Macau Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Planning and Entry
Do I need a visa for Macau? Most Western nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) are visa-free for 30–90 days.
Does a China visa work for Macau? No, Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with its own immigration rules.
Can I visit Macau from Hong Kong? Yes, it is the most common way to visit, via ferry or the HZMB bridge.
Is one day enough for Macau? You can see the main ruins and a few casinos, but two days is recommended to see Taipa and Coloane.
What is the best time to visit? October to December offers the best weather (cool and dry).
Is Macau expensive? Hotels and fine dining are pricey, but street food and public buses are very cheap.
Is Macau safe? Yes, it is one of the safest cities in Asia, though watch for pickpockets in crowded areas like Senado Square.
Do I need a vaccine? No specific vaccines are required, but being up-to-date on routine shots is advised.
Is the tap water safe to drink? It is technically safe but most locals and tourists boil it or drink bottled water.
What is the official language? Cantonese and Portuguese, though Mandarin and English are widely understood in tourist areas.
Money and Budgeting
What is the currency? The Macanese Pataca (MOP).
Can I use Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)? Yes, HKD is accepted everywhere at a 1:1 ratio.
Will I get change back in HKD? Usually, you get change in MOP, which cannot be used in Hong Kong.
Are credit cards widely accepted? Yes, in hotels, malls, and large restaurants. Small street stalls are cash-only.
Do I need to tip? Not expected. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge.
Where can I find ATMs? They are everywhere, especially inside casinos and ferry terminals.
Is Macau more expensive than Hong Kong? Generally, slightly cheaper for food and local transport, but hotels can be higher on weekends.
Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay? Yes, they are very common for digital payments.
What is the “Macau Pass”? A rechargeable card for buses and convenience stores, similar to HK’s Octopus card.
Can I use my Octopus card in Macau? No, it only works in Hong Kong (except for specific cross-border buses).
Transport and Arrival
How do I get from HK Airport to Macau? Take the Direct Ferry (SkyPier) or the “HZM Bus” (Golden Bus) across the bridge.
Which ferry terminal should I use? Outer Harbour is closer to the old city; Taipa Terminal is closer to the Cotai Strip casinos.
Are the free casino shuttles still running? Yes, they are the best way to move between ferry terminals and major hotels for free.
How do I get to the Ruins of St. Paul’s? Take a bus to Senado Square and walk uphill through the shopping streets.
Are taxis easy to find? Yes, but they can be difficult to hail during shift changes (around 4–5 PM) or heavy rain.
Do taxi drivers speak English? Many do not. It is best to have your destination written in Chinese.
Is there an Uber in Macau? No, Uber is not available. Use the “Macau Taxi” app or local buses.
Is the bus system good? Extremely. It’s cheap (MOP 6 flat rate) and covers the whole territory.
Can I walk from the Macau Peninsula to Taipa? No, the bridges are for vehicles only.
What is the HZMB? The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world.
Sightseeing and Culture
What is the most famous landmark? The Ruins of St. Paul’s.
Is Senado Square worth visiting? Yes, it is the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful Portuguese tiles.
What is the Macau Tower known for? Its 338-meter height and the world’s highest commercial bungy jump.
Where can I see “Old Macau”? In the narrow streets around A-Ma Temple and St. Lazarus District.
What is the Cotai Strip? The reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane where all the massive new casinos are.
Are there any beaches? Yes, Hac Sa Beach and Cheoc Van Beach in Coloane.
Is there a “giant panda” pavilion? Yes, in Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane.
What is the A-Ma Temple? One of the oldest Taoist temples, from which the name “Macau” is derived.
Can I visit the Guia Lighthouse? Yes, you can even take a very short cable car ride up the hill.
Are there museums? The Macau Museum (next to the ruins) and the Museum of Art are highly recommended.
Casinos and Nightlife
What is the gambling age? 21 years old.
Do I need to dress up for casinos? Most are casual, but avoid flip-flops and shorts if you want to enter high-end areas.
Is photography allowed in casinos? Strictly forbidden on the gaming floors.
Which casino has the best free show? Wynn Macau (Tree of Prosperity/Performance Lake) and Wynn Palace (SkyCab and Fountains).
What is the “Venetian” known for? Its indoor canals and gondola rides.
Is there a “Londoner” and “Parisian”? Yes, featuring a replica Big Ben and Eiffel Tower respectively.
What is the “House of Dancing Water”? A world-famous water-based stage show (check current status for reopening/schedules).
Are drinks free in the casinos? Most offer free water, tea, and soda; alcoholic drinks are rarely free for casual players.
Can I enter casinos just to look? Yes, as long as you are 21+.
What is the “Grand Lisboa”? The iconic lotus-shaped gold building on the Macau skyline.
Food and Dining
What is Macanese food? A unique fusion of Portuguese and Chinese flavors (e.g., African Chicken).
