Essentials to take to Goa

Comfortable shoes, sandals and trainers are essential anywhere in Goa. The sun being strong, sunglasses, sun hat and high factor sun. Screen lotion is also recommended. Immunization against cholera, malaria, polio, tetanus and hepatitis and medicines for personal use should be carried from your country of origin such as anti-malarial pills etc. Toiletries, contact lens solutions, tampons are available in large cities.

Documents such as passport the visa copy and photocopies of the same along with money/ travelers cheques/credit cards a few photographs, medical insurance, etc For personal security, it is recommended that you carry a money belt or a zipped document holder.

Other useful items that one can carry are a small but powerful flashlight, a stock of batteries, a combination padlock, a small penknife (for peeling fruit), a cheap tough alarm clock, earplugs and even a small sewing kit.

Transportation

Buses are by far the cheapest way to travel in Goa - they’re usually overcrowded, and rarely seem to follow any particular schedule, but they’re fine for short trips. For longer trips, Goa’s new national railway system will take you around the region and even as far as Bombay - but you may need to book well in advance.

Black and yellow taxis run from official government ranks and have fixed prices; white taxis tend to be based outside hotels and restaurants, but they don’t always have set prices so it’s a good idea to agree a fare with them before you set off.

If you want to do a lot of traveling in a short period of time, it may be cheaper and more convenient to hire a private taxi for a day or half-day.

India's roads can be hazardous due to a combination of poorly maintained vehicles and bad drivers. If you do decide to hire a car please do so with caution, and take care at night, as many buses, Lorries and bullock carts are unlit and not easy to spot in the dark.

On The Beach

Although Goa’s clear, warm seas are among the most inviting for swimming anywhere in the world, you’ll need to beware of strong under-currents at certain times of the year, especially in the weeks after the monsoons, normally towards the end of September. Don’t try to swim at all during the monsoon season.

Topless bathing is not officially allowed, and nudism is not permitted anywhere. It’s best not to wear swimwear or short shorts in town, to avoid offending the locals.

If a jellyfish stings you, treat the sting with an acid solution such as vinegar or urine, and then immerse the area in water as hot as you can stand; to break down the toxins.

Scorpion fish and lionfish are more dangerous than jellyfish, but you’re less likely to come across these on sandy beaches, as they prefer rocky areas. If you do step on one, treat the sting with hot water, and then see a doctor (G.P.).

If you take food and drink to the beach with you, please take the rubbish back to your hotel to dispose of it. And although you’ll need to drink plenty of bottled water, do remember to bin the empties instead of leaving them on the beach.

Bites & Stings

At night, use mosquito nets and insect repellents to avoid mosquito bites and guard against both malaria and dengue fever. It’s also a good idea to shut all your windows just before dusk, which is when mosquitoes are most likely to enter your room.

You’re unlikely to come across snakes and scorpions, as they’re more scared of you than you are of them, but to be on the safe side don’t let your children play in long grass. Even what appear to be the tamest of animals can give nasty bites, so steer clear of unknown dogs, as rabies is sometimes found among stray or wild ones.

Currency Unit

The Currency Unit in Goa as in the rest of India is the Indian Rupee. Each rupee consists of 100 paise. Currency notes are issued in the denominations of Rs. 1000, Rs. 500, Rs. 100, Rs. 50, Rs. 20, Rs. 10, Rs. 5, Rs. 2, Re. 1. Coins issued are of Rs. 5, Rs. 2, Re. 1, 50 paise, 25 paise and denominations.

Money Exchange

It is not permitted to take Indian currency out of India nor purchase the Rupee overseas. If you are arriving from a foreign country, you should change some of your currency into Rupees at the airport or at the nearest branch of State Bank of India where you are offered the best rates of exchange. Money Exchange services are also available at most major hotels & resorts and private money changers in the area. Most reputed banks such as HDFC, ICICI etc also have ATMs that accept Master and Visa Card to withdraw cash.

Traveler’s cheques of all major brands are easily changed. The currencies that are most widely and easily accepted are the US dollar and British Pound Sterling.