If you are a digital nomad in Goa, India, then you’re going to rent a car or a scooter. The question is, “how to rent a bike in Goa?”
Goa is a gorgeous state with a fun, easygoing lifestyle laid out for you. That said, it’s still a growing, rural corner of India where food delivery locations are limited and metros haven’t been built yet. If you want to explore Goa on your own time, then the best way to do that is to rent a scooter in Goa. This blog will help make renting a scooter in Goa easy as pie for you.
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Why renting a scooter in Goa as a digital nomad is a good idea
As a digital nomad in Goa, you are planning to work and travel within a fixed time period. You want to make the most of your time in the state. This means that taking a bus might not always be the best option for you. Except for Panjim city, the buses in Goa’s villages are infrequent and slow. On the other hand, you won’t always find a tuktuk or a cab around you and there are no apps to book cabs in Goa. But, fear not! Renting a bike in Goa can help you save money and get around on your own without depending on anyone else. If you prefer driving a car in Goa, you can choose to do that too!
How to rent a car or a bike in Goa?
Renting a bike or car in Goa is easy. If you are living at the NomadGao Vila Nova coliving space in Goa, then you can get in touch with the team and they will sort things for you. If not, you can get in touch with one of the service providers mentioned below:
The owners usually ask for your identity proof, a deposit and the full payment. The deposit and identity proof are returned when you return your bike. That said, it’s best to keep a copy of your identity proof to keep with them where only the last 4 digits of your ID number are visible. This prevents any misuse of your ID and the risk of loss of your original ID proof.
Cost to rent a bike or car in Goa
Goa’s off-season for tourism falls between the months of May to September when your bike rent can be as low as INR 250-300 (USD 4-5) a day.
During Goa’s tourist season, between the months of October to April, the rent can fall anywhere between INR 500-600 (USD 8-10) a day.
On the other hand, the rent of a car in Goa can be around INR 600 a day during the off season and go up to INR 1000 during the tourist season.
Do I need an international driving license in Goa?
Yes, if you are not of Indian nationality, you will need to get an international driving license for Goa, India.
Each individual can get an international driving license in their respective countries. Just look up ‘International Driving Permit’ and head to the relevant government’s or embassy’s website.
Rules for foreigners on getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India
- An international driving license is valid for a year in India or for as long as your home country’s license’s validity. After that, you need to apply for an Indian driving license.
- A foreigner or international tourist in India can get either an international driving permit or an Indian driving license depending on their circumstances.
- When renting a scooter or car, make sure you get the documents: Vehicle Registration Certificate and Vehicle Insurance.
- You need to carry your home country’s license along with the International Driving Permit.
Getting your Indian Driving License as a foreigner in India
Before renting a bike in Goa as an international digital nomad in India considering to stay long-term can apply for an Indian Driving License upon arrival.
You need to have the following documents:
- A completed Indian driver’s license application form
- A copy of the applicant’s residence permit for India
- Proof of current address
- A passport-sized photograph of the applicant
- A medical fitness certificate issued by a doctor.
The application form can be filled at the Regional RTO online. Find everything you need to know on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways India website.
Upon submitting the relevant documents, you will be asked to answer the Learner’s License Test. Once you pass this test, you will be allowed to take the Permanent Driving License Test after a month. Your learner’s license is valid for 6 months so keep that in mind in case you need to actually learn how to drive a scooter or car from scratch.
Indian Road Traffic rules you need to know as a digital nomad in Goa
- Traffic drives on the left side of the road in India.
- The minimum driving age in India is 16 for motorcycles of 50cc or less and 18 for all other vehicles.
- The national speed limit in India is 140 kilometers per hour for cars and 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph) for motorcycles. Individual state rules might vary.
- Seatbelts and helmets must be worn in cities by law, but the use of seatbelts is only advised elsewhere.
- The blood alcohol content limit for driving in India is 0.03%, and drivers who exceed this may face a fine of around ₹10,000 (US $140). Repeat offenders face the risk of being handed a prison sentence of up to 6 months.
Is it easy to drive on roads in Goa?
Roads and traffic etiquette in India can come across as disorganised and chaotic. You may face potholes and uneven roads frequently. This is the same for roads in Goa. If you are planning on renting a bike in Goa and driving yourself around, then you need to be prepared for a little discomfort. The road traffic in Goa does not always respect the rules so you might have to pull a ‘while in Rome’ there.
That said, there are rarely any traffic jams in Goa except on the road that connects Mapusa-Panjim-Cortalim-Margao. Riding your bike through the smaller villages can be a pleasurable experience. You get to see rolling paddy fields, palm trees, traditional Goan homes and just bask in the state’s beautiful landscapes. What’s more, you can go where the road takes you without worrying about not getting a cab.
Planning to travel to Goa, India as a digital nomad?
If you know now how to rent a bike in Goa, go ahead and check out these resources to help you plan better:
