Know Before You Go
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The official currency in Macau is the Macanese Patacas. However, you don't need to change your money as the Hong Kong Dollar is more widely used. You can use it pay for almost everything include entrance to museums and taxi rides.
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The two official languages are Cantonese and Portuguese. English is understood in the resorts and main tourist areas. It's recommended to look up the address in Chinese for taxi drivers to make sure you end up in the right place.
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There is free WiFi everywhere. If you need to get online, you won't have to hunt down a connection. Macau offers a territory-wide WiFi service in all public areas.
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Tipping is not customary. Most hotels and restaurants will automatically add a 10% service fee onto your bill. If you want to add a tip on top of this, it's appreciated but don't feel obligated.
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There are free shuttle buses. In Macau, you don't need to spend any money on transport. There are shuttle services that run from hotels to most of the main transportation hubs every day.
Getting Around Macau
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The best way to explore Macau is on foot. Due to its small size, you can easily walk to its most notable sites.
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If you get tired, you can hop into one of the metered taxis. Fares are inexpensive, and the cabs are equipped with a destination guide in both English and Chinese.
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Public buses run daily from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Fares start as low as MOP 3.20, and the routes run all over the peninsula. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs from the Macau Ferry Terminal and the airport to all the hotels in the city.
When is The Best Time to Visit Macau?
Macau's weather is known for its unpredictability. Black rain, typhoons, extreme heat and thunderstorms are just some of the regular weather patterns that occur.
But despite this, Macau still sees plenty of sunshine during the year.
Autumn is the best time to visit if you want the most predictable weather patterns. From September to December, temperatures are still warm enough to hit the beach, and it's a great time of year for outdoor activities.
Late December to January is when the winter season kicks in. While it doesn't get cold enough for snow, the days are crisp, and you'll need to wear a few warm layers. There's also little rain during this time, making it a viable time to visit if you don't mind the cooler temperatures.
The rainy season in Macau starts in spring. From March to May, the days are warm but a perfect day can quickly turn for the worst with sudden downpours and black rainstorm warnings. If you're planning your trip during this period, check the weather beforehand and book your holiday over a clear patch.
The summer months in Macau are hot with high humidity levels. From June to August, the heat can make going out for lunch feel like you've just run a marathon. There's also thunderstorms and the threat of typhoons that can derail any sightseeing plans. Summer is best avoided unless you're planning to stay in the air-conditioned safety of a casino.
Airports in Macau
Macau International Airport
Macau Airport is 10 km from the city centre. It's the only international airport in the city and serves as a hub for Air Macau. It's the most common transfer point for people travelling to China, Taiwan and other Southeast Asian destinations.
Getting To and From Macau International Airport
The most convenient way to get from the airport to your hotel is with the free shuttle bus. The buses wait outside the airport in the parking and depart every 20 minutes. The service runs from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and stops at all the major hotels in the city.
There are also various public buses that run at different times throughout the day. These are cheap and useful if your flight lands after the free shuttle service has stopped.
If you don't want to take public transportation, the airport has a fleet of taxis. Fares start at MOP 19 for the first 1,600 metres and include a MOP 5 airport surcharge. You'll also have to pay a MOP 3 fee for each piece of baggage.
