📌 READ FIRST: Moving to Goa — Complete Guide for Newcomers 2026
Everything you need to know before arriving — visas, accommodation, transport, banking, SIM cards, schools, and the best neighbourhoods. Updated March 2026. This is a community-maintained guide compiled from hundreds of posts and personal experiences of long-term Goa residents. Bookmark this thread and check back regularly for updates.
4 Replies
SiolimSunshine
4w ago
Incredible resource — wish I had this when I moved here in 2023. One addition: for banking, DBS digibank works great for foreigners and you can open an account with just your passport and visa.
DigitalNomadDan
4w ago
For SIM cards, Airtel has the best coverage in North Goa. Jio is cheaper but drops signal in Assagao and parts of Siolim. Get a local SIM at the Mapusa Friday Market — plenty of shops there.
GoaNewbie_2026
4w ago
Just arrived last week and this guide was a lifesaver. The neighbourhood breakdown is spot on — ended up in Siolim and it's perfect for remote work. Quiet during the day, close to everything at night.
LongTermGoan
3w ago
Would add that the best time to find accommodation is early October before the season starts. By December, prices double and availability drops. Plan ahead if you're coming for the winter season.