[ajmat]

I hired two Innova Crystas through Vailankani.

Very professional and immediate response over WhatsApp.

• You need to call and reconfirm the day before you take the cars
• They will provide the numbers of the delivery drivers who will contact you on landing
• You meet them in the car park and they video the car and collect your ID.
• You make full payment either by cash or UPI plus Rs 1500 for collection /delivery in cash.
• Do check the day before on who will collect the car - I messaged them and they said the same drivers will collect.
• I contacted the drivers who instructed us to stop at a designated pillar in the departure area at a designated time. I rang 20 min before to ensure they were there.
• Handover happened in 10 min
• The cars were given with hardly any fuel. My gang filled up full tanks. They got 30 litres for free.
• I did hit a small hidden boulder and there was slight damage but that was ignored may be due to the fuel in the tank.

Overall, they were professional and highly recommended.

[simplynitin]

Rented a carens diesel iMT from Vailankani (goacars.in) for 3 days. Initially had booked Innova but later realised that it had captains seats. We were 6 adults and 2 toddlers, would have been difficult to accomodate with captains seats. Spoke to them just a day before arrival and they happily switched to 7 seater carens. The pickup was smooth and took just 15 minutes, most of it recording a walkaround video to capture the existing minor scratches. The car had around 30k on odo and drove very well. No issues were observed. The drop off took less than 10 minutes. Pickup and drop location was dabolim airport. Only point of grouse is that you need to walk till the airport exit toll with all the luggage. But that's not the issue specific to vailankani, it's for all self drive rentals. Something for goa airport to look at.
Overall 5 stars and would recommend to anyone looking to rent self drive cars in Goa.

[SaNdY_AR]

Which one did you guys who have booked with Vailankanni book?

There are three of them that I can see:

Vailankanni Auto Hires
Vailankanni car rentals
Goacars.in

Please guide. I am looking for a no nonsense self drive experience.

Regards
Sandy

[lamborghini]

Originally Posted by SaNdY_AR

There are three of them that I can see

I think they're one and the same.
I generally connect through whatsapp: +91-9822101598

[simplynitin]

Originally Posted by SaNdY_AR

Which one did you guys who have booked with Vailankanni book?

I also connected with them through WhatsApp @ +91 98221 01598

[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by ajmat

I hired two Innova Crystas through Vailankani.

Very professional and immediate response over WhatsApp.
[*]The cars were given with hardly any fuel. My gang filled up full tanks. They got 30 litres for free.

Overall, they were professional and highly recommended.

Most of the on hire taxi companies in Goa are very professional and responsive.
Regarding the car given with hardly any fuel, this is the common and simple way the car / 2 wheeler rentals make additional money. The tourists who visit have much less idea about the fuel efficiency of the car, the distance they could cover during their stay and are generally want to be safe and hence always tend to fill more than necessary.

Next time you are renting a car from Goa, insist of Full tank to full tank basis. The full tank will be on auto stop basis at the same fuel station. There are multiple fuel stations around Dabolim airport within a distance of 2-3 Kms radius.

This is how you could do.
Once the car comes to the airport ask the driver to drive to the nearest fuel pump and fill her upto auto stop and hand it over to you. The driver from rental company will pay for the fuel this time. So, you get a full tank car.

You can then drive back 2-3 Kms or less to airport, pick up your family and luggage and drive away.

While returning, factor in 10 minutes for this exercise. arrive at airport and drop your family and luggage, pick up the driver and drive to the fuel pump and again at the same dispenser, fill her up till auto stop. Now you pay for the fuel and return the car full tank.

For the 2-3 kms you take the car from airport to fuel pump and back, it should be complimentary as you are already paying a hefty rental per day to the company and 2-3 Kms is not a big deal. However if you feel the need to pay, you could pay Rs 100-150 for the same.

All you need is some 10 minute extra time both when you arrive and when you depart and you could save a couple of thousand of rupees here.

I reside in Goa and I discuss these matters with the local rental agencies. They listen to me, smile and brush it off. The whole point is. If the customer is not bothered, why should we?

If every visitor to Goa follow this Full tank to full tank process, everyone could save some money and the transaction will be much more precise. You pay for what you use, so to say. Again let them not tell you that there are no petrol pump close by etc. Just a small search on Google map will throw you a couple of fuel pumps around Dabolim within 2-3 kms radis. I live 2 Kms from Dabolim airport and so, I know.

