Useful Travel Information

This page contains a wide variety of useful information for people planning on visiting Macau, including:

• Visa Information
• Currency Information
• Transportation Tips
• Dressing Appropriately
• Personal Safety

We try to keep this page updated and current, but should you find an error, or if you wish to suggest additional information, please contact us.

Visa Information

Currently there are 36 countries from which citizens can visit Macao free of visa; citizens from other countries can apply for the visa to enter Macao at the airport when they arrive at Macao.

~ Money Cat Says ~ Don't worry.

Currency Information

The official currency of Macau is the Pataca (MOP$). A Pataca can be subdivided into 100 Avos. There are both banknotes and coins.

~ Money Cat Says ~ Hong Kong Dollars (HK$) are also accepted in Macau.

Transportation Tips

Macau by Land

Overland transportation options are probably the least frequently used by non-Chinese nationals. That said, it can be done, most typically by arriving at Macau through Zhuhai (via the Gongbei district of Zhuhai). Check CTS (China Travel Service) for other options.

Macau by Sea

The best sea service way we know of is TurboJet . TurboJet has been making the Hong Kong/Macau run for 45 years -- it's a tradition in its own right. Service is provided out of Hong Kong, Shekou and Shezhen. There is daily service between all points and multiple departure times for Hong Kong/Macau, beginning at 0700.

To verify schedules & make a reservation, call (numbers on right) or drop by one of the ticket offices, below.

~ Money Cat Says ~ If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, you will want to use the Luggage Services center at check-in - it's worth the extra HK$10 per piece fees.

TurboJet Hong Kong Ticketing Offices

• Level 5, HK Int'l Airport (E1 Transfer Area)
• Shun Tak Centre, 3/F
• All China Travel Service branches
• China (HK) Ferry Terminal
• Shun Tak Travel

TurboJet Macau Ticketing Offices

• 1/F Departure Hall Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal
• Macau Int'l Airport (Arrival & Departure Halls)
• Shun Tak Travel

TurboJet Shenzhen Ticketing Offices

• Fu Yong Ferry Terminal
• Shenzhen Airport (Arrival Hall)

Of course, if you prefer rather les comfort and convenience you can always make the run from Hong Kong on your HobieCat (it's been done!)... just don't forget to stop by Immigration.

Macau by Air

Airlines

Air Macau is the national airline and runs routes throughout Asia, including major destinations in China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Long the only game in town, the airline is now being challenged by the arrival of low cost carriers, such as VivaMacau (below). Air Macau is responding to the low cost pressure by working with Air Macau Express to offer similar services. Learn about both airlines on the Air Macau website.

VivaMacau took off in 2006 with the promise of low cost international airfares and a home base in Macau. The airline's initial offering took them to many primary Asian destinations, including Japan, Korea, Indoneisa, Thailand and even as far as Australia. VivaMacau flies wide body 767s and uses a "2-3-2" seat configuration in Economy class.

You can book direct at FlyVivaMacau.com.

Airport

Macau is reached via the Macau International Airport (MFM).

~ Money Cat Says ~ The airport runs a very helpful website which includes real time arrival and departure information. It's the only resource you need.

Dressing Appropriately

Cotton or light clothing is recommended for the summer. Woolen clothing and a light coat may be required for the winter (it's not so much cold as damp and hilly. Can be unpleasant if under-dressed.). Sweaters and jackets are sometimes necessary for the cooler evenings from March to May and September to November.

~ Money Cat Says ~ No topless bathing, please, we're Macanese .

Personal Safety

Macau is relatively a very safe place; however, one should be careful of pickpockets in crowds. There are police stations and reporting centers throughout the territory. For emergency, dial 999.

~ Money Cat Says ~ Use your common sense and you'll be just fine.

Helpful Phone Number