Region, India
Goa
India's beach state mixes party coast and quiet south, with cheap scooters, a big long-stay nomad and yoga scene, and Portuguese-era towns. Monsoon shuts many beach shacks and traffic and drink-driving are real risks.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$726–1,250Comfortable, one person · ₹70,000–120,000Details
- Value for money76/100Better value than 75% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Apr, 32°CDetails
- Air quality26 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet64 MbpsFixed broadband, India medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; many cafés and guesthouses offer RO refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$5.2–15.6Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGoa MilesYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashUPI QR and cards work in cafés and larger shops; cash is still needed for shacks, scooters, taxis and markets.Details
Where to stay in Goa
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Anjuna–Vagator | Nomads, parties, cafés and markets in North Goa |
| Assagao–Siolim | Quieter long stays in villas, yoga and good restaurants |
| Arambol | Backpackers, yoga and cheap rooms in far north |
| Panjim (Fontainhas) | Colonial lanes, city base with buses to everywhere |
| Palolem–Agonda | Calm South Goa beaches, laid-back stays |
Apps that work in Goa
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Goa Miles | State taxi app with metered fares; most reliable |
| Rapido | Bike taxis in main areas; limited coverage |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- IRCTC Rail Connect: Booking Indian Railways train tickets
- CheqUPI: UPI payments without an Indian bank
- Where is my Train: Live train running status
- Taxis: Uber and Ola are limited or unreliable here and local taxi unions set high fares. Use Goa Miles or a prepaid booth.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in India.
- Mixed: cards and cash UPI QR and cards work in cafés and larger shops; cash is still needed for shacks, scooters, taxis and markets.
- Currency: Rupee (INR). US$1 ≈ ₹96.37 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Per-withdrawal limits are often ₹10,000–20,000 and some banks add a fee. Decline the ATM's own currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not obligatory. Leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge, ₹50–100 for porters and hotel staff, and tip drivers and guides.
- Paying by phone: UPI One World wallets (e.g. CheqUPI) let visitors pay UPI QR codes with passport, visa and an Indian number.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need an e-Visa from indianvisaonline.gov.in; apply at least four days before arrival and avoid look-alike agent sites.
- Since April 2026 foreigners must file the free e-Arrival Card online or in the Su-Swagatam app within 72 hours before landing.
- Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and parts of Ladakh need Protected or Restricted Area Permits, arranged locally or through registered agencies.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 108 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1363 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airtel kiosks in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru arrivals halls; passport, visa and photo needed. About ₹350–450 for 28 days with 1.5–2 GB a day. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in India
Going to Goa solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Goa meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.