A Digital Nomad Guide to Goa

India Visa for Goa

Travelling to India is not hard at all. With more than 10 types of visas available, requirements of which are easy to meet, getting here is a breeze.

The visa that’s most commonly opted for is naturally the tourist visa, which requires visitors to have a valid passport for at least 6 months. The application form can be found on the Government’s website, which needs to be thoroughly filled, following which you’ve got to pay the correspondent fee. The fees vary depending on where you’re from, and the type of visa you’re requesting. Your visa processing will most likely take anywhere between 3 to 7 days. Most tourist visas allow visitors to reside in the country for up to 180 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can request an extension online.

Note that the payment is not a guarantee that you’ll be granted a visa. It simply ensures that your application will be processed and reviewed. But don’t worry, India is extremely tourist-friendly, and in most cases, getting a visa shouldn’t be complicated.

It is always best to check with your embassy in advance before deciding to make the move to Goa as a digital nomad.

Culture and Food in Goa

Goa is a wonderful cocktail of various cultures, religions, languages, and ethnicities. There’s no doubt that this Indian state has a magical charm, a lot of which can be traced back to its roots. Since Goa was ruled by a bunch of colonisers—the Portuguese, the Muslims, as well as the Hindus, the state continues to enjoy a fascinating mix of literally everything under the sun.

Food

Goans take their food and drinks pretty seriously. Meals here are generally marked by lots of rice, fish, and coconut. Spices are generously used in Goan cooking, which is what makes the food out here as delicious as it is. Due to being close to the coast, Goa is also widely touted for its fresh seafood—if you’re a non-vegetarian, be sure to try some prawns, crabs, and lobster while you’re here.

Truth be told, there’s no end to the number of local delicacies that attract foodies to Goa. However, here’s a list of foods you simply have to try when in Goa:

1. Sorpotel: A dish of Portuguese origin, the main ingredient of which is meat. The meat is cooked in a rich gravy of onions, garlic, masalas, and other spices.
2. Bebinca: One of the most loved desserts of Goa, Bebina is a multi-layered pastry prepared using flour, eggs, sugar, and coconut milk.
3. Fish Curry: Fish curry is a staple dish amongst Goans. This delicacy is loaded with spices, along with raw mango, which gives it a wonderful, tangy flavour. The curry is served with a plateful of rice.
4. Chicken Xacuti: Another classic dish originating from Goa, this curry comprises of chicken, potatoes, onions, chillies, coconut, and other spices. If you like spicy food, you’ll be sure to love a serving of chicken xacuti.
5. Beef Cutlet Pao: This is a popular fast food found at most local stalls in Goa. It is essentially a thin slice of beef marinated in spices, coated in semolina, and fried until crisp. This patty is then stuffed inside a pao—a Goan bread.

Alcohol

Because of exceptionally low taxes, booze is really cheap in Goa. Naturally, a drinking culture has developed in the state. While a variety of fancy cocktails are served in Goa today, the state is popular for its local spirits such as feni. Feni is available in two varieties—while one is prepared using coconut palm, the other is made from cashew nuts. Feni has an extremely strong odour, and might not suit everybody’s palette. However, it’s definitely worth trying if you’re planning on living in Goa.

Arts

Goa has a flourishing arts scene and plays host to a number of museums, exhibitions, and events that pose opportunities for one to experience the real essence of Goa. Some of the museums you should visit to explore Goa’s arts are the Museum of Goa, and the Museum of Christian Art.

Goa also has a wide variety of local handicrafts, all of which make for colourful souvenirs. Bamboo craft, woodcarving, metal embossing, and seashell craft are widely practised by the artisans of Goa. The art and craft of Goa is a wonderful example of the beautiful blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures.

Language

Since the Portuguese rule in Goa lasted for over 4 centuries, a variety of languages are spoken here. The state’s official language is Konkani. However, most people here speak Hindi and English pretty fluently, since many of them depend on tourism for their livelihood.

Religion

That Goa is a predominantly Christian state is a myth. As per the 2011 census, 66% of the population are Hindu, whereas 25% of them are Christian. What’s heartwarming to see is that the state celebrates all major festivals—irrespective of what religion they origin from, harmoniously.

Eating Out

As already mentioned above, Goa plays host to restaurants that serve mind-blowing food. If you’re not in the mood for ‘doing’ much, simply head out to an eatery of your choice, and treat your taste buds.

