living like a local in a Goan town

pollock · Jul 25th, 2008, 08:55

Hello,

I have decided to move to Goa and stay there like a local for 1-2y time. I could do a maximum expense of 12k/month through my work. I am single.

What would be a good town so I could rent a small flat or floor without sharing for about 5k/month?

Indifferent to beaches/restaurants/nightlife. I just need a quiet place where I can visit a nearby market once a while, cook for myself, be easy-going and make friends with the locals.

My ethnic roots are from Goa but I was raised in Bombay -- I've visited a few times but have no real idea about the real Goa.

thanks!

enfield951 · Jul 25th, 2008, 10:18

Depends which part of Goa you want to be in North (Mapusa)
Central (Panjim,Vaso,Ponda) or South (Margao).
They are the only real towns,the rest are just villages.
You will survive, on that budget (I presume you refer to rupees)but you will need to be frugal.
As everywhere costs are very much on the up.

Good Lu

ck

pollock · Jul 25th, 2008, 18:25

thanks enfield,

Yes, i can live frugally. rent is the biggest expense.

in the towns:
would you have suggestions how I could go about searching for a rental here?

in the villages:
how different are the villages? can i get basic amenities like raw food supply, basic internet and bus-transportation to the towns?

thanks

My friend Goo · Jul 25th, 2008, 18:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by pollock

thanks enfield,
in the villages:
how different are the villages? can i get basic amenities like raw food supply, basic internet and bus-transportation to the towns?

I dont know about food supplies, but internet is easy accessible. And buying a scooter or a motorcycle would probably be better than public transportation.

Most of the villages are tourist areas, so whatever a tourist might need, is there

And the villages vary alot, some are more touristy than others. Of the ones i've been to i like Anjuna the best, it's more laidback

stevebenaulim · Jul 26th, 2008, 19:12

Yes you will manage on 12k a month, if you get away from the tourist enclaves, your rent should be very cheap.
You can not have a scooter in your name, so public transport is good and very cheap.
Market food is very cheap, its only the tourist enclaves that rip us off.
Good luck

Nick-H · Jul 26th, 2008, 19:19

He comes from Goa, and was raised in Bombay, so it looks as if he is an Indian citizen, so no worries about vehicle ownership and official stuff like that.

Otherwise I guess he would have got the standard in-your-dreams IndiaMike visa lecture!

.

pollock · Jul 26th, 2008, 20:19

Thanks very much, would you have any suggestions who I could get in touch with to arrange for a long-term lease of 11 months?

Most websites provide ads only in touristy places so I am a bit lost here.

Yes, I am Indian so ownership is not a problem

poipleshadow · Aug 7th, 2008, 18:54

Instead of going through agencies just go house to house and ask... Agency prices will be more, to give yuo an idea I rent for 4000 a month (2 bed, 2 bath, living room, kitchen and 2 balcony, nowhere near a beach but it's nice and convienant for me. If you want basic then you can get for as little as 1000 for something basic, but you would usually have to supply your own furniture, which is a one off expence. Gas and stove would save you money in the long run (if you can cook), there's lots of cheap places to eat, but eating in is cheaper... Although wada or samosa on bread is filling and cheap, but not so good on the waistline!

Scooter's are very convienant but will increase your expence, the buses are very cheap if you don't mind the extra time they take. There are bus services with most villages, although it's handy to live not so far from a good group of shops...

Blue_Max · Aug 20th, 2008, 08:32

I have visited Goa many times but not lived there for long periods of time. But have seen people riding around wearing tropical clothes and no helmet. Something most bikers will not even dream of doing in the UK; even in mid summer.

How safe is riding a scooter/motorbike in Goa?
Any statistics?

Brisso · Aug 20th, 2008, 09:39

Ah, the infamous Goa 'tattoo' - scars on tourists from accidents.