This is not limited to Dabolim. The same can be done at Madgao railway station, panaji bus stand or any other place. However it may not be possible at the new Mopa international airport as it is quite away from the cities and the nearest fuel station I believe is atleast over 10 Kms or more.

[rayjaycleoful]

Originally Posted by rayjaycleoful

- Clear and crisp communication on WhatsApp
- Sharing of details of the pick-up/ delivery guy beforehand
- Mechanically strong and clean car

Self drive rentals are the most convenient and cheapest way to move around in Goa. Do it if you think you are skilled enough and are comfortable on narrow Goa/undivided roads. You will see more self drive rentals than white number plate cars everywhere.

Will definitely take a Thar/ V cross in a future trip

Quoting my own post after another trip to Goa and another rental from the same company. Was a much larger group this time so took 2 Crysta AT and 1 Ertiga manual. They gave each to us at less than advertised price for a couple of days' rental (maybe less tourism?). The Thar/ V cross fascination didn't last; maybe if they get the Thar Roxx soon.

I would hire from Vailankanni again due to the merits in quoted post.

About the cars:
> Mechanically were fine but had a decent number of battle scars and dented/ painted panels - do take a proper video always
> None of the reverse cameras worked/ worked accurately. I think the base Crystas don't even have sensors so we were doing guided reverses
> Crystas had speed limiters at 80, Ertiga did not
> Crystas are the most typical BOF - amazing power (torque) even when fully loaded up, you can drive in the bumpy & windy roads with ease. Though the steering is very hard for anything except a straight road
> Ertiga though manual was less hectic to manouvre; I wish they had an option of automatic Ertigas for hire as well but personally picked the Crysta every time over it for the diesel fun
> Drove a manual car (Ertiga) after almost a year and was pleasantly surprised at the pep - I now understand how the Gurgaon MNC cab drivers fly around in these

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Again let them not tell you that there are no petrol pump close by etc. Just a small search on Google map will throw you a couple of fuel pumps around Dabolim within 2-3 kms radis. I live 2 Kms from Dabolim airport and so, I know.

You, sir, make a lot of sense but unfortunately I don't see this changing for a long time. The rental guys always win because of the margin of extra fuel filled by the previous renter OR the money taken from the previous renter due to even one bar of fuel mismatch.

[RM Motorsports]

I have an upcoming trip to Goa next weekend. Though I will be driving to Goa, and some friends will be flying, we will need another rental car as we are 6 of us. I was searching for rental cars and came across this video.

They have hatchbacks to luxury SUVs. Swifts to Cretas to Fortuners to Audis. Incase if we rent a car from them, will share the experience once back from Goa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOzvZ_C0vV0

[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by RM Motorsports

I have an upcoming trip to Goa next weekend. Though I will be driving to Goa, and some friends will be flying, we will need another rental car as we are 6 of us. I was searching for rental cars and came across this video.

As a Goan resident, I suggest you drive down to Goa and take time to check around for self drive cars. There' are self drive rental agency on every second Street here. It's not a difficult issue. Chances are your hotel/accomodation guy will have self drive cars to offer.

The reason I am mentioning is don't rush and get into a deal that's inconvenient to you. The daily rates are almost standard across the state. Do not take a private registered car (black board). Many people try to rent their private cars and it's illegal and cops are on the lookout for such tourists. Always opt for the proper rental car with Yellow on black plate. It should be non negotiable.

Self drive cars from airport is a good idea, but don't rush into it. Don't hurry. Take it easy, inspect the car, take a video of the car, odo meter, and check spare tyre /accessories too.

Normally they give you car with almost No fuel and you have to fill her up. This is a ploy to extract maximum from the tourist as when you return the car, definitely you would be leaving a lot more petrol than when you receive it.

Ask for a full tank to full tank method. They give the car full tank and you return the car full tank. If the airport is Dabolim, then the nearest petrol pump is Karma petrol station in Chicalim which is about 3 Kms from airport or any petrol pump in Vasco city (max 3-4 kms). So while returning keep another 30 minutes extra for any last moment arguments or issues raised by the car lender.

If your destination is South Goa, then never choose Mopa airport as it's quite far, almost at Maharashtra border and takes a couple of hours to reach. It's remote without any facilities. Opt for Dabolim airport as it's a couple of kms from Vasco City.