Goa Nightlife

Clubbing

There are a plethora of party places in Goa, and you’ll be sure to discover a new one every few weeks. Groovy music, cheap booze, and yummy snacks draw huge numbers of tourists every year. If you want to go clubbing in Goa, here are some of your best bets:

1. Tito’s Bar and Club
2. Club LPK – Love, Passion & Karma
3. Club Cabana
4. Leopard Valley
5. Shiva Valley

Music Gigs

Music is an integral part of Goa’s culture, and you’ll be sure to find live music scenes on most nights here. There’s quite literally no difference between weekdays and weekends in this regard. Some of the best places to enjoy live music gigs in Goa are as follows:

1. Guru Bar
2. Hopping Frog Hostel
3. Cohiba
4. The Rice Mill
5. Hideaway

Beach Shacks

Most beaches in Goa are dotted with shacks that dish out delicious snacks and drinks. Spending your evening at a shack is a great idea if you’re looking for a bridge between a quiet scene and a loud party. Some of the best shacks in Goa are:

1. Curlies
2. Thalassa
3. Rogers
4. Café Del Mar
5. Bobby’s

Trance Parties

While this may not be for everyone, it’s definitely worth experiencing at least once if you’re living in Goa as a digital nomad. The raves and trance parties here are unlike anywhere else. These are mostly found in Anjuna and Vagator, but nowadays, areas norther up such as Morjim, Mandrem, and Arambol are also becoming a popular hotspot for trance parties.

Note: Goa is known for its availability of hard drugs, and you might find people offering you the same at such parties. Be extremely cautious of what you’re consuming and who you’re with at all points.

Night Markets

If you’re a fan of window shopping, don’t miss out on the night bazaars of Goa. These markets are a great way to experience Goa in its true form. Be it chilled beer, good music, dateless antiques, junk jewellery, funky clothes, or a great vibe, Goa’s night bazaars have it all.

Casinos

Gambling is fun, legal, and a great way to give yourself an adrenaline rush. Most of India’s best casinos are located in Goa. If this sounds like your scene or if you simply want to try something new, head to the Mandovi river. Here, you’ll find an array of casinos on boats anchored in the river.

Things to do in Goa

There is no dearth of things to do and see in Goa. In fact, even the most seasoned traveller will find it hard to narrow down on things to do. For people that visit Goa for just a few days, it is impossible to cover even half of the amazing things to do. As a digital nomad, you will have the advantage of having ample time on your plate, so that you can comfortably cover all the places and activities that pique your interest.

Remember that building relationships with locals is a great way to discover unique and off-the-beaten-track things to do in Goa.

Here’s a short list of things that you wouldn’t want to miss during your stint in Goa.

• Visit a Spice Farm

  By now, you probably know that Goan food utilises a fair amount of spices. What’s cool is that most of these spices are grown and processed locally itself. What’s even cooler is that Goa offers you the opportunity to take a closer look at how these spices make it to your plate. Visiting a spice plantation is not just a treat to your olfactory senses, but also to your eyes. Once you pay a visit to one of these spice plantations, you’ll look at the food you eat differently. It’s an experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on. Popular spice plantations in Goa: Savoi spice plantation, Sahakari spice farms, Pascoal spice farm.

• Walk Around Fountainhas

  The Portuguese ruled Goa for over 4 centuries. It thus comes as no surprise that their influence is seen and felt in the state even today. In the 19th century, Fountainhas was home to Portuguese administrative officers. Today, Fountainhas—the oldest Latin quarter in Panjim, attracts history enthusiasts, photographers, and travellers alike, and for good reason. The place has a completely different vibe to itself. Houses drenched in pastel and fluorescent shades, pretty nameplates by pretty Goan doors, and beautiful wall art are some of the many things that set this locality apart. Make it a point to visit Fountainhas during your stay in Goa, and be sure to carry a camera!

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  Although not many know this, Goa is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. In fact, it is widely touted as the ‘Rome of the Orient,’ and rightly so. I’d highly recommend you to think beyond beaches and witness a different face of Goa at these iconic monuments. Some of the most popular ones are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and the Church of Saint Augustine. Visiting these sites will give you a glimpse into Goa’s rich colonial heritage.

• Trek Up To Sweet Water Lake

  Goa is considered to be a goldmine for nature lovers. If a short trek to a secret spot appeals to you, you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on visiting Sweet Water Lake. The sheer adventure that comes from making it to this spot is spectacular! It’s pitched on a slight height—on one side is long stretches of white sand and azure waters, and on the other is the only freshwater lake in Goa, surrounded by lush green hills. You can either go for a swim in the water, or simply sit by the lake and take in the calm. Either way, Sweet Water Lake won’t disappoint.

• Engage in Adventure Activities

  Due to its close proximity to the coast, Goa offers a plethora of opportunities to engage in adventure water sports. If you’re a seasoned swimmer and have a deep liking for the ocean, I’d highly recommend trying your hand at surfing. A bunch of experienced instructors offer 3-5 day surfing courses that will equip you with the basics of the sport. However, if you’re not looking for something so hardcore, you can try your hand at simpler sports such as parasailing, kayaking, and scuba diving. Note: You can engage in these water sports throughout the year, except in the monsoons.

• Divar Island

  Located about 9 kilometers from Panjim is an island cut off from the parties and hubbub of mainstream Goa. What makes Divar island so beautiful is that it remains untouched and unscathed by tourism. The island can only be reached by ferry from Old Goa. Once you set foot on the island, you’ll be greeted by picturesque landscapes, meandering rivers, and beautiful churches and chapels. The island also boasts of unique experiences such as therapeutic mud baths and feni tasting.

• Stay on a Houseboat in Chapora

  Contrary to popular belief, Kerala isn’t the only destination in Goa where you can experience living in a houseboat. Chapora in Goa offers visitors the chance to spend a few hours on a houseboat. Drift along the backwater of Goa, watch fishermen do their thing, and devour some epic Goan delicacies while basking in the warm sun.

• Go For a Silent Party

  It’s an unreal scene. Hundreds of people dressed to the nines, dancing their night away amidst dizzy neon lights. The only catch is that there’s no music. The only sound you can hear is that of feet tapping on the sand and the waves crashing against the shore. Suddenly, the headphones catch your eye. That’s when you realise that this party is rather unique. Although originating in Europe, silent parties are becoming popular in Goa, as a way to bypass the noise pollution laws. It’s an experience you shouldn’t miss out on. These parties take place every on alternate Saturdays, at Neptune Point in South Goa.

Best Time to Visit Goa

There are many reasons that Goa attracts a huge influx of tourists, and one of them is its enjoyable weather. During your stay in Goa, you will enjoy uninterrupted sunshine, and warm temperatures ranging from 25ºC to 35ºC. This of course, depends largely on the time of the year you’re planning to visit.

November to February in Goa is the most pleasant, with temperatures rarely soaring above 30ºC, cool winds, and the need for a thin jacket if you’re planning on venturing out on a two-wheeler at night. March, April, and May are summer months, making it quite unbearable to step out between 12-4pm. June to August is when monsoons are in full swing, and Goa is covered in a blanket of lush greenery. However, commute during the monsoons becomes especially difficult. Also, note that electricity cuts are much more frequent during this time, which can hinder work for digital nomads.

Goa for Families

Although Goa receives a huge influx of young tourists and solo travellers, it is quite family-friendly, too. Goa is home to a number of schools, many of which are run by the Government, or are catholic institutions that are government-aided. English is primarily-spoken in most schools, with Konkani as the second language. These schools are ridiculously cheap, and also offer a number of perks since they’re associated with the government.

If you’re keener on getting your kid enrolled in a private school, your best bet would be to reside in or around Panjim. Here, you’ll also be much more likely to find daycares and crèches, than in other areas in Goa. 

Things to Do with your Family in Goa

What’s most exciting about living with your family in Goa is the range of activities it has to offer. Besides, what’s better than spending a quiet day at the beach with your kids? Some of the top family activities in Goa are:

• Dolphin Tours: A number of spots in Goa offer opportunities to go deep into the ocean for some dolphin spotting. The prospects of waiting for dolphins to pop out of the water excites kids and adults alike, making it a great activity to engage in as a family.
• Go-Karting: If your kids are not too young, go-karting can be a fun activity to opt for! Arpora in North Goa has a great track, and you can simply use Google Maps to get there.
• Hiking: Spending time in nature is always a good idea, more so, for kids. Goa offers multiple opportunities for hiking with splendid views. One personal recommendation is the Sweet Water Lake in Arambol.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Owing to dense forests, Goa has a bunch of wildlife sanctuaries that are worth visiting. The best time of the year to visit any of these reserves is from May to July, when monsoons are in full swing. Lush green landscapes, and occasional waterfalls will make your trip all the more exciting!

