About Macao
[ General Information ] [ Access to Macao ] [ Visa and Medical Insurance ] [ Life in Macao]
1.General Information
Macao is located on the west bank of the Pearl River Delta in the Guangdong province. The city is made up of three districts, the Macao Peninsula , the Taipa Island and the Coloane Island . To the north of the Macao Peninsula is connected to Gongbei, City of Zhuhai by the Border Gate (Portas do Cerco) isthmus. Before the arrival of Portuguese merchant-explorers in the early 1550s, the first settlers in Macao were fishermen and farmers from Zhongshan county and other regions of China . Macao is also called a “trading gate to the West” because of its location.
After many years of colonial government by the Portuguese, Macao has now become a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China that has resumed the exercise of sovereignty of Macao with effect on 20 December 1999.
Despite of its small size of 25.8 square kilometers, Macao is densely populated by about 448,500 among which 95% are ethnic Chinese from different provinces, and the remaining 5% are Portuguese, Europeans and people from other parts of the world. Macao has gradually developed into a cosmopolitan city with cultures of both the East and the West. Being such a special city, it contains rich cultural elements, such as the European architecture well displayed in many historical buildings, which attract millions of travelers from different countries every year.
Macao Government Tourist Office: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/
2.Access to Macao
A.From Your City/Country to Macao – By Air 
Macao has an international airport located in TaipaIsland with direct flights to Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Beijing and some major cities in China.
Macao International Airport: http://www.macau-airport.com
B.From Hong Kong to Macao - By Sea 
If there is no connecting flight between Macao and your home city/country, you may come over to Macao by sea right after your arrival to the Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok (CLK) International Airport , which is readily facilitated by public transportations to lead you to the ferry terminals.
From HKCLK International Airport to Macao by Sea
- Sky Pier (Sea Express) offers a new ferry service that will depart directly from the HKCLK International Airport to Macao Ferry Terminal without passing through immigration in HK.
Sea Express:http://www.turbojetseaexpress.com.hk
- Turbojet offers a more frequent ferry service from the HK Shun Tak Ferry Terminal which can be reached either by taxi, Airport bus or Airport Express Trains from the HKCLK International Airport.
Turbojet: http://www.turbojet.com.hk/index.htm
HKCLK International Airport: http://www.hkairport.com.hk
C.From Zhuhai or nearby cities to Macao – By Land
The Barrier Gate (Chinese border) in Gongbei, Zhuhai, is opened daily from 0730 to 2400. Visitors from Zhuhai or other regions in Mainland China must pass through the Customs at the Gate to visit Macao.
3.Visa and Medical Insurance 
A.Macao Visas
Passport holders from some countries (for further details please refer to http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/english/getting_to_macau_en.phtml#4 ) are exempt from Macao entry visas and are permitted to stay 30-90 days.
Please refer to the website of Macao Government Tourist Office for details.
Macao Government Tourist Office:http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/
B.Hong Kong Visas
If you need a visa to transit Hong Kong, information on Hong Kong visa requirements can be obtained from the Hong Kong Immigration Department and its website listed below.
Hong Kong Immigration Department: http://www.info.gov.hk/immd/index.htm/
C.China Visas
Visas are required for all foreigners entering Mainland China . A standard tourist visa is valid for a 30-day visit. They can usually be obtained from Chinese embassies or consulates. For details please enquire the local Chinese embassies or consulates.
D.Medical Insurance
You are advised to be insured against illness and accidents before leaving your country. Be sure to have your insurance policy number and insurance card with you at all times.
- Language
The official language of Macao is Chinese and Portuguese. Cantonese is being widely spoken and English is generally used in trade, tourism and commerce, especially in tourist establishments.
- Currency
The Official currency in Macao is ‘Pataca’ (MOP$). There are banknotes and coins in the following denominations:
Coins: 10, 20 and 50 avos (cents); 1, 2, 5 and 10 Patacas.
Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Patacas.HK$ is widely accepted in Macao, however, some shops do not refund the currency difference.
Money and traveller's cheques can be exchanged in larger hotels, banks and authorized exchange dealers are located all around the city.
- Transportation
- Bus
Visitors can look for the destinations, itineraries and stops in the information panels located at every bus stop.
- Taxi
The flagfall charge is MOP$10.00. Besides normal taxis (black with cream roof), there is also radio-taxi-service.
Flagfall $10.00
Surcharge between Taipa and Coloane $2.00
Surcharge between Macao and Coloane $5.00
Luggage per piece in the boot $3.00
- Time & Weather
Macao is eight hours ahead of GMT, there is no daylight saving time.
April is spring time in Macao . Weather tends to be warm, humid, and rainy, with temperature ranges from 15 ℃ -25 ℃ in April. Cotton clothes and jackets are recommended.
- Office Hours
Banks: Monday – Friday – 0900-1600, Saturday 0900-1200
Offices: Monday – Friday – 0900-1800, some on Saturdays
Shops & Restaurants: Monday – Sunday, 1000-2200
- Voltage
220 volts AC. Electric equipment working with different specifications will need transformers and adaptors.
- MacauMap (a handheld digital map)
University of Macau has developed MacauMap - a handheld device of personal digital assistants (PDAs). It runs on both PalmOS and Pocket PC. MacauMap displays the map and provides information of the streets, hotels, restaurants, sightseeing spots, bus routes and bus stops network of Macao peninsula, Taipa and Coloane islands. Users can pan and zoom the map or even know their own current position in the map with the assistance of a connected GPS device. In addition, users can conveniently search for information about streets, hotels, restaurants, sightseeing spots, bus routes or bus stop network. For sightseeing spots, MacauMap can display a picture of them. The information can be displayed in either Chinese, Portuguese or English and is frequently updated.
MacauMap is now free and available for download at the Macau Government Tourist Office Website. It will make your Macao visit trouble-free.