Call your hotel guy and inquire if they offer a self drive rental car. The chances are they do and you could strike a better bargain. There are plenty of options available, so do not get into FOMO mode.

Drive safely in Goa. No drink and drive as Goan police always are on lookout for drunk tourists driving. They are prized catch for them. Stay safe.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Drive safely in Goa. No drink and drive as Goan police always are on lookout for drunk tourists driving. They are prized catch for them. Stay safe.

Thanks ashkamath, very good info in your post. I'd also add for all of us tourists driving in Goa, please be considerate where you park. A lot of roads are narrow and a badly parked car, especially on the narrow roads leading to beaches like Palolem causes a lot of hassles for other vehicles. Nothing wrong with walking a bit if there is no parking right in front of the restaurant or beach you want to visit, good for health!

Also please consider where you take selfies. Have lost count of the number of times I've seen idiot tourists park around blind corners, especially on the old highway between South Goa and Madgaon, just to take selfies! Completely dangerous.

[mugen_pinaki27]

Self drove Swift in and around Goa

Given the relatively dilapidated roads of Northern Goa, I dropped my initial plan of travelling across Goa on a scooter with my wife. Called up Ketan Cars and Bikes in Anjuna and he set me up with a fabulous 2019 (IIRC) Swift AMT. Now, I was a bit hesitant at first, since I had no experience with an AMT but after a quick spin in and around my hotel premises, I felt good. And off we went to explore Goa in all her beauty!

What was great!
• The refinement was on another level. Having recently purchased a pre-owned 2019 Tata Tiago XZ+, I wished for the same smoothness in my steed. Sigh!
• The brakes had a strong bite. Once or twice, I almost did a wild stoppie. But over a week of traversing across Goa’s roads, I eventually learned the controls.
• While the front doors closed with a seemingly reassuring “thud”, the rear doors were tinny.
• Triple-digit speeds felt good but nowhere as safe as it felt on the Tiago.

What was not so great!
• The tyres could have done with a little more grip. On a few sections of the road going towards Palolem beach, I felt the grip could have been better.
• The body shell did not inspire that much confidence. Having been spoilt with the “heft” of the Tiago, I took it a bit easy.
• The audio system did not “Wow” me. Again, kudos to Tata for having spoilt me with their terrific audio setup.
• The car, despite having driven carefully, did pick up a lot of dings and subtle scratches. Thanks to the silver paint, however, they didn't irk Ketan. He was cool about the whole deal


About Ketan Car and Bike Rental, Anjuna

Just a day prior to leaving for Goa, did a quick Google search and came across this fellow. The multiple 4.5+ star ratings gave me the confidence to approach him and enquire about available vehicles. Having not ridden in Goa previously, I asked for a scooter. He gave me an almost new Yamaha Fascino with 6000 km on the odo. I was impressed with the refinement but chuckled at the fact that the speedometer cable was disconnected. I was told that due to flooding, a lot of the wires get eroded away. Hence, the cable was removed. Anyhow, the scooter performed admirably well. But the roads in and around Anjuna made me a bit nervous. When I communicated my intention to Ketan about switching from a scooter to a car, he was cool about it. He personally came to hand over the Swift with half a tank and asked me to take it easy, which I did. Interestingly, on the last day of our stay in Goa, he was gracious enough to drop us off at Manohar International Airport (for a fee, of course) but nothing that was not palatable. Though the guard at my hotel did warn me that he was overarching me, the quality of his vehicles and his mannerisms overshadowed that sentiment. All in all, I would recommend the guy highly if you are anywhere in and around Anjuna.

Scooter fare: 500 Rs/day with 2 bars left
Swift AMT fare: 1300 Rs/day with half a tank

Was the price alright per December 2024 standards or was it a shade high? Do let me know my fellow BHPians.

Cheers!

[Omkar]

I checked this thread before my recent North Goa trip and went with the most suggested Vailankanni / Goacars.in. I contacted them through WhatsApp, and the response was quick and professional. Even got a follow-up the next day for confirmation.

I picked the most basic package – A small hatchback Petrol MT for 4 days along with drop off and pickup from the airport. Here’s the price breakup –

Rs. 1000 x 4 days = Rs. 4,000
Rs. 500 MOPA airport drop
Rs. 500 MOPA airport pickup

Total = Rs. 5,000

They requested full payment in cash at the time of taking possession of the vehicle.



