Solo female travelers coming to India, often are a little nervous to come to Goa alone since it’s known as a party place. In fact, Goa is a great place to travel alone whether female or male. I can see why people are nervous though so here are some tips for solo female travel in Goa and safety information.

Don’t forget to pick up my Insider Guide to Goa and my Guide to India

General Goa Travel Tips

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travel in Goa, India

Are airport transfers in Goa safe?

This is what I get asked about most. Of course I can never say 100% that nothing bad can happen, but in general, yes it is safe to take a Government taxi when you arrive in Goa.

You just head out of the baggage claim to a long line of people buying their taxi ticket. You can pay with card, but you need cash to pay the extra tax to the driver. You can guess a ride anywhere in Goa from the airport would be between 1,300 and 2,000 Rs. There are not rickshaws here, just taxis. It’s a cost you have no choice but to pay. It is best to use this service than walking outside and arguing with drivers for the best price, which is not always the case in other areas of India.

goa india

Is it safe to stay in beach huts?

There are such a variety of beach huts. If you are traveling alone I recommend you stay in ones a little off the beach that are made with concrete or wood and have doors that lock. This also prevents theft, which is the biggest issue with the beach huts. I have met many travelers who had their huts broken into.

In general, if you are alone you should avoid huts that are made with just bamboo and banana leaves. There are plenty of budget options which are safer in Goa.

No matter what hotel you choose, you need to always lock your doors.

jamboree creek goaThis is Jamboree Creek, a great place to meet solo female travelers since I tell most girls who e-mail to stay here!

Is it safe to rent a scooter and drive around alone in Goa?

The biggest issue you’ll have with getting a scooter alone as a girl is being ripped off by the sales person. They might think you are an easy target. Scooter rentals should be around 150 Rs per day if you are taking it for multiple days or up to 300 Rs. per day if you are taking it for 1 day only.

You have to wear a helmet or the police might pull you over and give you a ticket.

PS: If you are coming to Goa, you definitely need my ebook, Insider’s Guide to Goa. It’s 170 pages filled with the most up to date, comprehensive information about Goa plus it has all my secret places to go that I’ve found after living here almost five years.This book has 50x more information about Goa than my blog and is organized to make things easy for you to find. Click here to buy it now. 

Is it safe to go to parties alone in Goa?

I wouldn’t. I suggest you make friends at your guest house or hostel and go out with them. Goa is a huge drug scene and people do put things in people’s drinks like anywhere else in the world. You should be extra cautious here.

You should remember that Indian men may take polite and friendly behavior as flirting. We have a different culture to Indians and women here are a little more reserved.

There have been murders and rapes of girls in Goa both tourists and locals in the past in Goa. Sometimes this is blamed on the girl being too drunk (so unfair). Sometimes it’s blamed on the girl drowning by her own fault (when her body was dumped in the sea). These are rare and maybe happen once every other year or less often. Its no less safe than anywhere else- but like NYC I wouldn’t go out to bar alone.

BEST Tips for Saving Money While Traveling

Can I leave my stuff on the beach in Goa while I swim?

I don’t unless I have a friend watching them or I am at a beach shack where I know the owners and they keep an eye. I have had 5 people email in 3 years of blogging to say their things were stolen so of course it’s not that often. I think it’s best to be safe though and not take much money or electronics to the beach anywhere in the world.

Who can I call in an Emergency in Goa?

Call 100 for the police. I highly recommend having a phone with a local SIM in it while traveling in Goa. You will want to make sure you always add sufficient recharge so it is working in case of an emergency.

If you need to speak to someone regarding your passport, flight, train ticket issues or to reach a local hospital here is a list of relevant phone numbers.

What is the best hospital in Goa?

If you have a small issue and are in Anjuna or Vagator you can go to St. Anthony’s Hospital. I don’t think it’s a good hospital but for little things it’s okay and nearby. I would go here if you get in a small scooter accident and need a wound cleaned or Tetanus shot.

If you have a slightly big issue than the Government hospital in Mapusa is okay. I have gone here for some things like Rabies immunoglobulins or X-ray. If you have a serious stomach pain you can go here for tests.

If you are in serious trouble like a big bike accident with a broken arm or you need surgery you should go to Galaxy hospital in Mapusa. It’s a private hospital with American trained doctors (a wife and husband couple) who own it.

An extra tip:

Because of the drugs here, you might find that late at night taxi drivers are drunk or high. You should avoid getting in these cars. You should avoid arguing with men in Goa late at night. They can be aggressive if they have been drinking. Unfortunately, Goa is known for having a high alcohol consumption by the local men and it’s part of the laid-back culture here. It’s something to keep in mind.

Goa is like the rest of India in most ways. It’s more relaxed here and you can party more, dress how you like, and wear a bikini with little to no stares. But, it’s still India. Here are 14 tips for solo female travel in India that you should also keep in mind while in Goa.

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