PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Passports and Visas

Everyone (except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan) needs a visa to enter India. Nationals of most countries, if arriving at Goa airport with an onward or return ticket, can get a 30-day tourist visa online before their departure. For a longer stay, you need to apply in person or by post at a Visa Office or alternatively at the Indian Embassy or High Commission in your home country. For details, check the Ministry of External Affairs website.

The Indian government has introduced e-Tourist Visa, which allows foreign travellers to visit India without going through the tiresome process of going to the embassy and waiting for its approval. You can apply through an online portal, four days before the expected date of travel. It is best to allow plenty of time though. This visa is valid for 30 days, and costs US$60 per passenger. Be sure to apply through the official website. There are numerous scam sites, so beware of giving away personal information to third party agents.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. The UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries have consular representation in the city.

Customs and Immigration

Duty-free limits are 2 litres of liquor and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g (9 oz) tobacco. You must also fill a currency declaration form if the aggregate value of your foreign currency (bank notes and travellers cheques) is more than US$10,000 or equivalent.

Travel Safety Advice

Visitors can get up-to-date travel safety information from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US Department of State and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel Insurance

Don’t travel without valid insurance, and check the details of the policy, particularly how much you can claim for the loss of individual items. For medical treatment you may have to pay upfront and claim it later.

Health

Vaccinations against meningitis, typhoid, tetanus as well as hepatitis A are commonly recommended for India. Make sure that you are covered against polio. Consult your doctor before your trip regarding the exact requirements. Malaria and dengue fever outbreaks can occur, especially in and after the monsoon months (June–September), so bring high-DEET repellent and protect yourself against mosquito bites.

Stick to bottled drinking water (or purify your own) and avoid street food as it can play havoc with those who have delicate constitutions. The most common tourist illness is stomach upset that passes within a day or two (stick to water, yoghurt and rice). If your symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor in case it’s giardia or amoebic dysentery. Manipal Health Systems Pvt Ltd is one of the top research hospitals; other hospitals include the Vintage Hospital & Medical Research Centre Pvt Ltd, Dr Kolwalkar’s Galaxy Hospital and the Apollo Victor Hospital. The Wellness Forever pharmacy in Panaji is open 24x7.

Personal Security

Cases of petty theft such as pickpocketing and pilfering from hotel rooms are quite common, as is credit card fraud. If you are paying with credit or debit cards, ensure that it is swiped in front of you. Most hotels have a safe for valuables, but it is common for things to go missing from budget hotels. Use your own padlock to lock your baggage or even the room.

Transport terminals are hotspots for theft. There have been several instances of travellers being offered drugged food or drink and then robbed once insensible.

Do not completely trust cab drivers and tourist guides, and make sure to maintain a safe distance. When hiring a car or taxi, ask your hotel to book it for you (or go to a cab rank) and note the licence plate number. Don't wander alone at night especially in deserted parts of the state. Because of Goa’s busy nightlife, there are frequent reports of "date rape" or theft due to drugging at trendy bars. If you plan on a night outing make sure you move around in a group.

While visiting places of worship, it’s advisable to be respectful of the religious beliefs and dress appropriately. Women should wear clothes that cover the upper arms, and are at least mid-calf length, and take scarves along to cover their heads. Men should avoid shorts and may be asked to cover their heads with a handkerchief or scarf (rather than a hat). It is important for LGBTQ travellers to note that India is a conservative country, so it is best to avoid overt public displays of affection.

Sexual harrassment of women (“eve teasing”) is common, especially during festivals. The best response is to point out the perpetrator and exclaim out loud exactly what he has done, as other people will be on your side. Violent attacks on women occasionally occur, so it is advisable to dress conservatively and exercise caution after dark. When queuing for train tickets, use the “ladies’ lines”, which are usually shorter. On many buses and trains there are “ladies only” seats or compartments. If you need to contact the police, call their Tourist Helpline or the Women’s Helpline; the police also have posts at the airport, main stations, major tourist sights and hotel areas.

Emergency Services

Ambulance, police and fire services are reliable and can be called from any landline, mobile or phone booth during a crisis.

Travellers with Specific Needs

Disabled access has been improving throughout the state to make Goa an enjoyable destination for everyone. The airport is fully accessible to travellers with specific needs, with free transport provided in Kadamba buses as well as in ferries. In 2017 Candolim Beach became the very first wheelchair accessible beach in India. It also held the first beach festival for people with disabilities, hosting games and activities for them. Boardwalks have been installed at the beach from the starting point right up to the water. There are wheelchairs with special tyres that are easy to steer on sand as well as those that float on water.

