Phones

• If you are calling the UK the international code is 0044; drop the 0 from your area code and continue with the rest of the number.

• You will see numerous yellow signs displaying the letters PCO, STD, ISD – these are public telephones. PCO – local calling, STD – state and national calls, ISD – international calling.

• Calling from an internet café ‘Net to Phone’ is considerably cheaper than standard call box calling.

• Having a mobile is a real asset, you can use your phone from home provided it is ‘unlocked’ (this can be done at home or out here). Sim cards are approximately 150 /- Rs. and ‘pay as you go’ credit is in varying denominations from as little as 10 – 3500 /- Rs. Messaging a UK mobile costs just a few rupees (5 – 8 Rs. I think, though it does vary) and messages to other Indian mobiles are 1 /- Rs or less.

• There are lots of services which friends/family at home can use to get cheaper calls to Goa/India. Below is a list of available options.

UK (Landline) to India (Goa) Mobile Rates
Company	Callthrough Number	Rate	Last Updated
Planet Talk Instant	0843-3752106	0.5p	9th July 2011
Briing.com	0843-5689102	1p per min	9th July 2011
Rate Buster	0844-7200000	1p per min	9th July 2011
Thank you to ourfavouritecompanies.com for providing us with these offers. Please visit their website for more info and the latest rates for India and other countries http://www.ourfavouritecompanies.com/

Water

• Bottled water is widely available and very cheap, between 12 – 15 pence for 1 litre. It isn’t mineral water but ‘packaged drinking water’ (purified water). Often local restaurants will bring a bottle of tap water to the table in a 'mineral water' bottle. This is free but be aware that it might not always be suitable for western stomachs. Now-a-days most water given in restaurants is put through a water purifier. But it is always better to be safe than sorry.

• Ice is also usually perfectly OK to have with your drink. Ice merchants produce it from purified water, although again it is better to be safe than sorry, if you're unsure then go without.

• When you receive a water bottle always ensure the seal is not broken and the bottle doesn’t look corrupt; if it does, ask the shopkeeper to replace/swap it; they invariably will.

• When in a restaurant, ask for mineral water. The waiter should bring you an unopened bottle and open it in front of you. If they don’t, don’t be afraid to send it back.

• Many homes have ‘Aqua Filters’ installed; this purifies the water sufficiently for you to be able to drink it straight from the tap.

• If you boil water fiercely for 15 minutes, it will be safe to drink.

• Remember to drink plenty of water especially if you're drinking alcohol. Re hydration salts are also a good choice if you want to stay fit and well.

Food

• Embrace the Indian cuisine. It would be easy living in Goa to only eat continental food. It is up to you but please don’t come to India and only eat western food, you’ll be surprised how much better (and cheaper) the Indian dishes are, especially in the more local restaurants the food can be fantastic and so cheap.

• Meat should only be eaten from reputable sources/establishments and be sure to cut right through checking that the juices run clear, Beef, chicken and seafood are widely available.

• Fish is safe as it’s very fresh though you should still be aware of the cleanliness of the premises and to make sure the food is correctly prepared, especially when it comes to shell fish.

• Fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly in filtered water or peeled; it is not worth the risk of eating straight from vendors without taking necessary precautions.

• There are hundreds of street vendors selling samosas, wada, corn on the cob and lots more. These are great if you're busy shopping as they're quick, cheap and very tasty.

• As the power supply in Goa is anything but reliable, be careful about what you have in the fridge. Last night's chicken curry may not so safe to eat if the fridge has been off all night.

• Imported brands of your favourite foods are available in good supermarkets: tea, marmite, cereals, juices are all available but generally have premium price tags.

• Most restaurants will pack food if you don’t have time/don’t want to eat in; you’ll be charged the same rate but be able to eat at your leisure. Doggy bags are also available if you order too much. If you don't want it then there will always be a dog who will relish a good meal.

Security

• Most of the apartments you'll find will have bolt locks on the front doors and most have metal bars on the windows. If you are bringing laptops, personal walkmans etc it is good sense to get a place that is and feels safe as Goa is rich compared to the surrounding areas and thieves are known to ride in at night and leave early morning with their loot. It is good to have your own personal lock for the front door. Thefts in the tourist areas are plentiful so try not to get too friendly with your taxi driver or security guard.

