East Asia
Macau
Small and very safe, mixing Portuguese-era streets, Macanese food and giant Cotai casino resorts. Best as a short trip from Hong Kong; weekend hotels are pricey and nomad infrastructure is thin.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travel
- Visa85 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyMOPUS$1 ≈ MOP$8.08Details
- Price level55%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English2/5Limited
- PlugsType G, D, M220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · Tourist police +853 2833 3000 · All emergencies 999
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated to standard, but locals boil or filter it; hotels supply bottled water.
- LGBTQ+LegalDiscreet society with almost no visible scene; visitors rarely face problems, but couples usually keep a low profile.
- Internet322 MbpsMedian fixed broadband
- DrivingOn the left
Where to go in Macau
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacauCity | 5/5 | $2,230–3,460 | Mar, Oct–Dec | 30/100 |
When to visit Macau
Oct–Dec is dry, sunny and mild. Mar–Apr is humid; May–Sep is hot, wet and typhoon-prone. Golden Week and November's Grand Prix bring crowds and high prices.
Good to know
Entry
- Macau runs its own immigration; a mainland China visa or visa-free stay doesn't cover it.
- No arrival card: keep the printed Authorization to Stay slip given at the border.
- Carry an onward or return ticket; nationalities needing a visa can get one on arrival (MOP 200).
Laws visitors break by accident
- Casino gaming floors are 21+; carry a passport.
- Photography on casino floors is not allowed.
- Changing money with unlicensed street changers is a crime.
Etiquette
- Don't photograph players at casino tables.
- Ask before photographing worshippers in temples.
- Queue for buses; pushing in is frowned upon.
Tipping
Hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge; extra tipping isn't expected.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Macao SAR Government Portal: immigration clearance
- Macao Government Tourism Office
- CTM
- Speedtest Global Index: Macau
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.