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 some people spend the day at the airport in the restaurants and bars. If your on a charter flight your baggage allowance is probably only 20kg so pack light. It’s likely that you’ll be purchasing items in Goa. Airlines charge approx. 700 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 sandwiches at your favorite restaurant the night before.

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. Connoisseurs of tobacco and alcohol claim that it’s not the same and I would agree but it’s all going to kill you in the end.

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 better still wait till you get to your destination and exchange there if the shops are open.

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. The Indian Driving Test, basically, involves starting a vehicles engine so a lower level of competence is to be expected. 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 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 need to do so.

If your new to India your sensitive stomach will react to a single microscopic unknown so I recommend that you drink only the more expensive brands of bottled water. Every year the Indian government closes bottled water companies due to malpractices.

Discard your 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.

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 has become commonplace due to tourism, Generally 5% should suffice, however, I always leave 10% if I intend to return as they always remember who gives a tip.