Goa has always been one of the unique holiday destinations that offer a quaint mix of western and eastern influences. Cradled amongst the untamed nature, the state has an enchanting allure of scenery as well as heritage. The uninterrupted string of golden-sand beaches has been one of the key attractions of Goa. The entire state shores on the coastline along the Arabian Sea and has developed its own reputation of being the shelter for those who love a nonconformist lifestyle. So whether you are looking for a serious yoga experience or any other form of spiritual exploration, or want a hip-hop vacation time, Goa is your place!
Pack your bags to explore the maverick mix of sea, sand, seafood.
Explore & Travel goa
goa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- #BEST TIME TO VISIT
- #CLOTHES
- #DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
- #ELECTRICITY
- #FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
- #FOOD
- #GENERAL
- #GUIDES
- #HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
- #HOTELS
- #INSURANCE
- #LANGUAGE
- #MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
- #MONUMENTS
- #MOVING AROUND
- #NIGHT LIFE
- #PHOTOGRAPHY
- #RELIGIOUS PLACES
- #SAFETY
- #SHOPPING
- #TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
- #THINGS TO DO
- #TIPPING
- #VACCINATIONS
- #VISA
- #WATER AND DRINKS
- #WEATHER
BEST TIME TO VISIT
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Q.Which is the finest time to visit Goa?A.November and March are the preferred months as the weather remains balmy and clear.
CLOTHES
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Q.Which type of clothes should we carry while travelling to Goa?A.Pack light clothing. The common wears tourists generally carry are cropped cotton trousers, thin tops, loose skirts for women and shorts and t-shirts for men. Do not forget bathing suits.
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Q.Suggest the type of clothing needed to visit the religious places in Goa.A.Certain religious places follow dress codes; try to wear covered clothes. Volunteers offer shawls to tourists to cover themselves up at Basilica of Bom Jesus.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
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Q.How much baggage is allowed in the domestic flights?A.Generally, the cabin baggage allowance in Economy Class is 15 kg while the carry-on hand baggage is 7 kg. Get the updated guidelines from the airlines’ guideline.
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Q.Is it safe to travel by domestic flights and how expensive are airfares?A.Goa is one of the international tourist hubs the airlines give utmost priority to customer safety.
India Tours can help you get tickets at lower prices through some promotional offers. -
Q.Do the domestic airlines offer meals or snacks?A.Most of the domestic airlines are budget carriers so you will not get complimentary meals. There’s option to buy it on board.
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Q.How early should I reach the airport counter?A.The check-in counters for domestic airlines close 45 minutes prior to departure.
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Q.Are the domestic airlines safe and punctual?A.Goa sees mostly punctual domestic flights unless there is some severe weather condition.
ELECTRICITY
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Q.Is the electricity 110 v or 220 v and which type of power points/plugs/sockets are used in Goa?A.Carrying a universal travel adapter is a wise option. Check the label; if it reads "125/250V | 50/60Hz", it can be used all across. Power plugs and sockets are of type C, D and M in India.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
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Q.Which are the fairs & festivals in Goa?A.Christmas, Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Shigmo, Sao Joao Festival, Three Kings Feast and Goa Carnival are some of the popular ones celebrated all through the year.
FOOD
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Q.Can I get food according to the specific dietary requirements?A.Yes. Please mention your requirements to our representative while booking.
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Q.Are raw fruit or vegetables available in the streets of Goa?A.Yes. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are easily available.
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Q.Is the food spicy in Goa?A.From street foods to the restaurants, you can thoroughly enjoy the various cuisines – both spicy and non-spicy.
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Q.Is vegetarian food or vegan food available in Goa?A.Yes. Tourists can find vegetarian or vegan restaurants here.
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Q.Is meat or fish available in Goa?A.Yes. From sea food to various types of meat, Goa is a loved place for non-veg folks.
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Q.Is kosher food available in Goa?A.Yes. There are many Jewish people living in Goa which attracts many Jewish tourists.
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Q.Is Halal food available in Goa?A.Yes. The shops and restaurants specifically mention if they offer Halal food.
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Q.Is non-spicy European food available in Goa?A.A lot of European tourists come here so you can find many European restaurants as well.
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Q.Are there Pizza Huts/Dominos/Mc Donald in Goa?A.The popular food chains are available all over Goa.
GENERAL
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Q.What to pack while travelling in India?A.Most stores in urban cities will have almost everything you need. Try packing:
• Quality spinner suitcase, locks and cable
• Comfortable sturdy walking shoes
• Layered clothes (long sleeves to beat the heat)
• Sunscreen, power bank, mosquito repellent
• Particular prescription drugs -
Q.Etiquette for visitors in India I should be aware of.A.Religious Etiquettes: Menstruating women are usually not allowed inside religious places. Covering head is must for Gurudwara or a Mosque. Leather items are not allowed in Jain temples. Don’t photograph cremation ceremonies.