Currency and Banking

The local currency is rupees (₹), which come in notes of ₹2,000, ₹500, ₹200, ₹100, ₹50, ₹20, ₹10 and occasionally still ₹5, with coins of ₹10, ₹5, ₹2 and ₹1.

Banks are usually open 10am to mid-afternoon Monday to Friday. Public banks are closed on second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Private bureaux de change are quite common, especially in Panaji and Calangute, and may offer decent rates. Mid- and upper-range hotels exchange foreign currency, but rates are usually poor. ATMs are widespread and accept foreign-issued credit and debit cards (especially Visa and MasterCard). These two types of credit cards are widely accepted in upmarket shops and restaurants, but they may attract a surcharge.

Telephone and Internet

International and national phone calls can be made easily and relatively cheaply from numerous telephone booths (look for places advertising STD/ISD phone calls). Calls can often be made from hotel rooms, but there may be an exorbitant mark-up, so check rates first. The country code for India is +91; the area code for Goa is 0832.

If you are planning to use your mobile in Goa, check rates and accessibility with your service provider at home. Alternatively, buy a local SIM card (available at phone shops), for an Indian telephone number with access to cheap local phone rates.

Most hotels offer Wi-Fi access, and many bars and cafés provide free Wi-Fi.

Postal Services

There is a handy branch of the Head Post Office at Panaji. For poste restante, you will need to go to the Arambol Post Office. Packages need to be sealed.

Language

Konkani and English are the official languages of the state of Goa. You will hear Konkani spoken everywhere, but almost everyone can speak English. Road signs are usually in English as well as in Konkani.

TV, Radio and Newspapers

Most hotel rooms will have a TV offering local and international channels. Local FM radio stations, including AIR Panaji, Gyan Vani, Radio Indigo and Radio Mirchi, play Hindi pop; Big 92.7 FM plays an international selection.

The English-language newspapers in Goa include The Times of India (its local edition has the useful Goa Times supplement) and Navhind Times, O Heraldo and the Goa News. India Today, Zee News, Times Now, NDTV and Republic are among English-language television networks that are broadcasted 24 hours a day.

Opening Hours

Shops typically open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Many museums and some tourist sights are closed on Mondays. Popular malls such as Mall De Goa, Caculo Mall and Big G usually open from 10am. Shops and markets remain closed on national holidays.

Time Difference

Goa is on Indian Standard Time (IST), which is 5.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 9.5 hours ahead of New York, 12.5 hours ahead of Los Angeles, and 4.5 hours behind Sydney.

Electrical Appliances

The electricity supply is 220V AC. Most sockets are triple round-pin but take European-size double round-pin plugs. British, Irish and Australasian devices will only need an adaptor, while North American devices will need an adaptor and a converter.

Driving and Traffic Rules

Carry an international driving licence if you plan on driving yourself. You also need to be well prepared for the traffic rules and road conditions in Goa. In India, driving is on the left and vehicles give way to the right. While driving on the highway, be careful of large vehicles, which often use muscle power to force you off the road. It is mandatory to wear a helmet if you are riding a two-wheeler, else you may be stopped by the police and fined. Speed limits range from 30 kmph (19 mph) to 60 kmph (37 mph). Drive slowly and look out for speed breakers especially at night, as the streets are poorly lit. The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.03% – which is equal to one drink.

Weather

The best time to visit Goa is during winter (November–March). Goa can be extremely hot and humid from April to May (reaching 30°C/86°F), and rather wet from June until September, when the monsoon kicks in. The weather from November to March stays warm and sunny, with cool evenings. April to October are the months between peak and off-peak seasons when the beaches are quieter. Keep in mind that most of the restaurants might be closed during off season, and the seas are too rough for swimming or venturing out in boats.

Cruises

Goa offers various types of cruises on both the Mandovi River, as well as the Arabian Sea. There are floating restaurants and casino cruises as well. Two notable cruises are Angriya and Galaxy Galante. Angriya is India’s first domestic luxury cruise liner that sails between Mumbai and Goa on the Arabian Sea. It is complete with all amenities that include accommodation, dining and entertainment. The Galaxy Galante sails on the Mandovi River. It is a floating restaurant and a nightclub as well. Cruises on the Mandovi offer lovely views of the city and its old buildings, and also gain access to the backwaters of Goa, passing through the Chorão and Divar Islands.

Visitor Information

Tourist offices provide advice on sightseeing and detailed maps of the city, which can also be found in most bookshops. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) website has information and itineraries. Check for packages and events well in advance of your arrival. They also provide hotel bookings.

Trips and Tours

Walking and cycling tours are popular among visitors coming to Goa. A walking tour around the city is best described as a walk through time, which includes historical details and local trivia given by a tour guide. There are full-day tours of North and South Goa, the Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantations, as well as a chance to explore the hidden trails at Udaan Dongor. Several exciting packages are offered by Thrillophilia.

