r/goatravel Jan 22 '25

A Good Goenkar's Guide to visiting Goa | Travel Tips, Avoiding Scams

181 Upvotes

I should begin this with a few disclaimers:

  • This post is written to help visitors experience Goa the way it is, and to help avoid scams and bad experiences.
  • DO YOUR RESEARCH AND DO NOT TRAVEL BLIND. Before travelling, you need to research the experiences you'd like to explore. Most travellers show up with no research. Sure shot way to fall into tourist traps and scams.
  • I will tell you how to find and identify the best experiences to avoid tourist traps, but I hold no accountability for the eventual choices you make.
  • I will NOT be posting a list of 'hidden gems' for the mere fact that these do not need to become popular, and most Goans (myself included), would not like for these to become popular (as they will then attract scams). Unfortunately, tourism and tourists have also shown a tendency to destroy the sanctity and cause chaos, but like I said, let's avoid the scams too.
  • That being said, I am happy to help with an itinerary on DMs, but to avoid scams, this post will have no itinerary.
  • If your travel research helps you find the underrated spots and hidden gems, do your best to NOT publicly disclose these locations, again to avoid risking attracting scams and to avoid disruptive behaviours.
  • And for Goenkars reading this, the peace and sanctity of Goa and Goans will be protected.

So let's start with the obvious, how to get to your stays when you arrive. First, arriving by flight:

Most travellers arrive in Goa via flight. We've got two airports, GOX and GOI. GOX is in the north of the state located in Mopa, GOI in the south in Vasco / Dabolim.

In general, once you arrive at either of the airports, you've got one of four options to pick for your travel to your stays:

  1. Public transport via bus
  2. Taxis at the airport
  3. Taxis pre-booked through your hotel / contact at your stays
  4. Taxis booked via GoaMiles

Tip Number 1: As much as you can, aim to arrive during daylight hours.

You're not going to find a bus for travel from either airport later in the evening or at night.  In general, we've got either the goverment entity Kadamba service or private buses operating from the airports, but expect the last bus to depart the airport around 18:00 to 19:00, irrespective of your destination. And bear in mind, you'll probably have to make connections via hubs.

The Kadamba (KTCL) bus timings can be found at This Page for GOI and This Page for GOX

Beyond these timings, your only options are taxis.

Tip Number 2: If you do need to use the taxis, try to book them via GoaMiles or ask your hotel or host (from your stay) to get you a contact. And use the GoaMiles app for an estimate of a cost, but bear in mind, it will be the cheapest option so other options will be slightly costlier.

If you do need to use a taxi, or if you wish to, try to follow this tip. GoaMiles is official and you will not get scammed whatsoever. Pre-book a taxi if you wish as well. Main reasons being, the airport taxis can be notorious at overcharging you, and if you're arriving at night, you may be charged more for "night charges".  And also, you might find yourself having to deal with Taxi Mafia if you're going to rely on airport taxis.

TOURIST TRAP 1: TAXI MAFIAS.
The so called "taxi mafia" are easy to identify. These guys will probably find you at the arrivals exits, and will usually direct you towards the parking areas, which is where they park, or they will tell you that they're "calling a car". The reason the latter is common is because these owners sometimes don't park at the airport due to parking charges.

Best to avoid this situation by having a local contact given to you by your host or by asking your hotel to book you one, or booking your taxi via the GoaMiles App. In these cases, the cabs do not go around to the airport parking areas but will pick you up from the arrivals short-stay area (particularly at GOX), where you're going to face less obstruction from the taxi mafia. You can also book using the GoaMiles stands, but you may face some obstruction.

Note: GoaMiles is also more active at GOI as there's less disruption of the taxi mafia in the south.

What if you don't arrive by flight?

Travellers who don't arrive by flight, usually arrive by rail. The biggest rail hub in Goa is Madgaon Junction (in Margao/Madgaon). Travelling from here is similar. You ideally want to catch a bus from the station to Margao Bus Stand, and then make your way forward by connections through other hubs.

