A Digital Nomad's Guide to Goa, India

Introduction

Goa is a gorgeous little state that sits along the Arabian Sea on the South-West coast of India. Steeped in a rich and diverse cultural heritage and abundant natural beauty, it’s loved by travellers, backpackers and digital nomads alike. The state is lined by lush green Western Ghats on the east that are home to thriving forests and waterfalls. A drive through Goa offers dynamic landscapes from rolling fields, quaint hamlets, Indo-Portuguese architecture, rivers, beaches and forests. Over the past decade, it has grown as a thriving digital nomad destination.

Overall budget at Goa

Goa has a unique history. It was one of the few Portuguese colonies in India which is reflected through its festivals, architecture and local cuisine. Along with that, the state has been influenced by Arabian and Maratha cultures as well. Through its meat-based street food in Mapusa, colourful homes sprinkled all over and unique local vegetarian dishes, you get a glimpse of the cultural melting pot that is Goa.

 

Goans live a very slow, mindful and laidback lifestyle and it’s so unique that it even has a word for it – susegado (pron: sushegad). Goans work hard during the day, take well-deserved breaks to rest and replenish and spend quality time with their family. It’s very similar to the European way of life where time spent in tavernas (bars), celebrating festivals and building connections is given as much importance as earning a livelihood. While most mistake it to mean that Goans are lazy, that is not the case.

The image shows a digital nomad community on a trek in Goa, India

What makes Goa perfect
for digital nomads?

Goa is an uncluttered state with plenty of nature and space to breathe. Its natural beauty and vibrant culture allow you to take the perfect breaks and have unique experiences without having to travel too far. Moreover, its community of young and enthusiastic creators, freelancers, founders and remote employees opens up the opportunity to connect and collaborate. You can build a network as a digital nomad and be productive thanks to good internet and ergonomics at the various coworking spaces in Goa. 

When you are in Goa, every day is a celebration of life.

Languages spoken in Goa:

Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English, Kannada, Tulu, Dakhni and Portuguese.

The Population of Goa:

1.5 million (as of 2023)

Currency used in Goa:

Indian Rupee (₹)

Currency Converter by OANDA

North Goa vs. South Goa – where to go?

This is a common dilemma for anyone travelling to Goa. As a digital nomad in Goa, India, here are some things to help you make a decision:

South Goa is a beautiful and unexplored side of Goa with plenty of nature and history to discover. It’s untouched by infrastructural development and retains its natural beauty, except for a few towns such as Margao. You’ll find some fun traveller hostels where you can work that can get noisy. South Goa also does not have any coworking spaces except for in the town of Margao.

North Goa on the other hand is more happening and can get crowded (villages of Anjuna, Vagator, Baga and Calangute), especially during tourist season. However, it is decked with some wonderful coworking spaces and cafes that you can work from. They are quiet, have food, great internet and a wonderful community.

Depending on what you are comfortable with, you can choose to stay in North or South Goa.

Expenses:

  1. Accommodation:
    • Hostels: INR 600-1000 OR 7-12 USD / night
    • Hotels: INR 3000 – 20,000 OR 36-240 USD / night
    • Renting out apartments (fully furnished, without having to get a long-term lease):
      • North Goa: INR 22,000 – 50,000 OR 264 – 600 USD /night
      • South Goa: INR 20,000 – 50,000 OR 240-600 USD/night

  2. Workspace: Approx INR 500-800 OR 6-9USD/day and 4000-8000/month:

  3. Food:
    > Small local breakfast joints    , restaurants and taverns: INR 100-200 OR 1.4-2.4 USD / person
    > Cafes and themed dining spaces: INR 300-1000 or 3.5-12 USD per person (not including drinks)
    >Drinking out: INR 80 – 1000 OR 1 – 12 USD per person
    >Buying groceries: INR 10,000 -15,000 OR 120-180 USD per month

  4. Travel:
    Cabs: INR 2000 OR 24 USD for 30 km

  5. Local Experiences: INR 1500-3000 OR 18-36 USD

  6. Health and Fitness: INR 1000-4000 OR 12 -48 USD

Goa Overview

Average monthly expenses: 

INR 60,000 – 90,000 OR USD 720 – 1080

Health & Safety Infrastructure

Police
100
Women Helpline
1091
Ambulance
108/102
Centralized Helpline Number
112
Police
112
Fire
101
Child Helpline
1098
Senior Citizen Helpline
1090
Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd
0832-2424001/ 02/ 03

Please add dialling code 0832 before all numbers.

Goa Medical College (Bambolim)
0832-2458727, 0832-2458049
Blood Bank
0832-2223037
Asilo, Mapusa
0832-2265119/ 0832-2262372
Remanso, Mapusa
0832–2262466
Vrundavan, Mapusa
0832–2250022/ 33
Mapusa District Centre, Mapusa
0832-2225540
KLES Hospital Liaison Office, Panaji
0832–2225601
Bosio, Candolim
0832–2276034
Grace Cardiac Hospital, Panjim ( Private )
0832–2725391, 2726996
Bhandare Hospital, Panaji
0832–2224966
Esperanca Dr. Estibeiro Clinic, Panaji
0832–2464646
Chodankar Nursing Home, Porvorim
0832–2417617
Mandovi Clinic, Porvorim
0832–2415808/ 2416808
JMJ Hospital, Porvorim
0832–2412130
Vision Hospital , Mapusa
9112246688; 0832-2253388; 0832–2263388
Manipal Goa Hospital, Dona Paula
Emergency: 8888702222 Appointment: 18001025555
Indian Red Cross Society, Panaji
0832–2224601
Healthway Hospitals, Panjim
Menezes Polyclinic
 
 

Online pharmacy services in Goa:

24/7 Pharmacies + Delivery in Goa:

  1. Apollo
  2. Wellness Forever


Climate and Weather in Goa

Goa has an overall tropical climate with high humidity and temperature.

Here is a season-wise insight of the weather in Goa:

1. Summer (March – June)

      • Temperature: 30-37 degrees Celcius
      • Humidity: 73% (can be described as sticky)
      • Sunrise: 6 am (approx.)
      • Sunset: 6 pm (approx)
      • Wind: 6 mph


Pack: Cotton or rayon clothes, slippers, shoes, sunscreen, umbrella, water bottle, hats, sunglasses

2. Monsoon (June-September)

      • Temperature: 20-30 degree Celcius
      • Humidity: 90%
      • Rain: 717mm per month
      • Sunrise: 6:30 am
      • Sunset: 6:30 pm
      • Wind: 7mph

 

Pack: Rain jackets, umbrellas, rainproof footwear, waterproof covers for your gadgets, waterproof bags, power banks, hiking boots (if you plan to trek)

3. Winter (November – February)

      • Temperature: 20-35 degrees Celcius
      • Humidity: 60%
      • Wind: 13mph
      • Sunrise: 6:30-7 am
      • Sunset: 5:30 pm
      •  

Pack: a light sweatshirt for the night, cotton or rayon dresses, slippers, shoes, sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, hats/caps

Useful Apps in Goa

    1. Party Hunt (to find parties)
    2. Swiggy (Android | iOS) 
    3. Zomato (Android | iOS)
    4. If you want to order from a  store and need someone to pick it up and deliver it to you, try: Buddy Delivery.
    5. Goa Miles (cabs)
    6. IRCTC/Make My Trip/Sky Scanner (trains, flights)


Experiences of Digital Nomads in Goa

A typical day in Goa would be steeped in warmth and slow, mindful living. You wake up and head out for a run. You could either find a park, run through the village or head to the beach. If running is not your thing, you can roll out your mat and get in a yoga session – maybe on your own or through a class at one of the many yoga centres in Goa; there are gyms too if that’s up your alley.
 
You then get breakfast – maybe a delicious local spread of bread and potato curry (bhaji-pao), a continental pick of oats, croissants or sandwiches or something Indian (dosa, pao-bhaji, upma, idli, puri-bhaji etc). Or you make your own. Don’t forget your coffee or the more local cha (milk tea).
 
If you’re not already at your chosen spot of work, you then head out to find a coworking space to work. You pass through narrow roads on a scooter you rented out. They’re lined with traditional homes, shops, supermarkets and lush green paddy fields. You find a coworking space and get work done.
 
For lunch, you can pick from a thousand choices ranging from the local Goan Fish Thali to salads, biriyanis, pasta, pizzas and more. You end your day catching a sunset from a beachside shack.
 
On the weekends, you take your scooter or a car and head to explore Goa. It could be a day out surfing, a trek through the Western Ghats, a heritage walking tour, a bar-hopping culinary experience or just a slow day reading in a cosy little cafe. In Goa, time slows down and you can truly make it your own.
 

Best Time to Visit Goa

Ideally, the best time to visit Goa is between November to March.
This is the winter/spring season when the weather is cool, the sunsets are gorgeous and it’s officially the state’s tourist season.
 
However, if you are looking for a less crowded time to visit Goa, June to October is perfect for you. Goa gets a green makeover during the monsoon season. You can carry a raincoat, go trekking, visit the state’s hinterlands, experience the local culture, go on yoga and meditation retreats and discover hidden waterfalls.
 

Best Places to Live in Goa

Goa is a rich and diverse state with rolling green landscapes and quaint villages that help you slow down and discover work-life balance. Based on your requirements, you can choose to live in any of the below places in Goa:

Panjim

The image shows Goa, India digital nomads
The capital city of Goa is well connected by buses. It’s the most populated city in Goa with a few coworking spaces, plenty of restaurants and the gorgeous Mandovi River flowing alongside.
 
Rents in Panjim start at INR 17000 for unfurnished apartments and INR 35,000 for furnished ones.
 

Anjuna-Assagao

These two villages are located in North Goa, right next to each other. They are doused in green landscaped and cosy cafes and coworking spaces. The best thing about these locations is that they are connected to a bustling social scene while being placed in a quiet and peaceful location.
 
Rent here starts at INR 20,000 for unfurnished apartments and INR 35,000 for furnished ones.
 

Morjim-Arambol

These two villages are about 10 km from each other and each is unique in its own way. While they are away from the more ‘happening’ part of Goa, they have their own personality with green landscapes, beaches, flea markets, treks and a diverse hippie community.
 
Rent here starts at INR 12,000 for unfurnished apartments and INR 20,000 for furnished ones.
 

Palolem

Tucked away in the undiscovered beauty of South Goa, Palolem is full of unexplored wilderness. It’s a little less connected by public transport, but its beauty and community is unmatched. Go here if you don’t mind being away from the more populated North Goa.
 
Rent here starts at INR 15,000 for unfurnished apartments and INR 20,000 for furnished ones.
 

Coliving Spaces in Goa

If you are looking for a digital nomad community to live with, then you should opt for a vibrant coliving space in Goa.
 
Acolmeia:
aColmeia offers a modern coliving for other like-minded people and helps build a community.
 
NomadGao
NomadGao caters to digital nomads in Goa, India carefully crafting productive workspaces, restful private rooms and a collaborative network of like-minded people.
 

Coworking Spaces in Goa

If you are looking for a cosy and ergonomic coworking space in Goa, with a high-speed internet connection, these are worth checking out:
 
  • NomadGao Zen Space, Anjuna
  • Rasa, Panjim
  • Clay, Anjuna
  • Barefoot, Para
  • Mojigao, Goa
  • 91Springboard, Goa
  • MeWo, Panjim

Local Experiences in Goa

The image shows a digital nomad community on a trek in Goa, India
  • Kayaking
    In Goa, you can go kayaking out in the sea or on the backwaters. The most popular locations for sea kayaking are Palolem and Cola Beach. If you want to do backwater water Kayaking, the rivers Sal, Chapora, Spike and Nerul are perfect.

  • Heritage walking tours & food tours
    Guided heritage walking tours with the locals of Goa are the best way to discover its hidden secrets. You explore the traditional Goan houses, the life of its tribal people, Goa’s Atlantis, its curious islands, the bars, the local cuisine and much more.

  • Local Experiences in Offbeat Goa
    1. Soul Travelling (for food tours, walking tours, heritage tours and bar-hopping)
    2. Make It Happen (treasure hunts & cycling tours)
    3. The Local Beat, Goa (for nature experiences, local food and quarry exploration in Goa’s hinterlands)
    4. Kho Jaao Adventures (overnight camping, backyard nature trails & kids’ explorations)
     
  • Cycling Experiences in Goa
    Head out on an adventure of your own with the cycling enthusiasts in Goa. You can move at your own pace, enjoy the wind in your hair and take time to pause and reflect.