Where is the best Portuguese Egg Tart? Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane is the original; Margaret’s e Café is the city-side rival.
What is a Pork Chop Bun? A simple, famous Macau snack (Tai Lei Loi Kei is the most famous spot).
Where can I find cheap local food? The “Red Market” area or the food stalls in the Horta e Costa district.
Is vegetarian food easy to find? It’s getting better, but mostly found in Indian restaurants or Buddhist temples.
What is “African Chicken”? A spicy, peanut/coconut-based chicken dish—a Macanese staple.
Can I drink the coffee? Yes, try a “Yuenyeung” (coffee and tea mix) at a local Cha Chaan Teng.
Are reservations needed for top restaurants? Yes, especially for Michelin-starred spots like Robuchon au Dôme.
Where can I eat “Almond Cookies”? Koi Kei and Pastelaria Fong Kei (in Taipa Village) are the top choices.
Is alcohol expensive? Portuguese wine and beer are very affordable in supermarkets and local eateries.
Accommodation and Logistics
Where is the best area to stay? Macau Peninsula for history; Cotai Strip for luxury and casinos.
Are hotels cheaper on weekdays? Significantly. Weekend prices can triple due to visitors from HK and the Mainland.
Do I need a power adapter? Macau uses Type G (UK-style) and sometimes Type D/M.
Is there free Wi-Fi? “Wifigo” is the government’s free Wi-Fi; most malls and casinos have their own.
Can I use my HK SIM card? Many HK SIMs have “Greater Bay Area” roaming that covers Macau.
Is there a Great Firewall in Macau? No. Facebook, Google, and Instagram work freely (unlike Mainland China).
How do I book ferry tickets? Online via TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet, or at the terminal.
Is there a luggage storage at the ferry terminal? Yes, both terminals have lockers or staffed counters.
Can I stay in Zhuhai and commute? Only if you have a multi-entry China visa; the border crossing can be slow.
What is the check-in time? Usually 3:00 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM.
Hidden Gems and Activities
What is Taipa Village? A charming pedestrian area with colorful houses and great food near the casinos.
What is Coloane Village? A quiet, colorful seaside village that feels like old Portugal.
Can I hike in Macau? Yes, the Coloane Trail offers great views and greenery.
What is the “Grand Prix Museum”? A must-visit for racing fans; Macau hosts a famous street circuit race every November.
Is the Science Center worth it? Great for families; it’s the distinctive silver cone building by the water.
Where is the “Happiness Street”? Rua da Felicidade—former red-light district, now a picturesque street with red shutters.
Can I visit the University of Macau? It is located on a beautiful campus on Hengqin Island (accessible via tunnel).
What is the “Londoner” light show? A nightly projection and music show on the facade of the Londoner hotel.
Are there any local festivals? The A-Ma Festival and the Drunken Dragon Festival are culturally fascinating.
What is the “teamLab SuperNature”? An immersive digital art installation inside the Venetian.
Family and Accessibility
Is Macau stroller-friendly? The Cotai Strip is; the old city has narrow, cobbled, and hilly sidewalks that are difficult.
Are there activities for kids? Yes, the Qube play areas, Warner Bros. Fun Zone, and the Science Center.
Is it wheelchair accessible? New hotels and casinos are 100% accessible; the historic center is challenging but doable with help.
Can I find baby supplies? Yes, supermarkets like San Miu or Royal have everything you need.
Are there parks? Camões Garden and Lou Lim Ieoc Garden are beautiful, peaceful escapes.
Is the ferry ride bumpy? It can be during typhoon season (June-Sept); take motion sickness meds if sensitive.
How long is the bridge bus ride? About 45 minutes from port to port.
Are there public toilets? Yes, they are generally clean and easy to find in parks and malls.
What should I wear? Lightweight clothes for summer; a light jacket for winter. Air conditioning is very strong indoors.
Is it okay to breastfeed in public? It is generally accepted, and most large malls have nursing rooms.
Shopping and Souvenirs
What are the best souvenirs? Almond cookies, beef jerky, and Portuguese porcelain tiles (azulejos).
Where is the best shopping? Shoppes at Venetian/Londoner for luxury; New Yaohan for department store goods.
Is there duty-free? Yes, Macau is a free port; alcohol and tobacco are cheap.
Can I buy electronics here? Yes, but prices are similar to Hong Kong.
Where can I buy cheap clothes? The street markets near the Three Lamps (Sam-lam) area.
Is it okay to haggle? Only in street markets; never in malls or pharmacies.
Can I bring jerky back to my country? Check your local customs; many countries (like the US) ban meat imports.
Are there 24-hour convenience stores? Yes, 7-Eleven and Circle K are everywhere.
Where can I buy Portuguese wine? Most supermarkets have a dedicated section with great prices.
Is Macau worth a second visit? Many find that the blend of luxury and history is worth returning for, especially as new resorts open.