City, Macau
Macau
Small, walkable mix of Portuguese streets, temples and giant casino resorts, best as a day trip or short stay from Hong Kong. Nightlife is casino-centered; costs are lower than Hong Kong.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,230–3,460Comfortable, one person · MOP$18,000–28,000Details
- Value for money30/100Better value than 29% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar, Oct–DecWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Internet322 MbpsFixed broadband, Macau medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated to standard, but locals boil or filter it; hotels supply bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$37–87Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPublic busVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashHong Kong dollars are accepted near par; change comes in patacas.Details
Where to stay in Macau
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Macau Peninsula (Senado Square) | Heritage streets, egg tarts, budget and mid-range hotels |
| Taipa Village | Quieter, Portuguese-style lanes, restaurants and cafés |
| Cotai Strip | Mega-resort hotels, shows and shopping; expensive and busy |
Apps that work in Macau
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WeChat or WhatsApp
- Macau Pass: Buses, light rail and small payments
- Taxis: Taxis are metered; some drivers dislike short fares or Chinese-language-only requests. Hand-written Chinese addresses help.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Macau.
- Mixed: cards and cash Hong Kong dollars are accepted near par; change comes in patacas. Cards work in hotels and casinos; small eateries prefer cash.
- Currency: Pataca (MOP). US$1 ≈ MOP$8.08 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: BNU, Bank of China and casino ATMs take foreign cards; many dispense HKD or patacas; fees vary.
- Tipping: Hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge; extra tipping isn't expected.
- Paying by phone: Alipay, WeChat Pay and Alipay+ wallets widely accepted; Apple Pay at hotels and chains; Macau Pass card for buses.
Before you go
Visa and 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).
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · Tourist police +853 2833 3000 · All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type G, D, M · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
CTM sells prepaid travel SIMs and eSIMs, some also covering Hong Kong and mainland China; real-name registration with a passport. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Macau solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Macau meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.