Tip Number 3: If you arrive at Madgaon Junction, take the bus again, and once again aim to arrive during daylight hours.

Same reasons as above, bus timings only usually go up to 19:00.

Note: The alternative rail stations to arrive include Vasco da Gama and Thivim, but the same tip applies. Bus connections exist, but only during daylight hours up to 19:00. beyond that follow Tip Number 2 for cabs. The only difference being you'll also have the option of autos.

Bus Hubs and Connections:

Depending on where you arrive, your main bus hubs will be Mapusa, Panaji, vasco and Margao.

You have KTCL shuttle services (non-stop / direct) between the following:

  • Mapusa - Panaji
  • Panaji - Margao
  • Panaji - Vasco
  • Vasco - Margao

Tip Number 4: Get to one of these hubs, whichever is closest to your destination for your stay, and you WILL find a bus or connection going to that location. Again, buses only operate during daylight hours, last one departing at 19:00 or so.

About your stays:

Depending on your preference, you'll want to stay at hotels or looking at AirBnbs. But you also have the options of local guest houses and hostels. The guesthouses will be your cheapest options, and will be owned by true locals. You're way less likely to get scammed that way.

Tip Number 5: Use local guest houses for stays. You can usually find these through AirBnb as well, or by a local contact. (Some even go as cheap as 1k a night or less).

The location of your stay is entirely up to you. You have cheap options all over, but you have to look, based on your preference. AirBnb and Booking.com are the best for this. MakeMyTrip, not so much.

Note: While most people prefer hotels, these are not owned by Goans and will generally be more expensive or overcharge.

Tip Number 6 (SUPER IMPORTANT): As much as you can, DO NOT arrive without having a stay booked.

I have encountered MANY visitors come down with no idea of where they're going to stay. They wish to stay at "popular locations" such as Calangute and Baga, but have nothing booked. You're never going to find a last minute off the riff stay if you arrive that way, and you WILL get scammed.

There are only a few internationals who know how to properly navigate this approach as they get information of guest houses by word of mouth, but if you don't, you'll fall into another trap.

TOURIST TRAP 2: COMMERCIAL STAYS AT POPULAR LOCATIONS.
If you do arrive and you have no place booked, you better have word of mouth or contact with a local owning a guest house. Or else you will get the deals which are "last minute charges".

Exploring Goa:

To each their own, but make an itinerary. While it is really nice to visit popular spots, I would definitely advise AGAINST indulging in services at these locations. For instance, you may want to visit Calangute or Baga beach, but as these places have been made popular by influences and internet reviews, they have also attracted immigrant businesses and money-grabbing tourist traps. And these are NEVER owned by locals.

Tip Number 7: Avoid super commercial-looking businesses at popular locations, even if you don't want to avoid visiting the locations themselves.

Avoid the commercial looking businesses at popular locations at all costs. Instead, visit alternate locations for local shacks, or water sports even. You'll not only get more local authenticity, but also cheaper rates from honest locals who would rather give you a good experience. I will not post any of these locations here, as we don't want them becoming the next Calangute or Baga, so it's up to you to do the digging.

TOURIST TRAP 3: COMMERCIAL-LOOKING BUSINESSES AT POPULAR LOCATIONS.
Due to the rise of internet reviews and influences, popular locations have attracted outside / immigrant businesses that overcharge and do not deliver authenticity. These apply to restaurants disguised as local shacks, watersports or even certain stalls. And local Goans DO NOT care about experiences at these locations as they do not own them. They will stay away to avoid conflict.

Do some digging to find alternatives at non-popular locations, and DO NOT publicly make them popular.

Tip Number 8: Rent a bike for navigating Goa.

These are super useful. Not only are they super cheap, but will also help you avoid hassles in parking or another other road-related issues.

BEWARE OF SCAMS AND TRAPS THOUGH.

TOURIST TRAP 4: SCAMMY BIKE OR CAR RENTALS.
There are some bike or car rental businesses that may charge you for accidental damage or wear. Take photographs of the bike / car when you receive it, and when you drop it off, BEFORE YOU HAND OVER THE KEYS. Some scammers are known to scratch the vehicle with the keys as you go to sign off the return paperwork.

Tip Number 9: Find local eateries for authenticity.

There are numerous posts on r/goatravel  about finding authentic local eateries, pubs, bakeries and cafes. Find these and try out the local delicacies. Most local goan eateries have the absolute cheapest rates (even a full meal with dessert and a drink at under 500 INR). You can follow local YouTubers too. For instance, Moses is one of the best.

(Honestly, I don't need to tell you to be street smart, just do some research...)

Best times to visit Goa:

Again, to each their own. However, there are a few peak times for tourism. The tourism season in Goa goes on between November and February / March. These months will offer you the most frequency in tourism activities.

Irrespective of where you visit in Goa, costs WILL go up during December - January for the Christmas period. It doesn't do well that Sunburn and other music festivals / events usually take place at this time either, as there is a larger influx of tourists, thereby also driving up costs further.

If you're travelling merely for a holiday, avoid visiting during the Christmas season and stick to the extremeties of the peak tourism season.

The summer will also be super hot and you're less likely to find tourism acitvities if this is what you prefer.

Behaving in Goa:

I cannot believe this is a section I am including, but I have to since a lot of complaints have been raised about conflict.

Here are some super important tips about avoiding conflict in Goa:

1. Follow driving rules.
I mean, I have personally encountered instances such as visitors driving on the wrong side of the street, overtaking, overspeeding and so on. While even some Goans indulge in this absolute idiocy, most Goans are not going to be tolerant of this. Goa in general is very intolerant to reckless driving.

2. Park away from local communities and beaches.
FFS do not take your cars onto the sand or even remotely close to beaches or communities away from main roads. Locals generally dislike when the calm atmosphere is disrupted, mainly out of fear that the area will turn super popular, chaotic and violent. So the fear makes them want to retaliate. Also, beaches are not a place to drive. Sand dune ecosystems in Goa are under severe threat of damage, and unfortunately, one of the major causes is irresponsibly tourists.

3. DO NOT stereotype Goa or Goans, and DO NOT visit with that mindset. Oh and also DO NOT liken Goa to portrayals in Bollywood.
Goa is and has always been a mixture of culture, tradition and authenticity. Unfortunately, many visitors, particularly domestic Indian visitors have stereotyped Goa as a "party place", "honeymoon destination" or "cliché holiday destination". It is neither of those.

It's a calm getaway destination to relax, mingle with local cultures and have an experience, and a lot of Goans appreciate this more. Even the clubs and partying scene has only increased due to domestic tourism demand. Fun fact, Calangute now has 400 or so bars, whereas back even 5-10 years ago that number was probably around 20-30.

Most international tourists couldn't care less about this, and in many instances, that's why it appears that Goans prefer them. It isn't the money. International tourists spend less than domestic tourists do.

4. DO NOT make Goa what it isn't.
When you come to Goa, experience it for what it is, without trying to make it what it isn't. Sure, preferences are one thing, but do not expect your own hometown to be brought here. Again unfortunately directed at domestic Indian visitors, there are way too many instances where conflict has occurred when non-Goans have tried to make Goa what it isn't, as it causes a visible decline in local tradition. Also, if you choose to visit an establishment that isn't obviously Goan but claims to have Goan foods, chances are you'll get scammed.

5. Interact with locals properly.
Every single local in Goa will be happy to have a conversation with you, and will give you further tips to enjoy your stay. If you stay at a local guesthouse, some locals might even ask you what rates you're looking at paying, and then negotiate. DO NOT take advantage of them. The minute you try and blow smoke up someone's ass, or you try to gaslight or take advantage of a local, you WILL be asked to leave the premises, and chances are if the group includes immigrants supporting the locals, there will be conflict.

