Welcome to Macao

Move over Vegas – Macao, a one-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong, is the world’s largest gambling hub. This former Portugese colony made up of a peninsula and two small islands off the coast of southern China, is home to plenty of glitzy casino hotels, to be sure, but it’s also home to well-preserved colonial buildings, Chinese temples and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old city center.

Travel to Taipa island to see traditional Macanese houses, or to Coloane for laid-back village and beach visits. It’s a great place to have your fun and get a culture fix, too.

Unique Facts

• Macaou is home to one of the world’s most endangered languages, Patuá, a blend of Portuguese and Cantonese.
• The world’s highest bungee jump took place here – in fact, it’s the Guinness world Record holder. Jumpers are able to leap off the Macau Tower, 764 feet above the ground.
• The world’s longest sea bridge, at 34 miles, links Macau to Hong Kong and mainland China.
• Macau is home to the world’s only figure-eight Ferris wheel.
• The life expectancy in Macau is the second highest in the world, at 84 years.

Language

Macau’s official languages are Chinese and Portuguese.

When To Go

The best time to go to Macau is autumn or winter, from mid-October to December. It is rainiest from April to October. July through September is typhoon season.

Airports

Macau International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for one month beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of under 30 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Macau: Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type G. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Macanese Pataca

Getting Around

Be aware that road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States.

Public transportation includes taxi service, public bus service and ferries.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau
26 Garden Road, Central,
Hong Kong
Telephone: +(852) 2841-2211, +(852) 2841-2225, +(852) 2841-2323
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(852) 2523-9011
Fax: +(852) 2845-4845
acshk@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Macau Tourism Center
Largo do Senado, Edif. Ritz
Macao
Tel: +853 8397 1120

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 110, 999

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Macau. Use standard safety precautions when in congested areas and do not leave belongings unattended. Petty street crime, including pickpocketing, occurs in tourist areas, casinos and at the airport.