Goa Holiday Tips

Dos and Don'ts on Goa Holidays

Before embarking on your Goa holidays, you need to be aware of a number of dos and don’ts about Goa. You have to contend with the tropical climate, a frenzy of activities, countless vendors, crowded streets and the unending chaos.

Clothing

Cotton clothes are the best bet during the warm and sunny days
Woolen clothes are rarely needed.

Currency

Money changing facilities are available at the airport and the state banks.
Some reputed banks, including HDFC and ICICI, have ATMs accepting Master and Visa cards for cash withdrawals.
Traveler’s cheques are widely accepted and the most accepted currencies include United States Dollars and the British Sterling Pounds.

Health

Be careful about what you eat and drink.
Smaller local restaurants usually offer boiled water but you can also ask for bottled mineral water.
Check out the smaller restaurants if you are seeking authentic Goan cuisine.
Fresh seafood is the safest and most delicious food.
Do not accept consumables from strangers.

Hygiene

Do not swim during the monsoon season.
Do not throw trash on Goa beaches.
Do not smoke in public places and vehicles.
Spitting and smoking is banned in public places.
Use insect repellents and mosquito nets whenever possible; malaria hits some parts of Goa mainly in the monsoons.

Safety

Avoid encouraging beggars
Beware of roadside touts.
Contact the nearest police station if you lose any document or any item.
Before entering the beach, read the signboards and follow the instructions given. Do not swim in unsafe areas.
Do not swim after drinking.

Traffic

Always carry legal documents like your driving license and passport.
The movement of the traffic is on the left.
Do not use air-horns or multi-toned horns.
Vehicles are not allowed on the beach.
Pay the taxi and auto-rickshaws by meter rates. In case the meter is not working, use the tariff card issued by the Directorate of Transport.
Buses do not ply in most areas of Goa after 8 pm, between Panaji and Margao the last buses leave around 9.30 pm.

Laws and Regulations

To extend your visa, you should contact the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, located in the Police Headquarters at Panaji.
Nudity on beaches and public places is forbidden and punishable under the law. Decency and decorum in dress should be observed.
Drug offences are punishable under the law. The penalty could be as much as Rs. 1,00,000 with a rigorous imprisonment of ten years.
Procuring wares made from endangered species of animals is prohibited.
Pedophilia is a crime and faces strong action.