Table Etiquettes: Food is generally eaten with hands. Hindus usually avoid beef. 5%-10% tipping is common in restaurants.
Greeting: Bow head and fold hands to greet elderly people
Business Etiquettes: Business meetings in India are slightly less formal than the occidental. -
Q.Can the physically challenged visit the monuments?A.Physically challenged people are allowed to visit monuments but discuss with our India Tours representative to find out whether you need to arrange for a wheel chair.
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Q.Are tourists allowed to visit the local educational institutions?A.Tourists are required to have proper permission for visiting the private and government educational institutions.
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Q.Shall we pay the beggars?A.Although not illegal, it is best to avoid panhandlers.
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Q.Top five basic Hindi words I should know while travelling.A.• Hello – Namaste or Pranam
• Thank you – Dhanyavad
• What is your name – Aap ka Naam kya hai
• What’s this – Ye kya hai
• Can you help me – Kya Aap meri madaad karenge -
Q.What are the major religions in India?A.India is a secular country where Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism are popularly practised.
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Q.Common styles of toilet in India.A.Two main types are traditional squatting pan and the western commode. Generally, you will find water to wash, instead of toilet paper.
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Q.Is India safe for LGBT travellers?A.Decriminalised in 2018, you are legally safe to travel around India as a part of the LGBT community. However, it is better to be vigilant in a socially traditional country like India.
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Q.What are some of the lesser-known places of India/ Goa?A.• Champaner – Pavagadh, Gujarat
• Halebid, Karnataka
• Chembra Peak, Kerala
• Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
• Cherrapunji - Meghalaya
In Goa, you can go to:
• Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
• Cumbarjua Canal
• Spice Plantation
• The Bubbling Lake of Netravalli
• Chorla Ghats
• Harvalem Falls
• Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Keri Beach or Querim Beach
• Fort Tiracol
• Rivona Cave Goa -
Q.Is India safe as a family destination?A.Speak with India Tours representatives to make the arrangements accordingly. By large, India is a safe family destination.
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Q.What is the pollution condition in Goa and other parts of India?A.Cities like Panaji, Ponda, Mapusa, and Margaon have pollution levels higher than the permissible limits. In fact, most of the urban cities in India are also polluted.
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Q.Can I wear shorts and not get eyes on me?A.Goa is a very popular destination amongst international travellers but tries to dress appropriately to avoid unnecessary stares.
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Q.Will I get tourist police if needed?A.You can but keep the contact number of local police stations handy. Follow the ‘Drishti life guards’ and Tourist Police with regard to designated bathing zone.
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Q.What is the chance of seeing snake charmers, cows, camels, elephants, bears and other wild animals on the street?A.Chances are rare to find any such wild animals on urban settlements.
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Q.Do Indian roads have stray dogs, cats and other animals?A.Yes. Dogs, cats, cows are most commonly found.
GUIDES
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Q.Can I hire linguistic tour guide in Goa?A.Yes. Visit https://www.india-tours.com/ to know more.
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Q.I need women travel guide. Can you help?A.Yes. India Tours can help you get the right woman travel guide.
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Q.Can I get audio guides while visiting the Goa monuments?A.There are apps available that serve as audio guides in Goa.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
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Q.Are there good hospitals in Goa?A.Yes. Goa offers world-class health care options.
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Q.Is Medical Treatment - Dentistry, Cosmetic Surgery, Oncology, Cardiology, MAS-Laparoscopy, Hair Transplant, etc. available in Goa?A.You can find state-of-the-art medical instruments for mostly all kind of diagnostic procedures in Goa in the multi specialty nursing homes.
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Q.I need regular medicines. Are they available over the counter in the pharmacies in Goa?A.Mostly yes. However, some vaccines such as rabies might need prescriptions to get it.
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Q.Are there good Ayurveda Treatment Centers in Goa?A.Yes. Our representatives will help you get appointments for the Ayurveda Treatment Centers.
HOTELS
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Q.What international hotel chains are there in Goa?A.You can find the major international hotel chains in Goa. You can list your choice of amenities and budget to find suitable ones.
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Q.Is Goa an expensive option for regular tourists?A.India Tours will help you get the best deals on accommodation based on your budget.
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Q.What is the average cost for accommodation?A.Get all sorts of options – from airbnbs to five-star hotels in Goa. Visit https://www.india-tours.com/ to know more.