    Book a cycling adventure with the following:
    1. The Cycling Trip (Old Goa exploration, Food of Goa tours & Island Hopping)
    2. Unventured (For a 7-day cycling exploration of Goa)
    3. B:Live (Treasure hunts, Hinterland experiences and Panjim exploration)
    4. Cycling Zens (bike rentals, offbeat village explorations & bird sanctuary/mangrove kayaking)
     
  • Treks
    The Western Ghats of Goa have a rich biodiversity that is worth exploring, especially post-monsoons.

  • The best treks in Goa are:
  • Dudhsagar Falls Trek – 11 kms
  • Trek To Todo Waterfalls – 5 kms
  • Neuti Beach Trek – 10 kms
  • Arambol Trek – 5 kms
  • Pali Waterfall Trek – 6 kms
  • Sonsogor Trek – 15 kms
  • Udaan Dongor Trek – 16 kms
  • Sanguem Trek – 15 kms
  • Satregad Fort Trek – 16 kms
  • Vagheri Mountain Trek – 7 kms
  • Tambdi Surla Waterfall Trek – 6 kms
  • Netravali Waterfall Trek – 13 kms
  • Krishnapur Canyon Trek – 15 kms
  • Kuskem Waterfall Trek – 12 kms

    Book some here: Goa Tours

    PS: Some of them can be done on your own, while for some others it’s best to go with a local.

Nightlife in Goa

Goa has a thriving tavern culture that is rooted in its colonial past. Today, it has grown to accommodate unique and beautiful bars, pubs and tavernas that cannot be missed.
  • Bungee Jumping Goa
    Check out Jumping Heights if you want to experience this.

  • Sailing Expedition Goa
    Take a yacht and go sailing over the Arabian Sea. You can plan a romantic dinner, a day trip or your own customised adventure. Book an experience here:
    1. Cruising Club India
    2. Aquasail India
     
  • Scuba Diving in Goa
    Scuba Diving is a popular activity during winter in Goa. You can take a yacht out and anchor it in the sea or dive from an island off of Goa. Book a scuba diving experience here:
    1. Scuba Dive Goa
    2. Scuba Diving by Goa Tourism

  • Bioluminescent sea kayaking
    Certain beaches in Goa are known for their bioluminescent waves, prominent during the month of February. While there is no tour to experience this, you can visit the Betalbatim beach in South Goa to witness it.

  • Feni making and tasting (March to May)
    Goa’s first Feni cellar was opened in the village of Cansaulim. Cazulo Feni, created by Hansel Vaz is Goa’s first export quality Feni. Vaz offers travellers an insight into his small workshop, showing you how feni is made and teaching you the nuances of its flavour. There are other smaller distilleries where you can go witness the making of Goa’s local spirit.
    1. Feni and Tapas by Make It Happen
    2. Luxury Tasting Experience at Cazulo Feni

  • Fado performance
    Mando and Fado are two musical performances in Goa influenced by its Portuguese history. You can experience this at Mandragoa in a traditional Indo-Portuguese ambience followed by delectable local cuisine. 
  1. Antonio’s, Panjim (fusion Goan food and fun cocktails)
  2. Isabella’s Tapas, Panjim (Portuguese/Spanish-influenced drinks and tapas)
  3. Cajy Bar, Arpora (Quaint Goan food and local spirits)
  4. Joseph Bar, Panjim (Traditional Goan taverna with local cocktails and food)
  5. Clube Nacionale (Goan vibes, drinks and food)
  6. Bar Tesuro (DJs, drinks and continental food)
  7. Arbor Brewing Co. (India’s first craft microbrewery)
  8. Escobar (Cute, quaint and cosy)
  9. Petisco (A gastro bar with creatively curious food, cheeky cocktails & a vibrant ambience)
  10. Elephant and Co., Anjuna (Paddy fields, outdoor seating and amazing community)
  11. Gypsy’s Bar, Vagator (Typically a local Goan bar)
  12. Slow Tide, Anjuna (Beach shack, fusion Goan food)
  13. Guru Bar, Anjuna (Go for the drinks and the sunset)
  14. Shiori, Siolim (Yakitori Bar)
  15. Vinyl Bar, Panjim
  16. Hideaway, Anjuna
  17. Bar 51, Panjim

Things to do in Goa

  1. Kayaking
  2. Trekking
  3. Quarry-dipping
  4. Heritage walking tours
  5. Cooking experiences
  6. Yoga & meditation
  7. Art galleries
  8. Shopping local handicrafts
  9. Sailing
  10. Surfing
  11. Museums
  12. Religious establishments
  13. Wildlife sanctuary

Local Transportation in Goa

Goa has a few cities that are well-connected by buses.

