Macau Immigration, Visa Macau, Car Macau, Gambling in Macau, Macau Tour

Travel Tips

The city of Macau is built on the peninsula; two bridges link it to its nearest island of Taipa, which in turn is joined to Coloane by a causeway. At the extreme northern end of the peninsula, on a narrow isthmus, is the imposing gateway Portas do Cerco, or Border Gate, which leads to the Zhuhai and Zhongshan areas of China.

FERRY BOOKINGS:
Tickets to Macau can be bought in Hong Kong up to 28 days in advance, to Hong Kong from Macau up to seven days. In Hong Kong they can be purchased at the terminals and from MTR travel service centers in various Mass Transit Railway stations. Telephone bookings can be made via Hong Kong-Macau tour operators Jetfoils and CTS-Parkview, with a valid credit card.
Passengers traveling by boat arrive at the Macau Ferry Terminal, located on the main peninsula. After going through Macau immigration formalities, stop by the Macau Government Tourist Office for a map and brochures, including the useful Macau Guide Book. In the arrivals hall there is also a counter for Macau hotels operating shuttle buses. Most expensive and moderately priced hotels operate free shuttle services from the terminal, including the Holiday Inn, Hyatt Regency, Mandarin Oriental, Lisboa, Pousada de São Tiago, Westin Resort Macau, and Sintra. Otherwise, city buses 3, 3A, and 10 travel from the terminal to Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, the main downtown street. The fare is $2.50 ptcs (US30¢).

VISAS:
If travel arrangements are made through an agent, the Macau visa processing is handled by a Macau tour operator. Many travelers staying under 20 days will not need one. Visas are available upon arrival in Macau, and are required by all visitors except: a) Nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, People's Republic of China, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America and Uruguay for a stay of less than 20 days; b) Hong Kong residents.

CLIMATE:
The climate is moderate to hot, with an average annual temperature of just over 20°C (68°F) and a yearly mean variation between 16°C (50°F) and 25°C (77°F). The humidity is high, with an average range between 75% and 90%. Rainfall is also high, with the yearly total between 40 and 80 inches. The best season is autumn (October - December) when days are sunny and warm and the humidity is low. The winter (January - March) is cold but sunny. In April, the humidity starts to build up and from May to September the climate is hot and humid with rain and occasional tropical storms (typhoons).

LANGUAGE:
Potuguese and Chinese are the two official languages, with Cantonese the most widely spoken. English is Macau's third language and is generally used in trade, tourism and commerce.

HEALTH:
International Inoculation Certificates are not normally required, unless cholera has been detected either in Hong Kong or Macau, or in the area recently visited by the arrival.

CURRENCY:
The pataca (composed of 100 avos) is the official unit of currency in Macau. As far as currency fluctuation goes, the pataca is nearly equivalent to the Hong Kong dollar. 1 US dollar is a little over eight patacas, and 1 Euro is approximately 10 patacas.

MACAU TIPPING ADVICE:
Tipping in Macau is very important. Waiters and waitresses will expect around ten percent of the bill. Even when there is a service charge already included it is still customary to leave a small amount. Taxi drivers, bellboys, porters and toilet attendants will also expect a small tip.

Macau Resorts