My information is a little sparse , but some friends hired a car a couple of years back from a garage near Candolim football ground, on the Calangute side. It was legit. I can't give you anymore details, but thats they only car hire that I've heard of, other than just borrowing, and the way the Goan Police are these days, it could get expensive if not legal.

Hi and thanks for the reply. I know where you mean - it is just by the laundry and the jewellers which has an internet facility. It certainly looks legit and I take your point about the importance of that!

Sorry I was a little vague, I will try and get more information. Our friends are in Candolim at present but I will try and text them.

When a taxi is so cheap ( about £10-15 for a day) I can't see any point in hiring a car at all. Let someone else have the hassle whilst you relax.

I take your point, but overtaking going uphill, on a blind bend in a tiny engined car is not what I would call fun - especially without seatbelts in the back!!

At least if I am driving that won't happen.

I hear what you are saying Matelot, but it's someone's bad luck if they are driving down the hill in a hire car anyway.
How about the buses then ? ! Even if they don't have seatbelts they are recently serviced (circa 1973 ) allow plenty of headroom ( just as well as you will be standing) and offer great opportunities for social interaction.
Great fun though and an experience not to be missed !!

On a serious note though, If you do hire a car you need to check out your own personal insurance limitations too.

Happy New Year

yes, we have always used the buses in our previous visits but are now getting used to a bit of comfort! Interestingly, we have never had to stand on a bus! The conductors always seem to find us a seat, even turfing locals out of the bit next to the driver on one occasion when we were too surprised to protest!! Personal insurance is a good point and I will check with our insurance company just in case. It wouldn't normally count as a dangerous sport/pastime but in Goa . . . . . .

Happy New Year and I hope 2008 brings you all you desire.