Prachi & Kevin

Guests are encouraged to arrive in Goa (or elsewhere in India) at least a few days before the wedding festivities begin. This allows time to adjust to the time zone and manage potential jet lag. Goa is a serene and scenic beach destination, offering ample opportunities for relaxation or exploration before the celebrations. For more on accommodations and local attractions, see the GOA Cheat Sheet tab.

Below is Prachi & Kevin's best advice from years of back-and-forth travel internationally, but guests should supplement this information with their own research to meet personal preferences and needs.

🛬 Goa's Two Airports: Which One to Choose?

Goa is served by two airports. Manohar International Airport (GOX – Mopa) in North Goa, is marginally closer to the wedding venue.

• 🆕 GOX (Mopa Airport) – A newer airport in North Goa, well-suited for international arrivals and offering strong domestic connectivity.
• 🏛️ GOI (Dabolim Airport) – The older airport in South Goa, catering mostly to domestic flights and select international charters.

🌍 Major Airports & Flight Routes from the U.S.

There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Goa. A layover in a major hub is necessary. Common transfer points include:

• 🇦🇪 Dubai (DXB) – Emirates
• 🇶🇦 Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways
• 🇬🇧 London (LHR) – British Airways
• 🇩🇪 Frankfurt (FRA) – Lufthansa
• 🇹🇷 Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines
• 🇮🇳 Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), or Bangalore (BLR) – Various carriers

💡 Recommended Booking Tips

• 📅 Book Early – December is peak season in Goa, so rates begin rising as early as June or July.
• ⏰ Layover Time – At least 2.5–3 hours is recommended for international layovers, especially when security rechecks are involved.
• 🏙️ Fly via Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore for Better Deals – These cities offer lower fares and frequent connections to Goa. Many travelers opt to spend a night or two sightseeing before heading to the final destination.
• 💰 Use Fare Comparison Tools – Apps like Hopper are helpful for price predictions. Google Flights and Skyscanner are also excellent for comparing deals. In some cases, booking directly on the airline's website yields better options to use points!

📝 Steps to Apply for an Indian e-Visa:

1. 🌐 Visit the official website:
   👉 https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
2. 🎯 Choose the e-Tourist Visa (30-day, 1-year, or 5-year options). The 30-day visa is sufficient for this trip.
3. 📄 Fill in travel and passport details.
4. 📷 Upload a passport-style photo and scanned passport bio page.
5. 💳 Pay the applicable visa fee ($10–$80 depending on length of visa).
6. 📧 The e-Visa will arrive by email within 3–5 days.
7. 🖨️ Print a copy to carry when traveling; it will be checked multiple times en route and upon arrival.

📌 Additional Visa Tips:

• ⏳ Apply at least two weeks in advance; earlier is better.
• 📆 Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival.
• 📖 At least two blank passport pages are needed for visa stamps.

🏝️ Upon Arrival at GOX/GOI:

• 🛂 Immigration – This is the first checkpoint travelers will reach after deboarding the plane. Present passport and printed e-Visa. It is essential to have a hard copy of the visa with you for this step.
• 🎒 Customs – This check occurs after exiting baggage claim. Typically, travelers pass through the "Nothing to Declare" line. Items such as large sums of cash (over $5,000) or expensive items may require declaration.
• 📱 SIM Cards & Currency Exchange – Local SIM cards and ATMs are available just outside the baggage claim area. Many travelers opt for an eSIM in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle or connectivity issues. A local SIM is worth considering only if you're staying for a couple of weeks or more—the airport is usually the most convenient place to get one.
  
  Currency exchange counters are also available at the airport, though the rates are often less favorable than elsewhere. Many American credit cards allow for international ATM withdrawals with no fees, so it's a good idea to check your card's terms in advance.

🔄 Domestic Transfers (via Mumbai or Delhi)

Travelers entering India through Mumbai or Delhi will need to:

1. 🛂 Clear immigration and customs.
2. 🧳 Collect and recheck baggage (if flights are not on the same booking).
3. ✈️ Pass through security again for the domestic connection.
4. ⏰ Allow 3–4 hours between flights to ensure enough time for transfer.

🏨 Hotels

• 💰 Budget: $29 – $57/night
• 🏩 Mid-Range: $57 – $115/night
• ✨ Luxury: $115 – $287/night

🏡 Airbnbs

• 💰 Budget Homes: $34 – $69/night
• 🏠 Mid-Range: $69 – $138/night
• 🏖️ Luxury Villas: $138 – $345/night
• 🛏️ Private Rooms: $17 – $46/night

Goa also offers affordable, delicious cuisine. Meals at beachside shacks average $3–$7 per person, while fine dining generally ranges from $10–$25. Transportation and activities are also budget-friendly when compared to U.S. prices.

📋 Important Documents to Carry:

• 📘 Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
• 🖨️ Printed e-Visa copy
• ✈️ Flight itinerary and accommodation details
• 🛡️ Travel insurance (optional but advised)

💰 Currency & Payments

• 💵 Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency.
• 💳 Credit cards are accepted at higher-end establishments, but cash is preferred by most small vendors. International cards may not always work reliably.
• 🏧 ATMs are widely available—useful for taxis, tips, and shopping.

🌟 Essential Travel Tips

• 💧 Only drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice from unknown sources.
• 🔌 Bring a universal adapter (Type D and M plugs used in India).
• 🚖 Arrange airport transfers in advance—GoaMiles is a recommended app for fair taxi pricing.
• ⏰ Adjust sleep schedules to Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30.
• 🌅 Best times for sightseeing are early morning and late afternoon; midday heat can be intense. Beach sunsets and seaside dinners are highly recommended.
• 🛍️ Bargaining is common at local markets; polite negotiation is expected and accepted.