A day prior to my travel date, I came across this video on Instagram and I got worried –
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGQG6...NzeTZhYw%3D%3D

Tourists in North Goa were reportedly blocked by locals from using their rental car and forced to take a taxi. Some locals allegedly attempted to attack, leaving the family, including small children, stranded for two hours.

Checked with the rental agency about this and they said that it shouldn’t be an issue. Got the details of the person who would be handing over the car the night before my arrival in Goa. Connected with him in the morning and shared my driving license copy and flight details.

Car pickup from the airport

After landing, the contact person said that he would be coming to the airport in a cab and would take us to a parking lot near the airport where the handover would take place. He came in a yellow plate Innova Hycross and then took us to a parking lot near the airport at a 5-minute distance. I had to pay Rs. 200 while exiting the airport. This was mentioned in their terms and conditions message at the time of booking confirmation.

It was pretty dark at this time and the place seemed shady. I had requested an Ignis, and they’d mentioned that it might be an Ignis or a Grand i10. When we reached the parking lot, a base variant Grand i10 was waiting for us. Took a quick video of the car from the outside and inside. The car was pretty banged up and had scratches all around. Started the car and checked the AC, the cooling was good. Paid the person in cash and took off.

Note that the petrol station is pretty far from the MOPA airport, but the car had enough fuel in it, so made it without any issues. The car was mechanically fine but was showing some signs of abuse. The clutch was heavy and the steering alignment was off. But other than that, it was working just fine. Most importantly, the AC worked very well during the hot afternoons in Goa.

Car drop-off at the airport

I got a call a day before my last day and I was shared the details of the person who I'd be coordinating with. It was the same person as the first day. I handed over the car at the same parking lot and we got dropped off at the airport in an Invicto.

Conclusion

In terms of coordination, the overall experience was great. What could’ve been better?

a. Condition of the car.
b. I prefer the full tank to full tank method.

I'll probably go for a higher-segment car next time around. But apart from all this, everything was very seamless. I appreciate the professionalism and ease of coordination over the car's condition. Hence, I'd recommend them strongly.

Regarding the troubles with the taxi union at the airport, not much the rental agency can do about it. So, while it was an inconvenience for us, it wasn't as bad as the people from the Instagram post above. Hope the situation in Goa gets better.

[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by Omkar

Regarding the troubles with the taxi union at the airport, not much the rental agency can do about it. So, while it was an inconvenience for us, it wasn't as bad as the people from the Instagram post above. Hope the situation in Goa gets better.

I saw the instagram reel and it's an exception than a norm. Generally the yellow number rental cars have no issues in plying while the real problem is private cars being rented out. The above scenario happens sometimes, but it's not a regular issue.

The self drive rental cars / bikes in Goa ( and elsewhere in India) have yellow numbers on black plate. Those are registered rental cars / bikes. There are different tax structures for them compared to the regular private cars.

The problem is, many private car owners have started to rent their car as self drive rental car / bike to tourists. These car/ bike are private registered with white numbers on black plate. These cars are not permitted to be rented. However, many locals see this as an easy and quick hustle to make some extra money.

The taxi union is against this illegal use of private cars for self drive rental purpose. We, as locals here in Goa, regularly and frequently see some private registered (Goa registered) cars, stopping and asking for directions or going the wrong side in a one way road or fumbling at a junction and we immediately know that a tourist is driving a private car on rental. The taxi unions are against such practices by locals and not the legitimate Yellow number self drive rental cars. Infact many of the taxi union members own such yellow number self drive rental cars which they rent out.

Same is the case with 2 wheelers. Anyone with a 2 wheeler rents it out to tourist for Rs 300-400 which is illegal and unethical.

Police are very strict with such renting and one could land in trouble if caught. So, kindly be careful while renting a self drive car in Goa. Insist on a Yellow number on black plate registered rental car only.

[sukhoi]

Thank you all for sharing the details about rental cars in Goa.
Have an upcoming trip to Goa (coming weekend onwards for 6 days) and reached out to Vailankanni (based on positive reviews on the forum).

