Macau

Macau S.A.R.

Macau is where East meets West in the most fascinating ways - a former Portuguese colony that returned to China in 1999 while maintaining its unique cultural identity. This compact territory packs extraordinary contrasts: 16th-century churches stand beside glittering mega-casinos, egg tarts are as common as dim sum, and Portuguese tiles decorate temples. The Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving over 400 years of Sino-Portuguese history. But Macau is equally famous as the Las Vegas of Asia, generating more gaming revenue than anywhere else on Earth.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days
Budget$80/day
Mid-range$180/day
Luxury$500/day

Known For

casinosheritagegastronomyportugueseluxurygamingunescoegg-tarts

🇲🇴 Country Information: Macau S.A.R.

CapitalMacao
CurrencyMacanese pataca ($)
LanguagePortuguese, Cantonese , English, Mandarin
Phone Code+853
Electricity220V (Type D, F, G, M)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is not customary in Macau, as a service charge (usually 10%) is often included in hotel and restaurant bills
  • For exceptional service, a small tip can be left
  • For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments
  • Bringing a mix of cash and cards is advisable, as some smaller shops or local eateries might prefer cash
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress code is generally casual, but modest dress is advisable when visiting religious sites
  • Public displays of affection are generally less common
  • Eating with chopsticks is common, and it's considered rude to stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice or point them at someone

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Macau does not have specific laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. While generally tolerant, public displays of affection might be less common.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are very strict, and penalties for drug offenses are severe, including lengthy imprisonment

Special Laws

  • Gambling is a major industry, but visitors should be aware of responsible gambling practices
  • Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public places, including casinos, except in designated smoking areas
  • Jaywalking is common but can be risky and may result in fines

Common Phrases

HelloOlá (oh-LAH) 你好
Excuse meCom licença (koom lee-SEN-sah) 對不起
Thank youObrigado/Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-doo/oh-bree-GAH-dah) 謝謝

Climate

Subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Typhoon season runs from May to October. Air conditioning is intense - bring a layer.

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Portuguese Egg Tart must_try

Macau's iconic pastéis de nata - flaky pastry filled with caramelized custard. Lord Stow's bakery made these world-famous.

African Chicken must_try

Galinha à Africana - a uniquely Macanese dish of grilled chicken in spicy peanut and coconut sauce. Portuguese-African-Asian fusion.

Pork Chop Bun street_food

A simple but perfect creation - crispy bone-in pork chop in a crusty Portuguese roll. The ultimate Macau street food.

Minchi must_try

Macanese comfort food - minced meat with potatoes, soy sauce, and Worcestershire, topped with a fried egg. Home cooking at its best.

Serradura dessert

'Sawdust pudding' - layers of whipped cream and crushed Maria biscuits. Simple, delicious, and uniquely Macanese.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Chinese New Year Hotels Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance

Chinese New Year sees Macau at maximum capacity with prices tripling and availability vanishing months ahead.

Macau Grand Prix Tickets Attraction
Book 2-6 months in advance

The legendary street circuit race weekend (November) draws motorsport fans worldwide. Grandstand seats and hotel rooms are scarce.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

House of Dancing Water entertainment
Book 1-4 weeks in advance

The spectacular water show at City of Dreams is Macaus premier entertainment with limited performances.

Premium Portuguese Restaurant Reservations Dining
Book 3 days to 2 weeks in advance

Authentic Macanese and Portuguese restaurants like Antonio, A Lorcha, and Cafe Litoral have limited seating.

Fun Facts

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