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Have a nice day getting your Visa
You will need a visa and can download the required form from our Links page. The staff at the Indian High Commission has been specially selected and imported to maintain a high level of bureaucracy. Get to the embassy at 8 am and you may only have to queue outside in the cold for 30 minutes and then inside for another 2-4 hours. Alternatively do it by post see our Links page.
You are legally required to have a valid visa for the duration of your stay and I strongly recommend you to get one. If you find yourself without a visa the Indian Immigration Authority will happily issue a Landing Permit on arrival ($40), however, convincing the airline that you should be allowed to travel can be extremely difficult, mentioning that you are prepared to sign an FOI (Form of Indemnity) may help.
The heads up on flights
If you’re flying out, as a couple or group, on Saturday evening get to the airport at least 4 hours in advance or you’ll not be sitting together on the plane. Some airlines allow check in up to 8 hours before the flight so you’ll find people spend the day at the airport in the restaurants and bars.
Your baggage allowance is only 20kg so pack light. It’s probable that you’ll be purchasing items in Goa. Airlines charge approx. 600 Rupees per Kilo for excess baggage so don’t go mad in the flea markets.
When leaving Goa make sure you get to the airport at least 3 hours in advance or you’ll find yourself at the back of a very slow check in queue, created by excess baggage charge ignorant holidaymakers.
Airplane food has a bad reputation and Indian airplane food deserves that status. Be aware that the food served on your return flight will be prepared at very low cost in India and should not be eaten unless required as an enema. Instead order a takeaway at your favourite restaurant the night before.
Duties not free
Duty-free in European Airports is overpriced and should be avoided at all costs. Many familiar brands of alcohol and cigarettes are available in Goa for half the price or less. Conersers of tobacco and alcohol claim that it’s not the same.
Get the best exchange rate
Don’t exchange money with the bureaus in the Indian airports as high rates of commission are charged. An ATM machine is available outside the arrivals terminal building in Goa, ask an official for directions.
Driving in Goa
If you’re planning on hiring a vehicle take your driving licence with you. The local Police often stop tourists and fine those that are unable to produce driving documentation. You are permitted to drive in Goa for the first 7 days of your stay using your own countries Driving Licences. Officially you require an International Driving Permit see our Links page.
The Indian Driving Test, basically, involves starting a vehicles engine so a lower level of competence is prevalent. When driving in Goa always expect the unexpected, especially odd is how right of way is given to vehicle entering roundabouts or exiting small side roads.
Mosquito Repellent
Mosquito Repellent is available in most shops in Goa and I have found it to be more effective on Indian Mosquito than brands available at home and of course it’s much cheaper. It is always recommended to take Malaria tablets before, during and after your trip, so it is of course wrong that I have never felt the necessity to do so.
Bottled Water
I recommend that you only drink ‘Bisleri’ bottled water, as it’s one of the oldest and most reputable bottled water companies. I’ve tested most of the other brands with dire results so would advice against them. Every year the Indian government closes bottled water companies due to malpractices.
Phone call
Discard your phone home countries chip in favour of an Indian and text your friends the number. The chip will cost approx. 400 Rupees plus top up charge. Calls to other countries mobiles cost about 20 Rupees a minute see links page for currency converter.
Medical matters
Medicines are readily available for all your holiday ailments and you’ll find most local pharmacists are happy and capable of performing an on the spot diagnoses.
Many people now come to India for treatments and operations (especially dental work) mainly because of the lower cost but also because the doctors look the same as at home.
Gratuity in India
Gratuity in India is normally not expected, however, In Goa it’s become commonplace due to tourism, in general 5% should be sufficient.
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