Kadamba Bus Stand – Panjim
(for interstate and intercity buses)
Ideal if you want to travel to Margao (south Goa), Mapusa (North Goa), Vasco Da Gama (South Goa, close to Dabolim Airport) &
Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad.

Kadamba Bus Stand – Margao (for interstate and intercity buses)

Ideal if you want to travel to Panjim (north Goa), Mapusa (North Goa), Vasco Da Gama (South Goa, close to Dabolim Airport) &
Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad.

 

 
Goa also has intercity buses, but they are infrequent and not recommended unless you have extra time on your hands. They are a fun experience, especially the ones that go from Mapusa to Vagator and Margao to Palolem, go through pretty village roads dotted with paddy fields and local Goan homes.
 
It is recommended to rent a bike, car or cab to get around in Goa.
 

 

Fitness and Health in Goa

If you are looking to get fit and healthy, there are plenty of gyms and wellness studios in Goa:

 

GYMS:

  1. Norbert’s Fitness Studio Panjim | Porvorim | Dona Paula
  2. Impact Fitness Centre, Siolim
  3. Anup & Sheral, Verla Canca
  4. Superfit – Goa by Ricardo, Saligao
  5. Fitness Plus Studio, Calangute
  6. 360 Fitness Studio, Sangolda
  7. Repulse Fitness Studio, Sangolda
 

DANCE/ZUMBA

  1. Arlene Vaz, Assolna (Only walk-ins)
  2. Impact Fitness Centre, Siolim
  3. Fitness Hub Goa, Mapusa

YOGA

  1. Om Hatha Yoga, Calangute
  2. 360 Fitness Studio, Sangolda
  3. Aum Yoga Studio, Anjuna
  4. Satya Yoga, Baga
  5. Purple Valley, Assagao
  6. Cyril Ashtanga Yoga, Calangute
  7. Oceanic Yoga School, Morjim
  8. Diya Yoga Teacher Training, Mandrem
 

OTHERS

  1. Nelson Paes, MMA, Arpora
  2. Tribal Warriors Goa, Anjuna (Gym, Health and Fitness, MMA, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Yoga, Jiu jistsu, TRX, Self Defense)
  3. Capoiera, Anjuna (Martial Arts School)
  4. Highfly, Vagator (Gym and MMA)

Local People of Goa

Local Goans are some of the warmest and friendliest people you will meet. They are willing to go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable.
 
The locals of Goa are descendants of different cultures – the Portuguese, Arabic traders, and Maharashtrian Maratha rulers. The original settlers of Goa belong to the Kunbi, Gowda, Velip and Dhangar tribes. They live primarily in the state’s hinterlands, along the eastern belt.

Hospitals in Goa

 

Goa has public and private hospitals.
  1. Goa Medical College, Bambolim
  2. Goa Sub-District Hospital, Mapusa
  3. South Goa Sub-District Hospital, Madgao
  4. Manipal Hospitals, Panjim
  5. Victor Hospital, Margao
  6. Campal Clinic, Panjim
  7. Healthway Hospital, Panjim
  8. Vision Multispecialty Hospitals, Mapusa
 

Jobs in Goa

One of the most high-paying jobs in Goa are as follows:
  1. Musicians/Singers
  2. Photographers/Videographers
  3. Graphic Designers/Copywriters
  4. Chefs
  5. Yoga/Dance/Fitness Instructors
  6. Event Planners
 

How to find apartments in Goa?

The best way to find long-term apartments in Goa is through Magic Bricks, Housing.com

Other destination guides

The complete details of each places

The image shows a landscape view of the mountains of Himachal Pradesh in the village of Dharamkot near Dharamshala India

A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh

The image shows the India Gate Delhi India

A Digital Nomad’s Guide to India

Mountains of Naggar Himachal Pradesh Kullu

A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Naggar, Himachal Pradesh

Do you want to bring NomadGao to your city?

Let us know if you’re interestd in starting a NomadGao project in your home town

Want to get more from NomadGao?

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about exclusive promotions, travel inspiration, news, and updates. Sign up today to receive insider tips on how to make the best of your stay at NomadGao.