• Keep your valuables on you or keep them in a locked deposit box, these are available in hotels and banks. It is also a good idea to keep photocopies of your passport visa, insurance etc separately just in case you loose the originals.

Money

Accommodation

• Prices obviously vary due to the season, and you are likely to pay twice the price if you want somewhere near the beach.

• If you look around, you should be able to pick up a furnished single bed roomed apartment in a resort for around 8000 Rs/- (approximately £100) a month (or less). If you decide on something away from the beach you could find something for half that.

• Most furnished apartments come with a gas stove (2 gas burners), a fridge, simple furniture (a few chairs, table and a kitchen top) and a bed, all should have ceiling fans in the bedrooms / living rooms, extras are TV connection, air conditioning.

• Before deciding on a place to stay, make sure it has enough fans to keep you cool; in the evenings it is best to keep the windows closed, especially from around 6pm when the local mosquito population comes out to feed. Mosquito nets are very effective at keeping the ravenous insects at bay and mosquito repellent can be bought locally.

Simple Tip : There are many material shops in the main towns (Mapusa, Panjim and Margao) that sell black netting which can be cut to size and put up to the windows to keep the mosquitoes out. Nettng costing £1 should be enough to cover the windows/doors allowing your evenings to be bite and itch free.

Simple Tip : If you are staying for a longer period, it might be worth purchasing stronger mosquito netting. It is also a good idea to buy a voltage regulator to protect your personal electronic equipment (Laptop, CD players etc) from the Goan electricity grid. The voltage jumps up and down throughout the day, especially at night when the hotels and restaurants are in full swing. Most local residents use the regulators to protect their expensive equipment. These can be bought from any electrical store for around five to ten pounds.

Simple Tip : If you’re not using your laptop etc, make sure you turn it off at the mains socket!

Simple Tip : if you don’t want to buy multiple Indian adapters for your stereo, computer etc bring out a 4 Way extension lead and plug your electrics into that. Only one adapter required (or buy an Indian plug and use it each time you visit).

Travel

• Buses are very cheap and frequent and are a great way to get around on a budget. They are available from all of the resorts and cost around 1-2 Rs/- a mile. It's good to have correct change and to ask about the cost before showing your money. The downside to travelling by bus is the way you will be herded onto the bus. Every last inch of room will be used, if you don't like your personal space being invaded then it's probably not the transport for you. The buses generally have the destinations written on boards at the front of the bus. The popular beach resorts have these written in English but more local buses have them in Hindi. For longer journeys between the major towns, there are 'Non Stop' services which may also guarantee you with a seat, there are always lots of places to see in goa.

• Taxis : If you're not up to being pushed and shoved on the bus, another option is to take a taxi. There are hundreds of them so finding one shouldn't be a problem. The government rate for tourist taxi's is 15 Rs/- per kilometre, although it may be hard to find a taxi who is willing to take you for this. You must agree on a price before you start. If there is more than one of you travelling make sure the price is for the journey and not per person as it will help prevent arguments on arrival. Also be aware that the taxi drivers love to take your money and the more the better! Don’t think that they will come down to an acceptable price even when you walk away; they are experts on taking money from tourists. Here is a list of standard Tax prices from the airport and an idea of taxi prices from Calangute ( Taxi Price List ).

• There are also motorcycle taxis and Auto-Rickshaws which will be slightly cheaper and get round the crowded streets a little easier.

• Motorbikes, If you want true independence while you're in Goa then a motorbike is the ideal choice. They are cheap to run, fun and exciting. There are a few documents you will need (See Driving In Goa) but it's a great way to get round. The main draw backs are the road conditions and the other drivers. New bikes are cheap to buy, but only worth while if you're planning on staying in Goa for longer durations. Motorbikes can be rented from 70 Rs/- per day for some scooters, up to 250 Rs/- per day for Royal Enfields and larger bikes. A standard amount is about 100 Rs/- per day for a scooter. (plus petrol of course)

Simple Tip : Don’t use taxis, use the bus! It gives you a chance to mix with locals and to save a few rupees at the same time. A taxi from Calangute to Panjim is likely to cost 200 Rs/- or much more depending on how much they think they can get away with; A Bus is 9 Rs/- . You do the math!)

Driving in Goa

• Driving in Goa is nothing like the UK, there are very few signs and even fewer rules. When it comes to roundabouts, junctions and cross-roads the average Goan driver will not give way to the right, or stop at T-Junctions. If this wasn't enough they also go the wrong way on roundabouts and drive in the middle of the road, I've even seen cars reversing the wrong way round a roundabout! (It's a round about? Just keep going round!!!!).

• Large buses and lorries do not seem to stop for anyone, if you're lucky they will sound their rather loud horn to tell you to move out of the way. The general rules of the road are: move out of the way of anything bigger than you and you are only responsible for what’s in front of you.

• If you can pick up the courage then it is well worth it, it might take a week or two to get your bearings and to feel safe, but it’s a great way to see the countryside. If the other traffic wasn't enough to watch out for, care should also be taken on the roads as dogs and cattle roam freely, both regularly can be found sleeping in the middle of the road expecting the traffic to drive round them.

• Motorbikes are the main mode of transport for tourists especially as most locals rent them out as an extra income. Prices can vary, but you shouldn’t normally pay more than 100 Rs/- a day for a moped, larger bikes are also available but these tend to start at 100 Rs/- per day up to probably 300 Rs/-. If you rent such a bike and are likely to use it on the main highways a helmet and an international licence is required.

• There are many traffic police waiting to catch you out, and fine you. The fines are quite reasonable for tourists as caught without a helmet is around 100 Rs/- (£1.20). Also if you are stopped you might be asked to provide the ownership papers and insurance for the motorbike, if you do not have these another fine might be issued! When ever you receive a fine, make sure that you obtain a receipt as this will ensure the money does not go into the back pocket of the officer.

• Push Bikes - Another way to get round is to buy or hire a push bike. They are very cheap over here, but are not quite the same as in the UK. The main difference you'll notice is the weight, they are 2 or 3 times heavier. But if you want to spend a little more you can get similar specs, 21 gears, suspension etc. A bike without gears will cost less than 2500 Rs/- (£35), one with 18 gears and suspension is likely to cost around 3500 Rs/- (£50)

Simple Tip : Apply for an International Licence, they cost around £7 and stops the policemen taking your well earned money. If you have a licence they might still try it on, be firm and if you've got your papers then don't give in.

Simple Tip : If you get stopped have a pocket with around 100 rupees in and no more, hide the rest of your money, you can simply say this is all you have. Also make sure you have the telephone number of the person who you rented the bike from. They will often come to the rescue.

Trains

• There are two quotas – tourist and general – this means that tourists are designated a certain number of seats on each train. You will be given a tourist quota booking unless you state otherwise. If you are trying to get on a train which is full, ask for the general quota to be checked, otherwise you can also ask for TATKAL which are specially reserved seats which are sold at a higher rate.

• You will need to present your passport when booking train tickets in advance (to get a tourist allocation).

• There are 4 classes on most trains – sleeper (general), 3 AC, 2 AC and 1 AC. These obviously have price implications but the step up from Sleeper to AC is massive.

• You can opt for upper, middle or lower bunks – women ALWAYS try to get upper or middle bunks, prying hands can be a problem late at night.

• Thieves have been known to steal bags from sleeping travellers; carry a padlock and chain and lock your bags to the hooks under the lower bunks.

• Train food has mixed reports some say it’s the best food they’ve had, others have been sick for weeks – use your best judgment!

• Chai, Coffee, Soup etc. should be fine to drink and costs between 5 and 8 /- Rs. per cup.

• If you are staying in Calangute or Candolim book train tickets from Thivim - it is your closest station. Otherwise Margao (Maradon) is the next closest and the main terminal for most trains.

Photography

• Buying film and even digital memory cards is easy out here so don’t think it is necessary to stock up for your whole stay!

• Digital developing and transferring onto CD disk is available: burning 200 + shots to CD cost between 75 and 150 /- Rs. and developing is between 4 and 7 /- Rs. per shot depending on the number of shots you are printing.

