Hi everyone, hop you're well, I'll launch straight in.

I'm a student coming to Goa for late June - early September for a placement in renewables; Anaerobic Digestion plants to be specific. I've not been to India before but have been reading a lot on various sites and forums to try to get a good idea of what I need to do beforehand, bring, and do while there. I'll be based around Anjuna.

However, there's still a lot I'm not sure about. For instance, I'm pretty into my lifting and wondered if there's any chance of a power/ olympic lifting gym around with bench press, squat racks, deadlifting etc...? I know it's a long shot and if not I'll just do other stuff but thought I'd ask.

Also, in terms of internet out there I'm assuming it's pretty unlikely the place I'm staying would have a hard-line so are internet cafes my best bet or a dongle? And would I need some sort of voltage/ frequency adapter/ surge protector if I was to plug my laptop in at my place?

On the subject of banking, might just telling my bank I'm going out and taking out larger amounts less frequently be the best option?

I'm sure I'll think of a few more but I'd really appreciate some advice.
Cheers

Hi,

Welcome to BE.
I am sure you will enjoy your stay in Goa.
When I am there usually November -March I use Photon Dongle for my laptop.
There are many internet cafe's.
Last season I saw a new fitness center in Candolim, but what equipment they had I would not know - not into keep fit.
I take it that you are a guy - so won't need "Blonde haircolour"
and that you have your own teeth. (otherwise steredent)
I would take cash and watch the currency rate - at the moment the exchange rate is really good.
I am sure you will get lots more advise from members.

Hi ShereKhanage,

Can't help with your questions as I am in the US and have never been to Goa, but I just wanted to pop by and welcome you to the BE community!!

I hope you enjoy your stay with us

Hi Sherekhanage

Welcome to BE and the Goa forum - love the name btw !!

I shall try to answer what I can :

GYM WITH FREE WEIGHTS - There is a gym with full free weights called Fitness Plus in Calangute which is about 5km from Anjuna. It is behind a restaurant called Spitfire on the main road from Anjuna to Calangute. Taxi drivers will know where it is.

INTERNET - I use a Tata Photon Plus dongle. You will have to buy the dongle at around 2000 rupees (just under £25) at a Tata shop (There is one in Calangute a little past the post office on the opposite side). Once you have the dongle you can get it topped up at most of the phone shops.
You have to supply a copy of your passport to obtain the dongle - and to whichever shop you use to top up. Some places also require a passport photo.
Tata photon is probably the best out there and it certainly worked well for me all season and was actually quite fast.

PHONE - I usually go for Vodaphone or Idea which have always been pretty good for coverage. Take an old mobile and there are lots of shops where you can buy an Indian SIM - with top ups at various rates.
You will need a copy of your passport and some outlets also require a passport photo.
An Indian mobile is essential out there.

TRANSPORT - most people hire a scooter or motor bike to get around. It takes a while to get used to the culture shock of driving the Goan roads but if I can do it anyone can!
You should get yourself an International Driving licence for driving in Goa.
The longer you hire a two wheeler the cheaper daily rate you should be paying.

BANKING - You will be able to open a bank account in Goa - but you must close it before your visa expires.
Again a copy of your passport is needed, and you can only pay in using foreign currency.

If you have any other questions please don;t hesitate to ask - someone will know

Exciting times for you......

Dread - x

hello in goa for a couple of months i wondered if there where any expat groups that meet up. I am in pamjim but happy to travel

Thanks for the advice noni, and thank you also dreadsoc.

Like I mentioned, will UK devices like a laptop work OK with just a plug adaptor or do I need some sort of other adaptor too?

And any advice for the monsoon season?

And would it be worth trying to pick up a little hindi before I go/ while I'm there?

My laptop worked fine with an adaptor....you can buy three pin to two pin adapators there for about 40 rupees (approx 50p) at any little electrical store so don;t buy the stupidly priced travel adaptors they sell in the UK (unless you already have one of course ).

They pretty much all speak English in Goa. The Goan language is Konkani which is very different to Hindu, and the non Goans tend to speak a variety of regional dialects although Hindi seems to be commonly understood.

Dread - x

I would recommend a voltage regulator/surge protector.

These can be bought inexpensively at the many electrical shops in Goa.

This is especially relevant during the monsoon as the electrical supply is up and down like a scrubber's draws.


.

Welcome and have a good trip !

Or a bad boys trousers !!!!!!

Good advice though.....

Dread - x

hello are there any ex pats groups? or clubs anyone knows about thanks for your help Bridget

Your laptop will work without any adaptors. But it will be s l o w

Have some cash with you but just use your debit card in a ATM, just take out 2 or 3 days worth of cash job done bank account pain in the a**s.
internet go to "eatopia" spelling might no be right but its just at the crossroads good free wifi.
Enjoy yourself while in Goa, me 1st week in August we move to Goa full time, well we will be between Goa and some time in Calcutta as Cal is wife's home town. Goa to be main home as its the location of all our stuff from UK. Hoping my contract working in India carries on as the pay is good even after the tax man takes his slice, been here 15 months now on and off repro'ing Kingfisher aircraft for a bank.

Sorry, don't know of any clubs but most of the Brit expats are friendly people and a smile and a hello are good to start a conversation, ask people for information, most people like sharing their knowledge, you will soon get to know people. The same applies with a lot of Goans i find.

ShereKhanage,

The monsoon, it's wet so if you have then bring a good (preferably gortex or similar) lightweight waterPROOF jacket. it needs to be waterproof and preferably breathable (otherwise you'll just sweet inside as it's still hot here). The Goan rain goes straight through most things as it's very hard and plentiful when it does rain. Also if you're here in the monsoon I would forget about trainers/shoes as they won't get dry due to the humidity over the monsoon. Crocs are always good, easy to wash and dry.

Umbrella's are also good, but easy to find one in Goa.

Do you already have accommodation sorted?