Cycling tours are best to witness the natural beauty of the state. Tour packages are available online for cycling through Old Goa as well as Chorão and Divar Islands. Snacks and drinks are provided. Make sure that you wear comfortable footwear. Check the websites of Kalypso Adventures, Wandertrails, Adventure Breaks and Adventure Nation for various cycling tours. E-bike tours are also becoming incredibly popular, with the concept of smooth and effortless riding while exploring the city. B:live offers a myriad of e-bike tours.

Swimming and Watersports

Due to the tropical weather Goa's seas have a pleasant temperature to swim in. Areas that are safe for swimming have been marked by red and yellow flags and life guards monitor beaches during strong currents and rip tides. During monsoons, stay away from the sea due to high tides. It is wise to swim during the day, and October to May is the best time.

Watersports ranging from windsuring to jet skiing, are offered at the beaches. Enjoy kayaking at sunset, or adventure sports such as white-water rafting and sea-rafting. Flying Fish offers snorkelling and scuba diving at Grande Island.

Shopping

A wide array of crafts from all over India are available in Goa. Markets such as Mapusa Market, Arpora’s Saturday Night Bazaar and Anjuna Flea Market offer local handicrafts, spices, pickles and textiles at negotiable prices.

Shops sell textiles by the metre, so buy some fabric and have your clothes tailored at affordable prices. Sacha's Shop, Hollywood Fashion and Jade Jagger are popular boutiques that stitch customized garments.

Stores such as Aparant Goan Handicrafts Emporium sell local handicrafts. Shalala Handicrafts is another notable store offering handmade carpets in silk and wool as well as unique jewellery.

It’s worth checking prices and quality before heading elsewhere. Bargaining is de rigueur in bazaars and most small shops, but not usually in malls and government emporiums. Top buys include cashew nuts, wines and spices, found easily in Panaji. You can also find bookstores here.

Casinos and Gambling

Goa is one of the few states in India where casino gambling has been legalized. It is popular for the casino cruises that sail on the Mandovi River. Make sure you are aware of the gambling rules in casinos.

All visitors are obligated by law to pay an entry fee of ₹700 in order to receive a receipt for government levy. Keep this slip handy at all times. To be found inside a casino without this slip is a punishable offence. Smoking is prohibited, although some places have VIP smoking rooms. Contact the casino and inquire in advance.

Only visitors who are older than 21 years of age are allowed to enter the gaming areas at the casinos. It is illegal for under 21s to gamble, but other areas such as restaurants, might be open for all.

Goa's casinos host two types of gambling games – Slot Games and Table Games. Slot machines are not as popular as the table games, since they do not have a high pay out. Most machines accept cash, and pay outs need to be collected from the attendants. Table games include – baccarat, money wheel, blackjack, Texas hold’em poker, roulette and many more. For roulette the minimum bet starts at ₹50, while for other games it is ₹100. A variety of gaming chips are used, but cash chips, OTP chips and rolling chips are commonly used.

Casinos have stringent dress codes. Wear semi-formal attire and avoid shorts or flip-flops. To improve your chances of success, take breaks rather than gambling non-stop, as fatigue can cloud your judgement. Don't spend more than an hour deciding whether to "hold' em" or "fold 'em", or spend too much time over a slot machine, you could experience fatigue.

In case you get lucky and win, be tactful about how you react. Do not boast about your winnings as strangers might hear you.

Dining

Goan cuisine is a fusion of the various cultures that it has encountered over the centuries. Vegetarian food is available in some places, but it is not a speciality of the state. Traditional dishes are usually rich in coconut milk, cashews and local spices, such as tamarind, kokum and red Goan chillies. Meats such as pork and beef are favourites among the locals, and seafood is a speciality. The staple food here is fish curry and rice. You can find tuna, kingfish, shark, mackerel and pomfret. Prawns, crabs and lobsters are also crowd pleasers.

Restaurants are mostly child-friendly, and if children find spicy food hard to deal with, there are many alternatives including cafés, Chinese eateries, international chains and multi-cuisine restaurants among others. The fast-food chains have altered their menus to suit the local palate. Eateries from luxurious gourmet restaurants as well as small cafés and roadside stalls, offer a mix of intercontinental cuisine.

Accommodation

Goa has a wide range of accommodation options, from five-star hotels to mid-range budget and even backpacker lodges. You are likely to find a room to suit your budget wherever you go, but it is best to make reservations in advance. Rates for midrange accommodation are a bargain by Western standards. Airbnb is very useful for locating places to stay. Couchsurfing, which allows travellers to book to stay with a family for a short period, is also available in Goa. You could also book a room via the OYO Rooms mobile app as it offers good discounts.