Riding is as safe as you are, I mean, as safe as you make it. Most accidents result from the fact the drink and drug driving is largely unregulated. Medical insurance and an international licence essential or at least recommended.

jcbrum · Aug 20th, 2008, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue_Max

I have visited Goa many times but not lived there for long periods of time. But have seen people riding around wearing tropical clothes and no helmet. Something most bikers will not even dream of doing in the UK; even in mid summer.

How safe is riding a scooter/motorbike in Goa?
Any statistics?

There was an article in the Herald not long back,saying that on average in Goa, there is one person killed everyday on a 2 wheeler.The problem here is that it's only compulsory for the driver and not the passengers to wear helmets.Also you only have to wear a helmet on the highway and not elsewhere..Madness

Jc

poipleshadow · Aug 20th, 2008, 21:14

I live in Goa and have done for 5 years now.. It's a lovely place as long as you get away from the touristy areas, which are basically touristy!!!

Riding over here is wonderful I love it. I much prefer riding a bike than driving a car, I only wear a helmet when the law requires it (on the highways). I am sure it would be bad advice to recommend this, but personally I find it better without as your ear can hear all around you (and that helps) and there's no visor or edge of the helmet getting in the way of you view.. These might not be required so much in the UK (my birth place) as the traffic tends to follow more sensible rules, but here in Goa you really need to know where everyone is (including cows, dogs, grandads wobbling on their vespers and the crazy tourists going flat out even though it's their first time on a bike.

Like Brisso said, it all depends on your ability and how safe you are. I drive quite quickly but I am very observent (usually) so thankfully not had a serious accident to date, which is quite good going for 5 years. I drive in shorts and t-shirt most of the time (oh and flip flops) and I have grazed my tow twice I think, that's about it.

I did see a man about 3 meters in front of me being run over by a bus (litteraly under the wheels) which was not so pleasent.. So accidents do happen. I am sure there are so many accidents in the UK, it's just that they're not reported so often as they are such common place. (does anyone have the UK statistics as a comparision?)

I've had a few scarey moments

1. My back tyre burst (bang!) while going about 50 mph and I was wondering why my back end was coming by the side of me... Thankfully the road wasn't too busy and I managed to control it.. The tyre was shredded when I got it changed..

2. Driving back from Karnataka on a highway a rather large lorry decided to take up my pie4ce of road so had to swerve away and then back due to a broken down lorry...

3. a few more minor ones...

Have fun but be safe!

Jul 25th, 2008, 08:55	#1
pollock Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 13	living like a local in a Goan town Hello, I have decided to move to Goa and stay there like a local for 1-2y time. I could do a maximum expense of 12k/month through my work. I am single. What would be a good town so I could rent a small flat or floor without sharing for about 5k/month? Indifferent to beaches/restaurants/nightlife. I just need a quiet place where I can visit a nearby market once a while, cook for myself, be easy-going and make friends with the locals. My ethnic roots are from Goa but I was raised in Bombay -- I've visited a few times but have no real idea about the real Goa. thanks!

Jul 26th, 2008, 19:19	#6
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	He comes from Goa, and was raised in Bombay, so it looks as if he is an Indian citizen, so no worries about vehicle ownership and official stuff like that. Otherwise I guess he would have got the standard in-your-dreams IndiaMike visa lecture! . __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Aug 7th, 2008, 18:54	#8
poipleshadow Help Where You Can... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Goa Posts: 166	Instead of going through agencies just go house to house and ask... Agency prices will be more, to give yuo an idea I rent for 4000 a month (2 bed, 2 bath, living room, kitchen and 2 balcony, nowhere near a beach but it's nice and convienant for me. If you want basic then you can get for as little as 1000 for something basic, but you would usually have to supply your own furniture, which is a one off expence. Gas and stove would save you money in the long run (if you can cook), there's lots of cheap places to eat, but eating in is cheaper... Although wada or samosa on bread is filling and cheap, but not so good on the waistline! Scooter's are very convienant but will increase your expence, the buses are very cheap if you don't mind the extra time they take. There are bus services with most villages, although it's handy to live not so far from a good group of shops... __________________ Rob Trying to make the world a better place is really hard...