Living in Goa

Goa Transportation

Getting around Goa is not as simple as you’d think it to be. Considering how touristy the state is, one would assume the transport system here to be quite advanced. Unfortunately, it isn’t so. Besides, most places of interest in Goa are quite spread out, making transportation a key concern for tourists as well as digital nomads.

Buses

A number of privately-owned buses ply to the remotest areas of Goa, making moving around in the state easy, as well as cheap. Tickets cost $0.14 for about 2-3 kilometers. However, note that since most of these buses are old, they’re not in the best condition, and often get hot and claustrophobic. What’s even more important to note is the bus timings. Most of them don’t run before 7AM and after 7PM. Bus stops are scattered across the state, and the spots they’ll be halting at is mentioned on the front of the bus.

Goa also has a network of buses that is run by the Kadamba Transport Corporation—a government-run agency. However, these buses only halt in major cities such as Panjim, Margao, Mapusa, and Canacona.

Taxis

Compared to the rest of India, taxis are an expensive affair in Goa. This is because taxis in Goa are unmetered, leaving travellers to the mercy of (the often exorbitant) prices pitched by cab drivers. If you don’t want to go down this road, you can simply ask your landlord, or any local you trust to book you a reputable taxi operator.

And if you want to absolutely avoid relying on anybody for getting you a taxi, download the application ‘Goa Miles’ on your smartphone. This is Goa’s only app-based cab service—sort of like an Uber. Booking a taxi on Goa Miles is the best way to avoid getting ripped. 

As a note, a taxi from the airport to Candolim should cost you roughly $15-20.

Tuk-Tuks

Tuk-tuks a.k.a auto rickshaws and three-wheeled vehicles, that are ideal if you want to visit a nearby place or cover a relatively shorter distance. These are cheap, petite, and vibrant, and can be spotted easily due to their bright yellow-and-black contrast. Although the government has allotted a fixed price of $0.1 per kilometer for tuk-tuks, this fare is barely followed. So, if you’re planning to move around by tuk-tuks, it is best if you have at least a vague idea of routes and distances.

Motorcycle Taxis

One of the lesser-known ways of moving around Goa is via a motorcycle taxi. Popularly called ‘Pilots,’  this mode of transport is a better choice than taxis if you’re travelling alone. Note that the government has fixed the fares at about $0.1 for the first kilometer, and about half a cent for each additional kilometer.

Renting a Vehicle

Due to Goa being a tourist-heavy state, many private agencies offer scooters, motorcycles, and cars on rent. If you want to cut out all the crap and move around Goa at your own will, renting your own vehicle is perhaps the best option for you.

I rented a scooter for myself the very day I arrived here. Since I’ve rented it out on a monthly basis, it costs me about $50 per month. On the other hand, daily rental prices hover around $4-5.

Self-drive cars are also available on a wide scale, and generally cost about $15/day for smaller cars, and about $30 for a sedan. If you want to rent out a car on a monthly basis, you’ll have to do some haggling to get yourself a decent deal.

Pro Tip: If you plan on residing in Goa for 6 months or more, it is best if you buy yourself a second-hand two-wheeler. It is possible to buy scooters in decent condition for $250-300. What’s more, you can sell off your vehicle once you’re done with your stint in Goa.

Fitness and Health

Goa features a tropical monsoon climate, which means temperatures are warm and humid all year-round. This makes it convenient as well as enjoyable to spend hours outdoors and get sweating.

Most residents of Goa engage in a myriad of water-related activities to get their daily dose of exercise. Naturally, one of the most effective and fun ways to keep your health in check is to go to the beach for a swim every morning. If you’re not a swimmer, there are several classes where you can learn the skill for quite cheap! Adventurers also find pleasure in engaging in activities such as surfing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and more.

However, if you’re not a water person, there are a bunch of other options for you. For instance, yoga is widely practised here in Goa, with several instructors offering excellent coaching classes for travellers and long-stay residents alike. This is also a great way to meet fellow digital nomads, and grow your network in Goa. Areas such as Morjim and Mandrem play host to several yoga retreats, and you can sign yourself up for one to stay fit as a fiddle.

Lastly, you can always get enrolled at a gym or a fitness centre, if that floats your boat. There are several gyms scattered across Goa, and any local will be able to guide you with the same.