Keep in mind that prices are likely to be higher during peak season, especially during Christmas and New Year. The months between April to October are considered off-peak. This is when you can find discounted hotel rates. Travellers should also be aware that the government of India has imposed luxury taxes on hotels.

DIRECTORY

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Australian High Commission

prac_infoindia.embassy.gov.au

British High Commission

prac_infoukinindia.fco.gov.uk

Embassy of Canada

prac_infoindia.gc.ca

Embassy of the United States

prac_infoin.usembassy.gov/

Ministry of External Affairs

prac_infomea.gov.in

New Zealand High Commission

prac_infonzembassy.com/india

Visa Office, Australia

prac_infovfsglobal.com/india/australia

Visa Office, Canada

prac_infoblsindia-canada.com

Visa Office, UK

prac_infovfsglobal.com/India/UK

Visa Office, USA

prac_infoin.ckgs.us

TRAVEL SAFETY ADVICE

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

prac_infodfat.gov.au

prac_infosmartraveller.gov.au

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

prac_infogov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

US Department of State

prac_infotravel.state.gov

HEALTH

Apollo Victor Hospital

prac_infoStation Malbhat, Margao

prac_info0832 672 8888

prac_infovictorhospital.com

Dr Kolwalkar’s Galaxy Hospital

prac_infoDuler, Mapusa

prac_info0832 226 6666

prac_infogalaxyhospitalgoa.com

Manipal Health Systems Pvt Ltd

prac_infoDona Paula, Panaji

prac_info0832 300 2500

prac_infogoa.manipalhospitals.com

Vintage Hospital & Medical Research Centre Pvt Ltd

prac_infoSanta Inez, Panaji

prac_info0832 564 4401

Wellness Forever

prac_infoMG Rd, Panaji

prac_info0832 242 4884

prac_infowellnessforever.in

PERSONAL SECURITY

Tourist Helpline

prac_info1 800 111 363

Women’s Helpline

prac_info1091

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Ambulance

prac_info108

Fire Brigade

prac_info0832 242 3101

Police

prac_info100 or 1090

POSTAL SERVICES

Arambol Post Office

prac_info274/1, MDR17, Arambol • Open 9:30am–3pm Mon–Sat

Head Post Office

prac_infoMahatma Gandhi Rd, Patto Colony, Panaji • Open 9:30am–3:30pm Mon–Sat

TV, RADIO AND NEWSPAPERS

AIR Panaji

prac_info105.4 MHz

prac_infoairpanaji.gov.in/

Big 92.7 FM

prac_info92.7 MHz

prac_info927bigfm.com

Gyan Vani

prac_info107.8 MHz

Radio Indigo

prac_info91.9 MHz

Radio Mirchi

prac_info98.3 MHz

prac_inforadiomirchi.com

Goa News

prac_infogoanews.com

Navhind Times

prac_infonavhindtimes.in

O Heraldo

prac_infoheraldgoa.in

The Times of India

prac_infotimesofindia.indiatimes.com/goa

OPENING HOURS

Big G

prac_infoDr Dada Vaidya Rd, Altinho, Panaji

prac_info(0832) 243 4723

Caculo Mall

prac_info16 Shanta, St Inez Rd, Panaji

prac_info(0832) 223 3300

Mall De Goa

prac_infoNH17, Alto Porvorim, Penha de Franca

CRUISES

Angriya

prac_infoangriyacruises.com

Galaxy Galante

prac_infogalaxiagalante.in

VISITOR INFORMATION

GTDC

prac_info2nd Floor, Paryatan Bhavan, Panaji

prac_info0832 243 7132

prac_infogoa-tourism.com

TRIPS AND TOURS

Adventure Breaks

prac_infoadventurebreaks.in

Adventure Nation

prac_info0124 4983580

prac_infoadventurenation.com

B:live

prac_infoblive.co.in

Kalypso Adventures

prac_info2336 3607

prac_infokalypsoadventures.com

Thrillophilia

prac_infothrillophilia.com

Wandertrails

prac_infowandertrails.com

SWIMMING AND WATERSPORTS

Flying Fish

prac_infoflyingfish.in

SHOPPING

Hollywood Fashion

prac_infoFort Aguada Rd, Candolim

prac_info099 6019 2580

Jade Jagger

prac_infoAshvem Beach

prac_info0897 506 1040

prac_infojadejagger.co.uk

Shalala Handicrafts

prac_infoShalala Residency, Calangute

prac_info0832 652 8672

prac_infoshalalahandicrafts.info

ACCOMMODATION

Airbnb

prac_infoairbnb.com

Couchsurfing

prac_infocouchsurfing.com

OYO Rooms

prac_infooyorooms.com

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