Need to Know
Currency
Languages
Visas
Money
Mobile Phones
Time
When to Go
High Season (Nov– Mar)
AWarm, sunny weather, with balmy but cool evenings.
ACalm seas perfect for diving, boat trips and swimming.
APeak tourist numbers and prices, especially over frenetic Christmas and New Year.
Shoulder Season (Apr, Oct)
AQuiet beaches, hotel bargains, but just a few beach shack restaurants and huts open.
ASeas may be too rough for swimming or boat trips.
AApril can be hot and very humid.
Low Season (May– Sep)
AMost tourist operations close.
AThe monsoon brings rain, humidity, green countryside and local celebrations.
AFewer tourists so the perfect time to experience ‘real’ Goan life.
Useful Websites
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/india/goa) A great first go-to point for information.
Goa Tourism (www.goa-tourism.com) Goa’s state tourism body.
Time Out Mumbai (www.timeoutmumbai.net) Daily listings and reviews.
Goacom (www.goacom.com) Listings, information and recipes.
Planet Goa (www.planet-goa.com) Online magazine.
What's Up Goa (www.whatsupgoa.com) Listings, events and more.
Important Numbers
From outside India, dial the international access code (00), India’s country code (91), then the number you want, minus the initial ‘0’.
| Country code | 91 |
| Police | 100 |
| Fire | 101 |
| Ambulance | 102 |
| General emergencies | 108 |
Exchange Rates
| Australia | A$1 | ₹51 |
| Canada | C$1 | ₹54 |
| Euro zone | €1 | ₹75 |
| Japan | ¥100 | ₹53 |
| New Zealand | NZ$1 | ₹49 |
| UK | UK£1 | ₹96 |
| US | US$1 | ₹63 |
For current exchange rates see www.xe.com
Daily Costs
Budget:
Less than ₹1500
AStay in beach huts at backpacker-favoured beaches
AEat at local joints and self-cater at markets
ABuy alcohol at liquor stores or supermarkets
ATravel on local buses
Midrange:
₹1500–7000
ACombine traveller-oriented beach restaurants with local eateries
ARent a scooter; take an autorickshaw or taxi for short trips
AStay in higher-end beach huts or air-con guesthouses
ASunset drinks in shacks or bars
Top End:
More than ₹7000
AStay in boutique heritage hotels or the best beach huts
ARent a car, or travel by taxi
ADine opulently, but don’t miss meals at local hang-outs
AIndulge in ayurvedic massage and yoga retreats
Opening Hours
Outside high season (November to March) many tourist-oriented shops, restaurants and services may be closed completely. Some businesses may close for an hour or two in the afternoon or have reduced services during the low season (May to September). Hours provided are for high season.
Banks 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday, to noon Saturday
Restaurants & Cafes 8am to 11pm
Bars noon to midnight
Clubs 10pm to 5am
Shops 10am to 6pm
Arriving in Goa
Dabolim Airport, Goa Prepaid taxi booth to all Goan destinations; many hotels offer pick up.
Madgaon Railway Station, Margao Main stop on Konkan Railway; prepaid taxi booth to all Goan destinations.
Karmali Railway Station, Old Goa Closest to Panaji; reservations at Panaji Kadamba Bus Stand.
Kadamba Bus Stand, Panaji Long-distance and local buses; private long-distance bus companies have ticket booths here, but depart from the interstate bus stand.
Thivim Station and Mapusa Bus Stand (
%2232161) Closest rail and bus services to Calangute and Anjuna.
Getting Around
Car & Motorcycle Many travellers hire a scooter or motorbike for their trip; self-drive cars are less common but car and driver services are affordable for a group.
Taxi & autorickshaw Good for short hops around and between towns and beach resorts. Taxis will also take you on longer trips – agree on a fare beforehand.
Bus Extremely cheap, slow but fun local way of getting between towns and villages.
Train There are two rail lines in the state but it's not a particularly quick or convenient way of getting around.