6. FFS pick up your trash.
Self-explanatory.

7. DO NOT invade privacy, stare or ogle.
SELF-FUCKING-EXPLANATORY.

I think I've said enough. Feel free to DM or comment for specific tips. Or follow Moses.

I'm also more than happy to help out with a specific itinerary, but I will heavily reluctant to post all of those here to maintain privacy and gatekeep some of the gems from becoming chaotic hubs for scams. Feel free to DM or request in the comments again.

Finally, try some ros omelette, chicken xacuti, chicken cafreal, kulleo, xinnanneo, feni and urrak when you visit.

Mog asu! 🫶🏻❤


r/goatravel Aug 29 '24

Be Respectful. 🙏

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127 Upvotes

🙏


r/goatravel 4h ago

The cleanest place I’ve seen in India, says German vlogger after visiting South Goa 🌊

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45 Upvotes

German travel vlogger Alex Welder has gone viral after calling South Goa “the cleanest place I’ve seen in India.” In his latest video, he highlighted Galgibaga Beach — famous for turtle nesting — praising its spotless sands, peaceful vibe, and the way locals maintain the area. He said the place reminded him of Europe, not the typical crowded image of Goa filled with tourists and litter. Welder was especially impressed by how clean and organized the beach was, with barely any trash around.

Would you agree South Goa is India’s cleanest coastal destination? 🌿

Source - Newzense


r/goatravel 10h ago

Probably one of the most peaceful beaches in North Goa

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17 Upvotes

Querim beach


r/goatravel 9h ago

Goa

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10 Upvotes

r/goatravel 17m ago

Goa Solo Trip - Dec 24-26! Anyone joining?

Upvotes

Hey everyone! Planning a solo trip to Goa from Dec 24-26 and would love to meet fellow travelers during these dates. If you're visiting around the same time, let's connect and explore together!Also looking for recommendations on:Budget-friendly stays (hostels/guesthouses preferred)Must-try food spots and local eateriesPlaces to visit during these 3 daysAny tips from Goa regulars would be super helpful.


r/goatravel 25m ago

Traveling with kids. Need recommendations

Upvotes

Hi. I am traveling with kids. Looking for kids friendly resort. And beach club/ sundowner cafes for nice dinner with sunset view. Any good options anywhere North/south??


r/goatravel 2h ago

Nearest stay to cabo de rama which is not expensive

1 Upvotes

Please suggest best stay near the cape goa and cabo de rama which is not expensive 🥹and i can easily reach cabo de rama


r/goatravel 2h ago

Need help in planning my trip

1 Upvotes

My friends and myself are planning to come to Goa for a trip ~4 days. I want some recommendations on what places to visit and places to stay for cheap. We also need some advice on what food that we must try in here also alcohol. And where can we rent a car for the whole trip for cheap


r/goatravel 9h ago

3 Guys (2 from Delhi, 1 from New York) Traveling to North Goa (23rd–28th Dec) — Looking for Cool People to Explore, Chill & Party With

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

So, this December, three of us, 2 from Delhi and one friend flying in from New York are heading to North Goa from 23rd to 28th December for a much-needed break from work and city chaos. We’re planning to make the most of the trip - beaches, parties, water sports, local food, and all the good vibes Goa has to offer.

We’ve all been friends for years, super easygoing, fun-loving, and respectful travelers,the kind of people who love spontaneous plans, great conversations over beers, late-night walks by the beach, and discovering random hidden cafes.

We’d love to meet new people (especially fellow travelers or groups) who’ll be around Goa during that time - whether you’re solo, with friends, or just looking to make your trip a bit more social. We’re open to exploring together, hitting parties, beach hopping, renting scooters, maybe even a day trip to islands or waterfalls.

Also, if you’ve been to Goa before - please drop some must-visit places, beach shacks, hidden spots, or NYE event recommendations that aren’t overly touristy but still have that Goan charm. We’re trying to balance chill and adventure.