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Q.Are there old palace, heritage hotels in Goa?A.Yes, there are heritage hotels in Goa where you can experience the royal services.
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Q.Will I find proper hygiene and modern amenities in Goa?A.Whether you want to stay in world-class options or bring out the hippie in you, Goa provides all sorts of options in terms of amenities and hygiene.
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Q.Are the hotels safe in Goa?A.There are surveillance cameras in entire public space for the safety and security of tourists and residents. Even the Airbnbs and mid-budget hotels take care of the safety of its tourists.
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Q.Are Goa hotels safe for women travellers?A.High-end properties have exclusive floors and rooms for women that offers special in-room facilities. Solo women travellers must remain observant to avoid any uncalled-for situation.
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Q.Are there handicapped friendly hotels in Goa?A.Yes, you can find many disabled friendly hotels with all the required facilities.
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Q.Are there handicapped friendly toilets in hotels in Goa?A.The hotels with disabled-friendly rooms offer state-of-the-art facilities for handicapped friendly toilets.
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Q.Can I find western toilets in public places?A.Mostly yes.
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Q.Are the bars and restaurants open all night?A.There are some bars, shacks and open lounges that are open 24 hours.
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Q.What is the easiest way to book a hotel or holiday in Goa?A.Reach out to us at http://www.india-tours.com/ for complete travel guide.
INSURANCE
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Q.Do we need medical and travel insurance for travelling to Goa?A.It is never worth the risk to travel without travel insurance that will cover everything from lost luggage to medical emergencies.
LANGUAGE
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Q.Do the local people speak English in Goa?A.Mostly yes.
Learn some basic languages in Konkani.
If you speak some different language, try the Google translator for easier communication.
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
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Q.Can I withdraw foreign currencies from ATM machines?A.You can use the international debit and credit cards to withdraw Indian rupees in 2000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 denominations.
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Q.Which is the best place to exchange Euros, Sterling Pounds, US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars in Goa?A.There are forex offices to get your money exchanged but you can trust India Tours to get that done for you.
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Q.Can I exchange Sterling Pounds or US Dollars or Canadian Dollars or Australian Dollars or Euros in the banks or hotels in Goa?A.Yes, you can exchange foreign currencies. Make sure to carry the necessary documents.
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Q.Is the use of credit card common? Are they safe to use?A.Usually, it is safe to use the credit cards in the hotels, shops and restaurants but does not share the personal details of the card with anyone.
MONUMENTS
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Q.Which days are the monuments closed and the timings in Goa?A.• Chapora fort (Open 24 hours)
• Tiracol Fort (Open 24 hours)
• Rivona Caves (Daily 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
• Basilica of Bom Jesus Church (8 AM 9 PM)
• Gateway of the Palace of Yusuf Adil Shah
• Terekhol fort (tiracol fort) - daily - 11:00 to 17:00 -
Q.Are there public conveyances available at the monuments in Goa?A.Yes.
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Q.Are there wheel chairs available at the monuments in Goa?A.Most of the forts and monuments are not wheelchair accessible. However, if you have any specific places to visit, India Tours can help.
MOVING AROUND
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Q.Which is the best way to travel in Goa?A.You will get public transport and ferries. Many tourists choose to hire cars or bikes while they stay.
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Q.Is it advisable to rent a self drive car in Goa?A.There are reputed car rental services in Goa and tourists prefer driving on their own road trips.
NIGHT LIFE
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Q.Are there cinemas, classical programs or a night life in Goa?A.Goa’s nightlife is varied. The club scenes and the shack parties are common that goes on 24/7 in some shelters.
PHOTOGRAPHY
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Q.Can we take photographs in the public places of Goa?A.Mostly yes. There are clear signs of restriction/prohibition of photography where you must obey the instruction to avoid penalty.
RELIGIOUS PLACES
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Q.Major Churches, mosques and temples in Goa.A.Churches
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• Se Cathedral
• Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
• Church of St. Francis of Assisi
• Church of St. Cajetan
Mosques
• Jama Masjid, Sanguem
• Safa Masjid, Ponda
• Surla Taar Mosque, Surla
• Namazgah, Bicholim
• Masjid-ul-Abrar – Oldest Mosque in Goa
Temple
• Shri Bhagwati Temple
• Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple
• Shri Chandranath Temple
• Shri Devaki Krishna Temple
• Mallikarjuna Temple -
Q.Is there a dress code to visit religious places in Goa?A.When visiting religious sites, wear covered clothes.
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Q.Are all the religious places open for foreign tourists in Goa?A.Mostly yes. If there are any specific regulations, there will be clear signage.