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Jul 25th, 2008, 10:18	#2
enfield951 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Goa India Posts: 4	Depends which part of Goa you want to be in North (Mapusa) Central (Panjim,Vaso,Ponda) or South (Margao). They are the only real towns,the rest are just villages. You will survive, on that budget (I presume you refer to rupees)but you will need to be frugal. As everywhere costs are very much on the up. Good Lu ck

Jul 25th, 2008, 18:25	#3
pollock Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 13	thanks enfield, Yes, i can live frugally. rent is the biggest expense. in the towns: would you have suggestions how I could go about searching for a rental here? in the villages: how different are the villages? can i get basic amenities like raw food supply, basic internet and bus-transportation to the towns? thanks

Jul 26th, 2008, 19:12	#5
stevebenaulim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: goa Posts: 136	Yes you will manage on 12k a month, if you get away from the tourist enclaves, your rent should be very cheap. You can not have a scooter in your name, so public transport is good and very cheap. Market food is very cheap, its only the tourist enclaves that rip us off. Good luck

Jul 26th, 2008, 20:19	#7
pollock Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 13	Thanks very much, would you have any suggestions who I could get in touch with to arrange for a long-term lease of 11 months? Most websites provide ads only in touristy places so I am a bit lost here. Yes, I am Indian so ownership is not a problem

Aug 20th, 2008, 08:32	#9
Blue_Max Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: West Sussex, UK & Cochin, Kerala Posts: 30	I have visited Goa many times but not lived there for long periods of time. But have seen people riding around wearing tropical clothes and no helmet. Something most bikers will not even dream of doing in the UK; even in mid summer. How safe is riding a scooter/motorbike in Goa? Any statistics?

Aug 20th, 2008, 09:39	#10
Brisso Specialist muddler Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 585	Ah, the infamous Goa 'tattoo' - scars on tourists from accidents. Riding is as safe as you are, I mean, as safe as you make it. Most accidents result from the fact the drink and drug driving is largely unregulated. Medical insurance and an international licence essential or at least recommended.

Aug 20th, 2008, 21:14	#12
poipleshadow Help Where You Can... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Goa Posts: 166	I live in Goa and have done for 5 years now.. It's a lovely place as long as you get away from the touristy areas, which are basically touristy!!! Riding over here is wonderful I love it. I much prefer riding a bike than driving a car, I only wear a helmet when the law requires it (on the highways). I am sure it would be bad advice to recommend this, but personally I find it better without as your ear can hear all around you (and that helps) and there's no visor or edge of the helmet getting in the way of you view.. These might not be required so much in the UK (my birth place) as the traffic tends to follow more sensible rules, but here in Goa you really need to know where everyone is (including cows, dogs, grandads wobbling on their vespers and the crazy tourists going flat out even though it's their first time on a bike. Like Brisso said, it all depends on your ability and how safe you are. I drive quite quickly but I am very observent (usually) so thankfully not had a serious accident to date, which is quite good going for 5 years. I drive in shorts and t-shirt most of the time (oh and flip flops) and I have grazed my tow twice I think, that's about it. I did see a man about 3 meters in front of me being run over by a bus (litteraly under the wheels) which was not so pleasent.. So accidents do happen. I am sure there are so many accidents in the UK, it's just that they're not reported so often as they are such common place. (does anyone have the UK statistics as a comparision?) I've had a few scarey moments 1. My back tyre burst (bang!) while going about 50 mph and I was wondering why my back end was coming by the side of me... Thankfully the road wasn't too busy and I managed to control it.. The tyre was shredded when I got it changed.. 2. Driving back from Karnataka on a highway a rather large lorry decided to take up my pie4ce of road so had to swerve away and then back due to a broken down lorry... 3. a few more minor ones... Have fun but be safe!

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