g.e.l, welcome to the forum.

Is it better to take rupees into the country or do you get a better currency rate when you are over in Goa?

As far as I'm aware, you cannot purchase rupees over here, only when you enter India. The airport exchange is always open when you land but, the exchange rate is c*ap. It would be advisable to just exchange a small amount there, say £20, just to get you through until you reach your destination where you find a much better exchange rate. The exchange rate is better for cash rather than TCs, and the rate outside the hotel is always far better Also, by rights, your not allowed to take rupees out of India after your visit, you are suppose to exchange them back to GBP, but I guess the majority of users of this forum do bring them back, just like myself, for use on our next trip If you do bring them back home, put them in your suitcase, if they are found on your person during one of the many searches by security at the airport, they will be confiscated, no questions asked, and in the back pocket

Tony.

Thankyou tony, i didn't know you could not buy rupess in the u.k. seems i have a lot to learn before january. maureen

seems i have a lot to learn before january.

Don't worry g.e.l, that's plenty of time Take time to read through the posts, loads of info. If your uncertain on anything, just ask, people are very helpful on here

I will keep reading, hope someone can help with the tailor and jewelery question also.

They will do, especially the women on jewelery

I have bought rupees in Gatwick prior to flight rate ok but not as good as in Goa. Suggest you change a minimum amount to pay for taxi etcand change remainder at resort. Alternatively use Nationwide card in ATM good rate of exchange and no commission or overseas charges applied by the Nationwide

As said above - You won't get a better exchange rate than at your resort - last year I was offered 75RS to the pound at the airport and was getting 85 RS in the Elephant shop in candolim. If possible get a Nationwide Flex account and use the ATMs as the exchange rate will be the best - the next option is Travellers Cheques (Cash will get a better rate, but it's very risky having loads of cash lying around) Try not to have denominations greater than £50s - 4000 Rs in 50Rs notes makes a big wedge in your wallet & 100 quid which will be approx 8000 Rs is a lot of notes and you can guarentee that they'll only have 50Rs notes when you have big cheques to exchange

Thankyou GoanTony, Taffy45, Rakkor, when you buy anything in a jewellers or have anything made in the tailors do they prefer you to pay in rupees or would they rather have £? I am sure i will get a reply from the ladies on this site about having jewellery made.

Hi G.E.L

They will take any currency inr or pounds as well as the usual credit cards,

Mrs mad has never had any trouble paying for jewellery

GM 06

You will often be quoated sterling in tailors and Jewelers, It is better to ask the price in rps as their exchange rate is usually not good.

We have taken stones to Goa and had them set.
The price for Gold last season was around 1,000 rps per gram (24 carat). Ask how much gold will be used and allow some profit and a charge for making the item. If you think it is too much tell them and go somewhere else. White gold is usually slightly more expensive.

There is a thread about some peoples experience with plated gold being passed off as white gold.

An excellant jewellers in South Goa is The Jewel Collection No13 Luisa By The Sea shops in Cavelossim. Can highly recommend Jaan (pronounced John) we had a fabulous solitaire made which Mrs Jock still gets comments on. I also know many others who have purchased from him and been absolutely delighted

Goan mad 2006 Samtheboater Tightjock thankyou for you reply's they have been very helpfull, i always buy jewellery on holiday so am very good at haggling, tightjock you wife sounds like a lady like myself, i can sence a jewellers 200 yds away. Hope someone can help with the taiors in the south, i have heard good things about a tailor in Candolim but dont know how far that is from colva which is near were we are staying. You are a great bunch nearly answered all my queistions in less than 24hrs.

Colva to Candolim is about 1 and half hours depending on time of day.
If you decide to get a tailor in Candolim then try Pop In Jewelers on the Candolim Beach Road. They have set opals and diamonds for us in both white and yellow gold.
We have used Mac & Versache de Goa both good quality tailors.

Thankyou samtheboater, does anyone know how far colva to cavelossim is? is it best to ask in the hotel how much the taxi ride is to anywhere? Are the safety deposite boxes in reception safe to use? we are used to safes in our room. really looking forward to this holiday the more i read the more i think i am going to love it there.

Colva to Cavelossim by taxi is around 15 minutes the local bus is longer but great fun and only 7 rupees If you go by taxi to buy anything just get dropped off at the shops in general or at the beach (the shops are less than a 5 minute walk from the beach) and do not tell the driver you are going to a specific shop or of any purchases as otherwise the taxi driver will ask the shop keeper for commision of around 25% which will affect the price the shop keeper has to charge (hope that makes sense )
p.s. Once you find a good taxi driver you can negotiate prices, a general rule is it is cheaper to get taxi's away from the hotel entrance where prices are fixed.

Thanks tightjock, would you get the taxi to wait for you if you go shopping, to the market, or to a restuarant. Are the deposite boxes safe in the reception in the hotel. Many thanks for your help.

The taxi will wait as long as you want. Most hotels have safety deposits boxes also.

Tailor wise I would buy material at the market town of Margao (nearby) where the local's buy there's and again use a tailor used by locals.

Oops double post