SAFETY
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Q.Is it safe for a single woman or a girl or a family to travel to Goa?A.Goa is a famous destination for solo women travellers. It is also a fun vacay option for family travel.
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Q.Should we accept if young boys/men ask for selfie with women traveller?A.It is always advisable to avoid complete strangers.
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Q.Is it safer to go out in the night if invited by local people?A.Although you will find amicable groups of tourists around in Goa, try avoiding going out at night with unknown people.
SHOPPING
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Q.What can I buy in Goa?A.Cashew Nuts, Spices, Feni or Cashew Feni, Handicrafts, music instruments, Wooden Furniture (Wooden Carvings), Painted Tiles are common souvenirs.
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Q.Is haggling allowed in Goa?A.Yes. While shopping local, tourist love to bargain.
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Q.Are cigarettes or cigars or tobacco easily available in Goa?A.Smoking in public places was prohibited all across the nation in 2008 but you can find plenty of tobacco stalls in Goa.
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Q.Should we visit tourist shop suggested by driver?A.Before actually making a purchase, try looking around for as many options as possible. But there is no harm visiting the shops shown by your guide or driver.
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Q.Can you help us suggest what to shop?A.Our representatives will tell you about the specialties of Goa.
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Q.Are the shops genuine?A.Roadside stalls might have counterfeit products, but the government cooperative shops or the malls will not feign on their quality.
TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
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Q.Is it easy to buy a SIM card or a mobile phone?A.There are both postpaid and prepaid cellular connections available. Plenty of mobile stores are also available in every part of Goa.
THINGS TO DO
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Q.Can we visit the local markets in Goa?A.Yes, you can explore the local life of Goa without hesitation.
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Q.Can we attend a culinary class in Goa?A.Yes. If your stay time permits, India Tours can help you arrange such classes.
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Q.Can we attend Yoga classes or naturopathy/wellness/ayurveda therapies in Goa?A.Yoga and naturopathy are very common in Goa.
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Q.What are things to do in Goa?A.There’s plenty of scope for heritage sightseeing, religious tours, medical tourism, cultural tours, business and MICE tourism, adventure travel and beach tourism. Find your favourite package from https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Can we contact NGOs or schools or hospitals or orphanages, old age homes for charity activities.A.Yes. Charity or aid tourism and voluntourism is arranged upon request by https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Can we learn classical Indian Dances in Goa?A.Yes. There are dance classes for tourists.
TIPPING
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Q.What amount should we tip in Goa?A.5 – 10% of tipping is common in Goa. There are, however, no guidelines on the amount as such.
VACCINATIONS
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Q.Tell me the common vaccinations required before travelling to Goa.A.The common courses or boosters usually advised for visitors travelling to Goa includes Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Selective vaccines of Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis is advised for individuals.
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Q.Which vaccinations are not necessary but recommended to travel to Goa?A.Oral polio vaccine (OPV), Typhoid vaccine, Varicella vaccine, Yellow fever (YF) vaccine are some of the recommended vaccines.
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Q.Which medicines should we carry when travelling to Goa?A.Analgesic tablets, Antihistamine tablets, Cold and flu tablets, Cough Medicine, Motion sickness tablets, Diarrhoea Medicine, Antacid, Antiseptic Solution and Ointment are some of the common medications tourists are advised to carry.
VISA
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Q.With the E-Visa can I arrive in Goa?A.E visas are available for international tourists .
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Q.What is the validity of E-Visa in Goa?A.E-Tourist visas and e-Business visas are now valid for one year from the date of grant.
WATER AND DRINKS
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Q.Can we drink bottled water in Goa?A.Yes.
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Q.Is it safe to drink tap water in Goa?A.Not always. It’s always good to drink water particularly from sources labelled as drinking water.
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Q.Can we get bottled water in Goa?A.Yes.
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Q.Can we brush our teeth with tap water in Goa?A.Yes, people use tap water for all sanitary purposes.
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Q.Can we buy whiskey, vodka, gin, wine, beer in shops or restaurants or bars or hotels?A.Yes. Alcohol is available.
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Q.Is it safe to drink tea and coffee in Goa?A.Yes. There are plenty of cafes.
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Q.Is it safe to drink milk in Goa?A.Yes.
WEATHER
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Q.Which is the best time to travel to Goa?A.November and March are the best months.
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Q.Give more information on weather.A.The climate of Goa is warm and humid for most of the year with May being the hottest month.
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Q.When are the monsoons in Goa?A.The monsoon likely comes in months of June and August.
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Q.Does it rain all the time during monsoons and when are the monsoons in Goa?A.There is generally incessant raining for some days in the monsoon season. Carry your umbrella.
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