips about food, flights, money, local culture and its features, hotels, and villas for rent in Goa, and how to keep safe there.
FLIGHT & CURRENCY ISSUES
Firstly, to enter India you need a visa. You can apply for an electronic one on the official website (25+ dollars) or get it at the visa application center. Some perks of an electronic visa: it’s cheaper, easier, and faster to get. However, there are some disadvantages: upon arrival, passengers are distributed in two queues, and the queue of e-visa holders is 2-3 times longer.
The local currency is the Indian rupee. It is convenient and profitable to take dollars with you. In addition to banks, rupees can be bought in street shops, small shops, and private exchanges. The exchange rate is different everywhere, so you need to choose and bargain.
According to local laws, tourists who arrived by charter can only fly by the charter of the same airline or by regular flight, and in case they arrived by regular flight, then they will be allowed to return only on a regular flight.
ACCOMMODATION
What should a tourist know about Indian hotels and villas for rent in Goa? Is it worth paying attention to the positive reviews on the Internet about Goan accommodation?
First, book accommodation in advance! You may choose between hotel or a villa for rent in Goa. Nevertheless, consider that the usual hotel rating does not work for Goan ones. So, if the hotel is not at a minimum 4-star one, the only way to find a good one is to rely on fresh reviews on the Internet.
There is a huge variety of hotels, guesthouses, and villas for rent in Goa, so you will definitely find your perfect apartment for any budget, purpose, and company.
TRANSPORT RENT
You can travel by taxi, tuk-tuks, or rental cars, but the most popular transport is a scooter (200+ rupees per day, but you can get a discount for a long time). NB: inspect the bike, and take a picture of all types of damage, and do not leave your passport as a deposit.
In Goa, you can drive only with an international driver’s license. Scooters require an A category. Since 2020, fines have increased sharply: before now the official fine for driving without a license was 500 rupees and now it is 5000 rupees, driving drunk is 10000 rupees instead of 2000, etc.
FOOD
Food in India is very diverse! Here everyone can find a dish to taste. The variety of food provides you with any type of sweets, seafood, fruits, and dishes of Indian and European cuisine. What is more, fast food lovers will always find a McDonald’s or KFC restaurant.
The first thing we are to warn you is that almost all Indian food is spicy. Even in case you say, ‘NO SPICE!’ there is still a probability that a waiter will serve you a dish that may burn out your taste buds.
Nevertheless, spicy food has several important pros. First – in India it is delicious! Second, it helps to reduce the risk of poisoning. Spice seasoning has a positive sanitizing effect.
Buy fruits and seafood at the market, and then ask the staff at the cafe or restaurant to cook it for you.
Take a knife and a slow cooker with you! Especially if you have a villa for rent in Goa!) So, you would be able to cook the dishes you like in your apartment. Don’t forget to use ONLY BOTTLED WATER if you cook on your own!
SAFETY
Generally, security level in India is low enough, so it is not dangerous in the country. Local citizens are very friendly, helpful and love tourists. Even in conflict situations (which happen extremely rarely) they will try to drive everything to a simple agreement.
The greatest danger here is nature… You can be hit or trampled by a bull, bitten by a dog, snake or other poisonous creature. In the ocean, a moray eel can attack you, a coconut or a whole coconut tree can fall on your head, and so on. Be alert and at the same time understand that the most dangerous in this country is nature, not people.
MEDICINE
You definitely need to get vaccinated against malaria, at most 2 weeks before the trip. Vaccination against yellow fever, typhus, tetanus, hepatitis and other possible and existing vaccinations will also come in handy, because in India any disease can be infected!
Health insurance
This is a very important thing! Don’t rely on the health insurance provided by travel organizers. Buy your own health insurance plan (extended). It will be more expensive, but in extreme situation can save your life.
We hope, you have found these tips useful and now you have got a fair understanding of what all essential things you need to do planning your Goa trip. When in Goa, enjoy each moment of your trip. And if you are looking for a convenient accommodation, consider a villa in Goa, it is a profitable and beneficial option.
