Is Goa safe? Compared to many other Indian cities, Goa is very safe. But travellers should always follow common precautions as you would anywhere else in the world. This tiny Indian state attracts over 2.5 million domestic and international visitors every year, thanks to many cheap flights direct to Goa, and with the increase of visitors, the state has seen increase in petty theft, pickpockets and so on but the good news is, with some basic precautions and tips, anyone can avoid all these unnecessary hassles.
To have a great Goa vacation, that is tension free, here are some travel tips and tricks based on first-hand experience:
Watch out for:
A very common scam is by travel guides who offer travellers their services to take them to bars and discos which are not known to many others. Instead of taking you there, they will take you to a shady bar where the prices will be very high. If you are planning for a night stroll along the beach, its best to not go there alone. Take some friends along with you. Travelers are highly advised not to accept unbottled drinks from anyone. In case if you find yourself in trouble, do approach the local Goans, they are very friendly and always happy to help a traveller in distress.
Best Time to Visit:
Weather wise November to March are the best months to visit Goa, but do keep in mind that this is also the most expensive time of the year. Travelers on a tight budget may plan their visit during April and May.
Getting Around:
There are a number of transport means to get around Goa. Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are found almost everywhere and you can also get one arranged from your hotel itself. A great option to explore Goa is by renting a motorbike. These are very cheap to rent and you’ll get lots of options to choose from depending on your needs and budget. For international travellers, if you are planning to rent a motorbike, do make sure that you have a valid international driver’s license.
Emergency Contact Numbers:
• Medical Emergencies – 108
• Fire Service – 191
• Police – 100
• Information on local businesses – 0832-2412121
• Goa Tourism Development Corporation Office – 0832 2424001/ 02/ 03
