About Macau
Time
Macau is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Climate
The autumn begins about September to October, at that time the Mainland China becomes cool. The autumn season in Macau is very short, the weather is stable and comfortable with clear sky. Further information can be found at the Macau Observatory’s website.
Language
Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages, Cantonese being most widely spoken. The official languages are used in government departments in all official documents and communications. English is generally used in trade, tourism and commerce.
Transportation
All major hotels provide pick-up service that can be booked in advance or arranged on arrival.
Taxis are air-conditioned and inexpensive, they are freely available at the taxi station outside the Airport. There will be a surcharge of five patacas and each piece of luggage carried in the trunk will cost three patacas.
Currency
The Pataca (MOP$) is divided into 100 avos and it is Macau’s official currency. MOP$ is linked to the Hong Kong dollar (HK$) which is accepted as currency in Macau. The exchange rate is MOP$103.20 = HK$100.00. There is an acceptable variation up to 10%. Roughly 10 Patacas is equivalent to 1 EURO and 8 Patacas is equivalent to 1 US Dollar. Foreign currency or travellers’ cheques can be changed in hotels, banks and authorised exchange dealers located all around the city.
Electricity
Electricity in Macau is at 220V, 50Hz. The power plugs used in Macau are of the three-pin, square-shaped or round-shaped type. It is suggested to check before using an electrical appliance.
Safety and Security
Macau is a very safe place. There are police stations and reporting centres throughout the territory and for emergency dial 999. There are also two new 24 hour emergency hotline numbers 110 and 112 meant to facilitate emergency calls by tourists from the mainland and abroad.
Passport and Visa
All visitors must hold a passport or a valid travel document. Please note that the validity of these documents must not be less than 30 days since the day you enter Macau. For more information about Visa requirements, please refer to Visit Visa / Entry Permit Requirements by clicking here. http://www.fsm.gov.mo
Business Hours
- Banks and government offices: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00 pm
- Shops (hours may vary): Generally open from 11.00am to 10.00pm every day
