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Macao SAR
Macau
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From $131 /day
Macao SAR China
Macao is a mesmerizing fusion where Mediterranean charm meets the neon-lit energy of East Asia. As a former Portuguese territory, its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored churches stand in striking contrast to the towering, futuristic casinos of the Cotai Strip. You can spend your morning exploring the UNESCO-listed ruins of St. Paul's and your evening watching spectacular world-class performances. This tiny territory is widely celebrated as the Las Vegas of Asia, yet its true heart lies in its unique Macanese culture and vibrant culinary scene. Whether you are looking for high-stakes thrills or a quiet stroll through traditional gardens, Macao offers an experience found nowhere else on earth.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$131 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Macau
Languages
Traditional Chinese (Cantonese), Portuguese
Currency
Macanese Pataca (MOP)
1 $ ≈ 8.06 MOP$
Plug Type
Type G (standard); Type D, Type M, and sometimes Type F are also found
Driving Side
Left
Dial Code
+853
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
UTC+8 (China Standard Time; no DST)
Emergency
999 / 110 / 112
Why Visit Macao SAR China
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Historic Centre of Macao features over 20 locations where Portuguese and Chinese architecture coexist beautifully. You can walk from ancient Taoist temples to baroque Catholic churches within a matter of minutes.
World-Class Gastronomy
As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Macao offers a legendary fusion of flavors. From Michelin-starred dining to humble street stalls selling egg tarts, the food culture is a primary reason to visit.
The Glitz of Cotai
The Cotai Strip is home to some of the world's most opulent resorts and massive shopping malls. It provides a high-energy atmosphere filled with luxury, entertainment, and stunning architectural feats.
Unique Macanese Culture
Witness a rare 450-year-old blend of European and Cantonese traditions. This heritage is visible in everything from the local patois language to the unique religious festivals celebrated throughout the year.
Natural Retreats in Coloane
Escape the city's frantic pace to find the tranquil beaches and hiking trails of Coloane. This southern island offers a slower way of life, featuring the picturesque Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and seaside cafes.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Macao SAR China
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Macau Peninsula
This is the historic heart of the territory, where the most famous landmarks like the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square are located. It is a dense, walkable area filled with traditional markets and colonial-era architecture.
Cotai Strip
Built on reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane, this region is the center of Macao's modern entertainment. It features massive integrated resorts, high-end fashion boutiques, and grand replicas of world landmarks.
Taipa Village
A charming contrast to the nearby skyscrapers, Taipa Village offers narrow pedestrian alleys, traditional shophouses, and a famous food street. It is the best place to find authentic local snacks and visit the Taipa Houses–Museum.
Coloane
Known as the green lung of Macao, this region is famous for its beaches like Hac Sa and its quaint village center. It remains the most rural and peaceful part of the territory, perfect for hiking and outdoor relaxation.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the autumn months from October to December, when the weather is consistently dry, sunny, and clear. Avoid the summer months to stay clear of the intense humidity and the peak of the typhoon season.
Peak Season
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Autumn and winter offer mild temperatures ranging from 18–25°C (64–77°F), making it the prime season for sightseeing. Major events like the Macau Grand Prix in November and Chinese New Year festivities in January or February draw massive crowds and lead to significantly higher hotel rates.
Shoulder Season
Mar, Apr, May, Sep
Spring and early autumn see moderate temperatures and varying humidity levels. March and April are particularly pleasant but may experience occasional foggy days and rising rainfall as summer approaches.
Off-Peak
Jun, Jul, Aug
The summer months are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 30°C. This is the main typhoon season, which can lead to travel disruptions, though visitors can find the most competitive hotel deals during this period.
Getting Around
Macao has a compact and highly developed transport infrastructure, featuring an extensive public bus network and a modern elevated rail system. Most major casinos also offer free shuttle services between ferry terminals, the airport, and the border.
Bus
A comprehensive network with a flat fare of ~$0.71 / MOP 5.7 for most routes. Real-time bus information is available via official mobile apps, and payment is accepted through cash or the Macau Pass.
Metro
The Macao Light Rapid Transit (LRT) serves the Taipa, Cotai, and Macau Peninsula (Barra extension). The system includes Taipa Line, Seac Pai Van Line (opened 2024), and Hengqin Line (opened 2024). Fares range from ~$0.71–$1.41 / MOP 5.7–MOP 11 depending on the distance, with key stops at the airport and ferry terminals.
Ferry
High-speed ferries like TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet provide frequent 1-hour connections between Macao and Hong Kong or Shenzhen. Tickets for the economy class cost ~$24–$29 / MOP 190–MOP 237.
Taxi
Regulated taxis are widely available, with a starting fare of ~$2.36 / MOP 19 for the first 1.6km. Passengers should ensure the meter is used, as some drivers may attempt to negotiate flat rates at tourist hotspots.
