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.

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