• The quality of developing is fairly average, some places are considerably better than others. Processors may offer free films/albums as incentives to process with them, shop around for good deals/best quality.

• You may want to photograph people doing/wearing what you deem to be culturally interesting, remember etiquette and be sensitive. Some people may ask for money – give or don’t as you see fit but always please ask first if you're up close. Think if you would mind an Indian taking your photo?!

Internal flights

• There are lots of choices for Internal flights: Air Deccan, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Spice are just a few. Jet Airways and Air Sahara are slightly more upmarket airlines though they are still very reasonable in cost and fly between more destinations. The service and planes are of western standard and they certainly cut travelling time down. There are lots of internet sites that do price comparisons for internal flights.

Post

• Receiving post is possible and generally reliable. Letters take between 5 – 8 days to receive and parcels just a little longer. If you are having something sent by registered post the postman will have to see and confirm your passport details with you. If you're staying long term then you can setup a post box or postbag in the post office.

• Sending letters is really easy and very cheap; postcards need only 8 /- Rs. stamps and cards or closed letters between 12 – 15 /- Rs. stamps. Stamps can be purchased from street vendors; ask those selling postcards. Letters should reach within 8 – 12 days, though sometimes they will take much longer!

Music and Cinema

• Western films are shown in the large halls though they’re released a few months later than in the UK. The cinema is very cheap and generally of good quality for the larger cinema chains.

• Music shops sell Western music though, sometimes, a fairly limited selection, however the disks available are very cheap.

Personal hygiene, toiletries and medication

• Carry toilet roll, it is not always available!

• Imported toiletries are available and can be found in all good supermarkets and chemists, alternatively a really good and very cheap Indian brand is ‘Himalaya’ the range includes toiletries, food stuffs, vitamins and herbal medicines.

• Medicines are widely available, some chemists are open 24 hours so it is rarely a problem to obtain treatments. Most medication is available at a fraction of the cost (2 Imodium cost approximately 8 pence, considerably cheaper than at home).

• Some malaria tablets are available if you decide to extend your visit.

• If you need to visit a doctor try to go on recommendation. Consultations cost between 150 and 250 /- Rs. Prescriptions should be taken to your local chemist where medication will be given, be warned however, tablets do not come in their boxes with instructions but as individual tablets, your prescription should have instructions of when and how to take.

• A good brand of re-hydration sachets is Electrolyte; it’s cheap and tastes much better than other makes. Mix with 1 litre of bottled water and sip slowly if you incur symptoms of diarrhoea or dehydration.

• In Mapusa the main chemist is Union Pharmacy which has an extensive range of medication

Beggars

• Everyone deals with beggars in their own way, there is no right or wrong way, it is what is comfortable for you. Giving a few rupees is not wrong, although I would not recommend giving money to children as it gives them a reason NOT to go to school! Another idea would be to give money to something more long lasting i.e. Children Walking Tall!

• Giving food and empty water bottles is an alternative way of helping.

• Many Rag pickers can be found all over Goa, these are the adults and children carrying large bags with them. They would be more than happy with any plastic bottles, metal etc as they take this to recycling centres where they are paid by the KG. Street Children in Goa and India

Tips for single women travellers

• Be conservative – this is not so important in Goa as Goa is set up for tourism but for the majority of India you should respect Indian culture and dress modestly. This means avoiding low cut tops and very short skirts and keeping your bikini for the beach only etc.

• You will receive male attention, mostly it is non-threatening but if you feel uncomfortable at anytime shout out. Raising your voice at someone is usually enough to scare them off and leave them red faced. If not there are always lots of people who will come to your aid. Locals generally help out. Don’t put up with it, Indian women don’t.

• When travelling on public transport (trains, buses, metro) there are designated ladies sections/carriages. You have every right to ask men to get up so you can sit. Sticking with other women can ease uncomfortable situations/advances.

• During celebrations like New Year etc there are lots of tourists from around India, and most are likely to try and be more friendly than they should and ladies are often groped where there are lots of people, so be warned. 'Eve testing' is quite common do not put up with it, if you make a fuss then someone will surely help you out and in many cases the perpetrator will get beaten up by locals.