hello everybody..
we are seriuosly thinking to move to Goa,never been there ..but i here it's a magical place...
so if somebody could let us know about how much money do we need (per month roughly)to survive overe there.we have a 3,5 year old daughter ,is education expencive and medical services?
and where is the best place to go ?i hear some places are more expencive because of the tourists...
we'll be really greatfull for your help.
regards.

Goa is a beautiful place, and you can live there, if you live on simple accomodation and only spend money on food etc., for very cheap. Haven't lived there myself, but only visited.

I've heard of people living there for 500 euros/month, all covered.

Lived there for 3 months, fantastic place if you like mockney hippies! Jokes aside, I lived on £35 a week, but had very basic accommodation (I mean basic, outside loo, matrice on the floor, pigs everywhere etc, lived with an Indian family in their home), this also paid for food, eating thalis all the time etc and a couple of drinks in the evening. Cheap as you like! I'm sure there are places with long term lets, avoid busy periods like Christmas and try and book something in advance as we came unstuck (Hence living with an Indian family - brilliant times were had though).

Hi

Just read your message saying you lived in Goa for 3 months, have you any advice on starting some kind of touristy business there. I have some capital and a 12 year old daughter. Also what happens when monsoons arrive, is there still tourists about then? Any suggestions on places? Can I ask what you did there?

Thanks, any advice would be good.

Jo

Hi,

Anyone interested in Goa, should log on to www.indiamike.com

You will source all the relevant info required.

Sorry, I can't give first hand experience on Goa as I last visted India in 1982.
However, I can tell you that my brother's travel out most years around now and generally stay around the Baga Beach region, which is more lively than the South of Goa. You live for £70.00 per week and that includes very basic accomodation, 3 meals a day and your drinks, providing you don't listen to the tourist reps and you eat at the beach huts.

Hope it helps.

Regards

Joe

Hi there,

I arrived just after the rainy season and got to know a couple of locals, they did say that the rains were particualy bad that year and things did shut down pretty much.

Wouldn't have a clue on business enterprises, was really looking while I was there.

I would buy yourself a lonely planet on india (or something similiar) to get some good information on the area etc.

Good Luck.
Claire

What have you found out about schooling for your children in goa? I am researching the need to open a small independent school for expat children in Goa. If you have any info please e-mail [email protected]

Thanks

Hi,

I lived in Mumbai for a year and a half and as an importer/exporter became intimately acquainted with Indian bureaucracy. If you decide to pursue a business venture of any kind in India be prepared to deal with mountains of paperwork, corruption at all levels, and restrictions on what you can do as a foreigner. Best option is to hire a local with experience and that you trust to deal with all the paperwork.

Property is still very cheap in Goa and it is becoming more and more popular for foreigners looking to 'buy' investment property and holiday rentals. I believe there are restrictions on foreigners owning property in India so they probably purchase through a proxy company. I briefly considered buying and renovating an old Portuguese guesthouse to rent out during the winter season and live in during monsoon but got cold feet based on my experience of doing business in Mumbai.

Monsoon is beautiful in Goa but there are very few tourists (which adds to the appeal...). Everything shuts down from May to October except for the high end resorts.

Good luck with whatever you do!

Matt

Went there on hols in 2001 - loved it. 2 course meal for 2 and 4 large vodka and tonics £10. Bargain ! It's about 50p for a vodka ! A lot of poverty though which is hard to get used to. Baga beach is near where we stayed and was nice.

Jo