Food & Drink
Macanese cuisine is often considered the world's first fusion food, blending Portuguese ingredients like olives and chorizo with Chinese spices and cooking techniques. It is a rich, aromatic tradition that reflects the territory's long history as a global trading port.
Must Try
Minchi
Often called the national dish of Macao, this savory comfort food consists of minced meat sautéed with potatoes, onions, and soy sauce, usually topped with a fried egg.
Pastel de Nata
These iconic Portuguese egg tarts feature a flaky, buttery crust and a creamy custard center with a caramelized, burnt sugar top.
Galinha à Africana
Also known as African Chicken, this dish features grilled chicken coated in a rich, spicy sauce made from peanuts, coconut milk, and piri-piri peppers.
Bacalhau
Salted codfish prepared in various ways, such as deep-fried fritters or baked with potatoes and cream, representing a staple of Portuguese culinary heritage.
Chu Pa Bao
A popular local snack consisting of a succulent, marinated fried pork chop served inside a toasted, crispy bun without any vegetables or sauces.
Serradura
Known as Sawdust Pudding, this chilled dessert layers sweetened whipped cream with finely crushed tea biscuits for a light and airy texture.
Money & Costs
Macao offers a wide range of costs, from affordable local street food to high-end luxury dining. An average tourist budget of ~$131 / MOP 1,054 per day is typical for mid-range travel and sightseeing.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory as a 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, but leaving small change for porters or taxi drivers is appreciated.
Cards
Card acceptance is high in hotels, malls, and casinos, while small local eateries and markets often prefer cash or mobile payments like MPay and UnionPay.
ATMs
ATMs are abundant throughout the city; however, those without KYC functions may not accept Mainland China UnionPay cards. Cards from other international banks are widely accepted without issue.
Culture & Etiquette
Macao is a polite society where traditional Chinese values are deeply intertwined with Portuguese social customs. Respect for elders, religious sites, and a general sense of modesty are expected from all visitors.
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Use two hands when giving or receiving items like business cards, gifts, or money as a sign of respect.
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Dress modestly when visiting temples and churches, ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered.
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Don't speak loudly in public places or religious sites, as maintaining a quiet and calm demeanor is highly valued.
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Leave small change for taxi drivers or hotel porters, even though a 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills.
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Don't point at people or religious statues with a single finger; instead, use your whole hand with the palm facing up.
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Check the dress code for specific casinos, as some require smart-casual attire and may prohibit flip-flops or sleeveless shirts.
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Don't be surprised if people don't make direct eye contact during conversation, as this is sometimes avoided as a sign of deference.
Safety & Health
The U.S. Department of State advises a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) advisory due to limited emergency consular services and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Petty crime is rare but possible in crowded areas.
Tap Water
Use caution
Vaccinations
No routine vaccinations are required for most travelers; yellow-fever certificate rules may apply for arrivals/transits from risk areas depending on source—verify with Macao authorities/airline for your itinerary. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Taxi meter refusal where drivers demand a high flat fee instead of using the meter.
- ⚠ Casino 'helpers' who offer loans for gambling but act as predatory loan sharks.
- ⚠ Fake luxury goods sold as authentic watches or jewelry near the Ruins of St. Paul's.
- ⚠ Meal voucher deception involving street promoters selling 'discounted' buffet tickets that are overpriced.
- ⚠ Broken meter claims where drivers inform passengers the meter is non-functional after departure.
Healthcare facilities are of a high international standard, but private treatment is expensive. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential as medical services must be paid upfront in cash or by card.
Language
Cantonese is the primary daily language, while Portuguese remains an official language used in legal and government settings. English is widely understood in tourist areas, large hotels, and casinos.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Néih hóu | nay-hoe |
| Thank you | M̀h'gōi | mm-goy |
| How much? | Géisīu chín? | gay-seel-cheen |
| Where is...? | ... hái bīn douh? | high-bin-doe |
| Check, please | Màaih dāan | my-dan |
| Sorry / Excuse me | Deui-m̀h-jyuh | day-mmm-jue |
| Do you speak English? | Néih sīk góng Yīngmán ma? | nay-sik-gong-ying-man-ma |
| Help! | Gau mehng a! | gow-mang-ah |
Visa & Entry
Nationals of 87 countries are visa/entry-permit exempt. Others may need a visa, prior authorization, or visa-on-arrival depending on nationality. Certain nationalities (including Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam) must apply for a visa in advance through a Chinese embassy.
Max Stay
EU/Schengen passports: 90 days; UK (British citizens): 6 months; most other visa-exempt passports (USA/Canada/Australia): 30 days; Brunei/Kazakhstan: 14 days; Cyprus/Israel/Lebanon/New Zealand: 3 months
Passport Validity
At least 90 days beyond the intended period of stay
Visa-free for
Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States (part of 87 visa-exempt countries)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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