What’s best about staying fit in Goa, however, is that you don’t need to shell out money for it. Simply walking by the beach or going for a hike can do the job pretty well!

Goa People

Goans are warm, friendly, and peaceful people who enjoy living a quiet life to themselves. The Goan population comprises of a predominantly Hindu population, followed by Christians, and a small community of Muslims. Goans are exceptionally tolerant about one another’s religion, and have lived together in harmony for years now.

The Goan lifestyle reflects a wonderful cocktail of the East and the West. Several locals continue to have Portuguese names even today, which proves how strong the Portuguese influence is. Most locals in Goa speak Konkani—a language that has managed to unify Goans for years now.

A decent chunk of the Goan population relies on fishing for sustaining themselves. Next in line comes tourism and hospitality. Since tourism has picked up incredibly over the past few years, you’ll be more likely to encounter travellers, expats, and digital nomads, than locals—unless of course, you visit the interiors of the state.

Goans are die-hard music lovers, and most of them can pluck at a guitar or play a tune on the piano pretty effortlessly. Their love of music is pretty evident not only in their homes, but also at festivals and social gatherings. Goans also take their alcohol seriously—you’ll be sure to find a line of booze bottles in most of their homes. When it comes to sports, bullfight used to be a highly popular game in Goa. However, due to it being banned, Goans have now shifted to playing football and cricket for fun!

A commonly-used word to describe Goans is susegad—which is derived from the Portuguese word sossegado, meaning ‘quiet.’ It refers to their perennial state of contentment, their love for afternoon siestas (most shops and restaurants in Goa remain shut from 2-4pm), and their laidback attitude. You’ll get a taste of the Goans’ susegad way of life right after arriving here.

Goans are known for living life to the fullest, and are extremely proud and protective of the state they call home. What’s rather commendable is how they’ve managed to keep their rich cultural heritage alive. Goans have made sure that the modern times and ever-changing trends do not affect the state’s traditions and real roots in any way.

Goa Insurance and Medical Care

Goa offers a plethora of opportunities for engaging in sports and outdoor activities. Naturally, participation in these activities can make you prone to injury. Fortunately, several major hospitals and nursing homes mark both the North and South of Goa. Here’s a list of some of the best ones:

1. Apollo Victor Hospital, Margao
2. Asilo Hospital, Mapusa
3. Chikitsa Hospital, Verna
4. Canacona Government Hospital, Canacona

Most of the staff across hospitals in Goa speak fluent English. What’s more, it’s pretty easy to find pharmacies and chemists no matter what part of Goa you’re living in. As with most countries, places of medical care can be identified with a green ‘+’ symbol.

In India, foreigners can buy a health insurance policy without much hassle. To be eligible for the same, you need to have a valid passport and visa. Generally, to make any claim, you’ll have to wait for anywhere between 30-90 days from your day of purchase. It is also important to note that not all illnesses will be covered by your health insurance. To avoid any confusion, be sure to check all that’s covered before finalising the purchase. It is best to compare various health insurance plans online, so that you get a deal that suits your needs best!

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Goa

Most of Goa relies on tourism and hospitality for earning an income. So, a variety of jobs are generally available in this sector. If you wish to pick up some extra work alongside your regular online methods of employment, some jobs you can consider are:

• Tour Guide: Since Goa is so tourism-heavy, there’s a lot of scope for tour guides to make an income here. However, to be able to do this, you’ll need to spend some time exploring the state. Goa has a rich history and culture, which you should be aware of in order to excel as a tour guide.
• Watersports Instructor: If you’re a qualified surfer, diver, kayaker, or anything in between, there’s a lot of scope for you to find employment as an instructor. This is also a great way to make friends from across the globe.
• Host(ess): Since Goa has any number of restaurants, bars, and co-works, hosts and hostesses are required on a daily basis. However, note that knowing how to speak Konkani might be a requirement at some of these places.
• Hotel Employee: Since Goa thrives on tourism, the hotel industry here is big. If you think the hospitality industry is for you, feel free to consider working as a bartender, chef, or likewise.
• Photographer/Videographer: As you already know by now, Goa plays host to a fair number of events all the time. Since we’re living in the digital age, organisers like having their events being covered on photo and video.

You can also contact hostels across Goa for volunteer opportunities. Most of them offer opportunities to exchange a few hours’ worth of work for free stay and food.

Check out our in-depth Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.