The guys have come back with the below quote:

Daily rental (9AM to 9 AM next day cycle): 1100 /- for i20 / Swift / Baleno Petrol MT. No cameras, will have an AC

1. Hirer must have a two years valid Indian Driving License. Or must have a Driving Permit if he/she has an International Driving License.
2. Full payment upfront (day 01) in 50% Cash & 50% via UPI/IMPS during delivery of the vehicle. (Paid rent amount Non-Refundable)
3. Original photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter/DL of spouse/friend) has to be deposited towards security (01 for each car).
4. Cars will be handed over or collected at Parking lot near airport premises only.
5. Make sure you are not entering airport with this *Rent-A-Car* to avoid challan.
6. Fuel to be returned at the same level as received on day 01 (No refund for extra fuel)

The rate quoted on their website https://goacars.in/ is INR 1,200 per day for the cars mentioned above but he offered 1100/- which as I understand is fair (based on comparison checks with few other rental agencies).

Point # 3 above is something that I have never heard of before, handing over original photo id of a companion. Have challenged this and am waiting to hear back. What was your experience like, did you give a soft copy of the license or a self attested photocopy (black & white)

Point # 5 mentions that we should not enter the airport premise with this rent-a-car to avoid challan. If that is the case then where do we do a drop off and how much of a walk does it entail from drop off point to the airport entry (departure terminal). With luggage am wondering whether it will be too much of a walk (especially for my mother who is a senior citizen). Or could we drop family off inside the airport and then exit and hand over the car?

For pickup, since we are reaching in the evening (around 8 PM, MOPA), felt it would be better to take a rental next day morning wherein one could inspect the car in proper daylight and capture the video etc. Any suggestions for reliable airport pick up services. I have heard about Goa Miles. Is that reliable and easily available at around 9 PM from the MOPA airport?

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Next time you are renting a car from Goa, insist of Full tank to full tank basis. The full tank will be on auto stop basis at the same fuel station. There are multiple fuel stations around Dabolim airport within a distance of 2-3 Kms radius.

@ashkamath - thanks for your useful posts. Basis your post I asked about full-tank to full-tank but they were not interested.

Originally Posted by am1m

I'd also add for all of us tourists driving in Goa, please be considerate where you park. A lot of roads are narrow and a badly parked car, especially on the narrow roads leading to beaches like Palolem causes a lot of hassles for other vehicles. Nothing wrong with walking a bit if there is no parking right in front of the restaurant or beach you want to visit, good for health!

Have lost count of the number of times I've seen idiot tourists park around blind corners, especially on the old highway between South Goa and Madgaon, just to take selfies! Completely dangerous.

Thank you for sharing these pointers @am1m. Have heard that when it comes to parking few folks allow to park on vacant land near their house but then charge a lot when you pick up the vehicle. I am hoping that proper parking areas will be available at most places.

Originally Posted by Omkar

I checked this thread before my recent North Goa trip and went with the most suggested Vailankanni / Goacars.in.

Car drop-off at the airport
I got a call a day before my last day and I was shared the details of the person who I'd be coordinating with. It was the same person as the first day. I handed over the car at the same parking lot and we got dropped off at the airport in an Invicto.

Were you charged anything extra for the drop off to the airport in Invicto (after your returned the rental?

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Police are very strict with such renting and one could land in trouble if caught. So, kindly be careful while renting a self drive car in Goa. Insist on a Yellow number on black plate registered rental car only.

Thanks for calling this out. Have asked and Vailankanni has confirmed that it will be a yellow number on black plate.

Originally Posted by sinharishi

Hired Kia Carens yet again from Vailankanni Auto Hires for 4 days in Goa. This time it was a 6-speed MT NA Petrol. Like last time the experience was smooth. Paid 9,000.00 for 4 days inc 1,000.00 pick-up and drop charges for Dabolim Airport.

This shows white on black number plates, which I saw in one of the videos also. Are these also allowed?

This will be my first time in Goa and driving a rental car, any other dos and don'ts which I should be aware of?

Will share my experience with Vailankanni post the trip as well. Hoping to have a good experience with them and driving around in Goa as well.

Cheers,
S

[Omkar]

Originally Posted by sukhoi

Were you charged anything extra for the drop off to the airport in Invicto (after your returned the rental?

Nothing extra over the Rs. 1,000 (500 pickup & 500 drop) that I had paid earlier.