Danger in Goa?

gordy · #1 (**permalink**) 1st June 2007, 05:17 PM

Well we were all set to make our plans for an idylllic 6 months in Goa, cheap living, sunny skies... until... we came across two seperate posts(wish i'd kept them), which were quite alarming. They were from two seperate women who must have had bad experiences there as they did not recommend Goa at all. They mentioned that there was a lot of corruption, that you were often befriended as an opportunity to rip you off, and that the police could not be trusted, in fact they suggested that if the police try to stop you to drive at them!
This I find incredulous but can anyone advise us. Is Goa safe to live in. I have visions of being robbed as I get off the plane. I am really disappointed as we were so looking forward to our trip there.

attagirl · #2 (**permalink**) 2nd June 2007, 11:56 PM

This is too bad but you need to compare those two incidents with the number of people who travel successfully and take the proper precautions from there and make the decision based on a number of reasons not just two peoples opinion.

Fay · #3 (**permalink**) 6th June 2007, 02:38 PM

I agree with that statement attagirl. Dont let other peoples comments or problems spoil the adventure for you. Crime happens all over the world, every day. Dont get disheartened, just be aware of what is happening around you and enjoy your trip. I certainly wish I was going to Goa!

Maya · #4 (**permalink**) 7th June 2007, 09:43 PM

I went to Goa on holiday. My initial view was that people were helpful, but did expect payment for doing tasks such as carrying suitcases etc. I found the culture a little different but felt quite safe.

LostAgain · #5 (**permalink**) 7th June 2007, 10:55 PM

I found Goa fabulous. There were a lot of people trying to sell things and services, especially ones I didn't want. They were a nuisance but not even slightly scary. The people are trying to make a living, not trying to kill you - there are no gangsters around the corner.

They just try it on with ridiculous prices then it comes down at a very rapid rate - it's the culture and you get used to it.

australia · #6 (**permalink**) 10th July 2007, 02:22 PM

The Indian embassy advsied me that there is no such thing as a residency permit for India. How does one live in Goa without a permanent renewable residency visa?

australia · #7 (**permalink**) 10th July 2007, 02:23 PM

The Indian embassy advised me that there is no residency visa for Inda. How does one live here without a renewable residency visa? Any one had an experience?

synthia · #8 (**permalink**) 11th July 2007, 06:03 PM

You just get a series of tourist visas. If you are American, for $150 you can get a 10-year multiple entry visa that allows you to stay for six months. So every six months you take a trip to Nepal or the Maldives or whereever, and come back a few days later.

Destination Spain · #9 (**permalink**) 30th August 2007, 05:07 PM

Oh don't say that! We are just starting to look at Goa to live also. I know three publicans who go to Goa every year in Jan for a month in the southern region and they love it. A friend of mine went for a long trip last year and he loved it too, being streetwise helps wherever you are in the world. There is good and bad everywhere. There are parts of England I wouldn't walk through at night and come to think of it daytime too. Go for it, keep your wits about you and keep me posted!

chablis · #10 (**permalink**) 19th September 2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordy

Well we were all set to make our plans for an idylllic 6 months in Goa, cheap living, sunny skies... until... we came across two seperate posts(wish i'd kept them), which were quite alarming. They were from two seperate women who must have had bad experiences there as they did not recommend Goa at all. They mentioned that there was a lot of corruption, that you were often befriended as an opportunity to rip you off, and that the police could not be trusted, in fact they suggested that if the police try to stop you to drive at them!
This I find incredulous but can anyone advise us. Is Goa safe to live in. I have visions of being robbed as I get off the plane. I am really disappointed as we were so looking forward to our trip there.

Hi - well I am sitting here in Goa as we speak. There will be no problems for you here! My partner and I have lived here for over a year now. The politics for buying property or starting a business is a different kettle of fish but to come over as a tourist is as safe as can be. Enjoy it!!