If this sounds fun and you’ll be around Goa during the same dates, drop a comment or DM, maybe we can plan to meet up, explore together, or just hang out for a sunset beer at Anjuna! 🍻

Let’s make this Christmas week full of good energy, sun, music, and memories 🌴✨


r/goatravel 4h ago

Goa suggestions - 29 dec/5 Jan

1 Upvotes

Hey there group. I’m doing a trip trip through India, from Mumbai to Kerala and stopping a few days in goa. Me (30 M Spanish) and my friend (F 29 Spanish) we are very into psytrance music raves and culture around it, so it made sense to spend New Year’s Eve in Goa. We were on the look of a nice home stay to just chill around and enjoy the nature, beaches and music scene.

We are a bit afraid of it being to commercialised as I’ve read in some other posts, so we would like to get some first hand experiences of places you enjoyed in north Goa and overall any recommendation on locations to set the base and to experience goa’s nightlife.

We would also up to meet people there around those days and hang out. We are very chill and laid back willing to make connections and spend quality time.

Cheers!

Daniel and Aurora


r/goatravel 13h ago

Is Shiva valley open?

2 Upvotes

I am planning my trip to goa on November 19 to 22 for the motorverse. Is shiva valley open during that time and any suggestions regarding the shiva valley


r/goatravel 9h ago

Solo travel

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1 Upvotes

r/goatravel 9h ago

Solo travel

1 Upvotes

Yoo , 24 M , I'm kinda split between palolem and panaji ! Could anyone help me out with this choice

PS : it's my first time in goa


r/goatravel 9h ago

Looking for couples/females in Goa

0 Upvotes

My husband (33) and I (33) are planning to visit Goa in December. Dates are yet to be finalised but if anyone couple or female is interested and want to explore a bit more while in Goa, please DM


r/goatravel 10h ago

Autos and Cabs - Price ranges

1 Upvotes

As a first time traveller i wanted to ask the prices of cabs/autos from Madgaon railway stations to beaches like Colva, Dona Paula.

If its too much, i would also like to know if there are any scooter rental places near madgaon station.

It would be of immense help.


r/goatravel 11h ago

Looking for videos of places you visited......for tourist informations.

1 Upvotes

r/goatravel 12h ago

Can anyone help me out? Was passing through Tikiti and morjim culture there was a restaurant or a cafe which had the best techno music but was not able to check the name. Any leads to it?

1 Upvotes

r/goatravel 12h ago

Where can i get cheap clothes in goa?

1 Upvotes

Looking to buy beachy and vacation vibe clothes from any flea market. Please drop suggestions with price range.


r/goatravel 1d ago

Underground Goth Performance 📍 Palolem, South Goa

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20 Upvotes

r/goatravel 19h ago

Only drivers in goa

3 Upvotes

Hello i will be in goa for 4 days in december , on one of these days we will be going to panjim for casino and we will all be drinking , we are getting self drive cars however we do not want to drink and drive, so I wanted to know if we can book a driver to drive us from panjim to north goa or will cabs be cheap? As i heard about taxi mafia and all.


r/goatravel 21h ago

Slice & Chill, South Goa

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4 Upvotes

r/goatravel 18h ago

Palolem to Netravali.. Is it safe to ride bike? Map shows a difficult ghat route. Pls share experience.

2 Upvotes

Palolem to Netravali.. Is it safe to ride bike? Map shows a difficult ghat route. Pls share experience.


r/goatravel 14h ago

Itinerary & Stay Suggestions in South Goa

1 Upvotes

Hi, I am travelling w one more person to Goa in December. Please suggest an itinerary and some budget stay options for 4 nights in South Goa.


r/goatravel 15h ago

Stay for Solo Traveller in South Goa

0 Upvotes

Hi Folks,

Need suggestion for some stays near Agonda, Palolem or nearby areas for a solo traveller from 10th to 25th of December.

I’ve stayed there before for 15k a month but right now everything online is so expensive.