Macau Visitor Information
Macau Welcomes You! We hope your visit will be meaningful, encouraging and comfortable. Macau is a modern city that operates on a 24 hour schedule. Most anything you might need during your stay can be found, sometimes easily and sometimes only with a careful search. The city is clean, safe and friendly for visitors. The pace of life in Macau is slower than Hong Kong providing for a more relaxed atmosphere and environment. We hope you have a wonderful visit. Below is some information you might find helpful.
Useful Websites:
TurboJet Ferry Service
<https://www.turbojet.com.hk/en/>
Macau International Airport
<http://www.macau-airport.com/en>
Hong Kong International Airport to Macau
<https://www.turbojet.com.hk/en/routing-sailing-schedule/hk-airport-macau/sailing-schedule-fares.aspx>
Macau Tourism Department
<http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/index.php>
Macau Language(s)
Cantonese
English
Mandarin
Portuguese
Macau Currency
Macau uses the MOP (exchange rate is approximately MOP8.00 to US$1.00. Many shops and restaurants will also accept HK$’s and Chinese RMB but at a 1:1 ratio. They will not make adjustments for the different currencies. Money can be exchanged upon arrival at the Macau International Airport, the Hong Kong Macau Ferry terminal as well as at local banks and money exchange sites.
Macau Time Zone
Same as Beijing/Hong Kong — +8 hours Greenwich Mean Time
Mobile Phone and Data Service Providers
SIM cards can be purchased from vending machines upon arrival in Macau at the Macau International Airport or the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal. CTM provides Wi-Fi hotspots around the city and on public buses.
CTM Macau 4G+ Prepaid Card (IDD/Roaming)
<https://www.ctm.net/prepaid/prepaidbest/en/regionalDetail.html>
CTM - Prepaid Social Card
<https://www.ctm.net/prepaid/prepaidbest/en/iddroamingDetail.html>
MOP 98.00 for 30 days of unlimited data
3 Macau - Prepaid data and voice SIM cards
<http://3g.three.com.mo/eng/sim/3g>
Macau phone code is +853
Public Bus Service
<http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/plan/local_transportation_detail.php?id=1>
There are three different bus companies providing service in Macau. The fare is the same for each company. Buses accept exact change (coins or bills) only. A bus card can be purchased from certain 7-11 Shops around Macau. For visits of more than a week, the bus card is a good option. There is a smart phone option if you are interested. Find more information at
Taxi Service
<http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/plan/local_transportation_detail.php?id=2>
Curb side pick up is available but difficult to find at times. The taxis are black with a white top.
There is one taxi service that does reservation pick up. The taxis can be reserved by calling +853 2881-2345
Clothing
Attire in Macau is generally casual. With the exception of a brief winter period (January – March), the weather is hot and humid. Clothing should be light but modest. Shorts are acceptable as well as jeans. Men should bring slacks and women may want to bring a skirt or dress slacks for church. You will do a lot of walking in Macau so bring comfortable shoes. In the cooler months (December – March), a light jacket may be needed. You may also want a light rain poncho or umbrella. Again, we suggest you make a special effort to pack light.
Food
Food of all styles (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Thai, Vietnamese) is easily found within a few minutes walk of most locations in Macau. Asian and Western snacks (candy, soft drinks, chips, cookies, etc.) and fast food options (McDonalds, K.F.C., Starbucks, Pacific Coffee) are also available. For those with a healthier mindset, there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables available in the local fresh market.
Water
Bottled water is inexpensive (US$0.50 for 750 ml/25 oz.) and widely available. The local tap water is treated but we recommend only drinking boiled water.
Electrical Devices
Currency in HK & Macau is 220V, 50 cycles AC. Most modern devices come with a power converter (electric razors, hairdryers, camera battery chargers, laptop power cords, etc.) but please check before you plug that smart phone in to be charged. The majority of power outlets in Macau are of the Type G style (three square prongs - same as Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.) Plug adaptors (not converters) are available here to deal with different socket configurations as needed.
<https://www.wikiconnections.org/power-supplies/continents/asia/what-can-i-connect-to-a-macanese-power-supply>
Wi-Fi
Your hotel or guest house should have in room WiFi available. If you bring your smart phone, make sure to disable data roaming before leaving your local area or you will find yourself owing a huge fee. If you have a phone that is unlocked, SIM cards can be purchased in Macau for data and used to call locally and via IDD. The cheapest way to contact family is via a VOIP service such as Skype where WiFi is available. (please see above for information on purchase of SIM cards).
Photography
Bring your camera. Macau has many good photo opportunities and taking photos of the people you meet will help you tell the story when you get back home. While you are in Macau, enjoy being a tourist as it is a lovely city.
Toiletries
Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, some deodorant, feminine products, etc. are available if needed. But don’t count on always being able to find that special brand you like.
Medications
Please bring all the prescription medication you need. General over-the-counter medications are available. Mosquito repellant is available. Macau has two hospitals and multiple clinics if you need good primary care.
Weather
Macau is in the sub-tropics and as such, the sunlight can be stronger than your home causing some people to easily sunburn. A comfortable hat and sunglasses may be useful if you are spending large amounts of time outside.
Macau Meteorological Society - Local Weather
<http://www.smg.gov.mo/smg/e_index.htm>
Souvenirs and Gifts
As Macau is a popular tourist destination, there are many local souvenir shops that sell ready packaged food items unique to Macau. These are available in a variety of packaging and price points.
<https://www.travelvui.com/china/macau/7-best-souvenirs-to-bring-home-from-macau/>
