The Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) is a part of China旧 territory. It is located on the Southeast coast of China to the western bank of the Pearl River Delta. Bordering on Guangdong Province, it locates 60km from Hong Kong and 145km from the city of Guangzhou.

The Macau Special Administrative Region has an area of 28.6  sq. km, comprised of the Macau Peninsula (with 9.3 sq. km and connected to Mainland China), the islands of Taipa (6.5 sq. km) and Coloane (7.6 sq. km)and the reclaimed area COTAI (5.2 sq. km).

The total population was estimated to be 531,400 . About 94% are ethnic Chinese, from different provinces, namely Guangdong and Fujian. The remaining 6% includes Portuguese and other regions.

The Pataca (MOP$) is divided into 100 avos and it is Macau’s official currency. There are banknotes and coins in the following denominations:
Coins: 10, 20 and 50 avos; 1, 2, 5 and 10 Patacas.
Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Patacas.

By the decision of the Government the Pataca 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.

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.

Local calls in Macau are free of charge when made from a private phone. When using a public phone, they cost MOP$1.00. Phone cards can be purchased for MOP$50.00, MOP$100.00 or MOP$150.00 and they can be used as well as coins in public phones located all around the city and the islands. In the busiest areas there are also credit card phones. If you would like to use your mobile phone while in Macau, please contact the information services, dialing 1000(CTM), 1118(Hutchison Telecom) or 1628(SmarTone). Besides, Hutchison Telecom Network is now providing the Mobile Tour Guide Service. Visitors can listen to the voice information service by dialing the Spot Code #83.

Macau located at the west bank of Pearl River Delta in South China, is the intersection of Mainland China and South China Sea. It is also located at the south of tropic of Cancer. The winds directions in winter and summer are opposite. Therefore, Macau is in the monsoon region and from the climate classification is considered mild and rainy in summer. The most comfortable period begins from the middle of October to December.

The winter season in Macau covers the months January and February. The cold air from north Siberia continuously passes through the Mid and South China into Macau region and brings us cold and dry northerly winds. The urban temperature sometimes drops below 10ºC. Therefore, the annual minimum temperature is generally recorded in these two months. When the precipitation and rainy days are less it is because there is lack of water vapour in the atmosphere.

March and April is the seasonal interchange period. The wind direction along the coastal region of South China is mainly easterly to southeasterly, which will increase the temperature and humidity. Beside some occasional wet weather, fog, drizzle and low visibility days, the weather is mainly fine in spring.

The summer in Macau is longer than the other seasons. Because of hot and wet conditions, the bad weather such as thunderstorm and heavy rain always occur from May to September. Waterspout can be seen occasionally.

Meanwhile from May to October, tropical cyclones occur frequently which make the highest records of precipitation, temperature, rainy days and thunderstorms. As local tropical cyclones number 8 typhoon signal is hoisted the sea and air transports are suspended.

The autumn begins at 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. It finally returns to the cool and dry November. The cold air from the north will intrude periodically in December.

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China since 20 December 1999, and, like Hong Kong, benefits from the principle of ‘one country, two systems? The tiny SAR is growing in size - with more buildings on reclaimed land - and in the number and diversity of its attractions. The greatest of these continues to be Macau’s unique society, with communities from the East and West complementing each other, and the many people who come to visit.

There are two kinds of taxis: the black with cream roof ones and the yellow ones. The flagfall charge is MOP$11.00 for the first 1500 meters. MOP$1.00 will be added for every 180 meters afterwards. Waiting on passengers' request will be charged for MOP$1.00 for every 50 seconds. There is also radio-taxi-service - tel. (853) 2893 9939 or (853) 2851 9519.

There is a MOP$3.00 surcharge for each piece of luggage carried in the boot; MOP$5.00 surcharge for boarding taxi at the Macau Airport or journeys from Macau to Coloane; no surcharge from Macau to Taipa or from the islands to Macau, but between Taipa and Coloane, a MOP$2.00 surcharge applies.

In order to eliminate the language barrier between taxi drivers and passengers, the Macau Government Tourist Office has provided most taxis with a destination guide which includes the names of the most requested destinations in Chinese, Portuguese and English. When used together with a map, this guide will reduce many of the usual misunderstandings.

In Macau visitors will find an efficient bus service, not only in the city but also in the islands. Visitors can look for the destinations, itineraries and stops in the information panels located at every bus stop. All the buses have air conditioning. Between Macau and Taipa visitors can catch buses 11, 22, 28A, 30, 33, 34 and also the airport bus AP1. Buses 21, 21A, 25, 26, and 26A connect Macau, Taipa and Coloane.

There are other buses circulating around the Macau peninsula. For detailed information, please call (853) 28850060 / (853) 28271122 or visit the following websites:
- Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos de Macau, S.A.R.L
- TRANSMAC - Transportes Urbanos de Macau, S.A.R.L.

For journeys on Macau peninsula there is a flat fare at MOP$2.50. If you travel to Taipa, it costs MOP$3.30 and if your destination is Coloane village MOP$4.00. If you go to Hác Sá you will pay MOP$5.00.

For those wishing to go from Macau to the Airport or back, the special bus service AP1 costs MOP$3.30 per person.

The pedicab, or tricycle rickshaw, is a liesurely and romantic form of transport around the waterfronts of Macau (it is not designed for hill climbing), and offers visitors a chance to see and photograph the sights, while chatting with the drivers. The main locations for hiring a pedicab are outside the Macau Ferry Terminal and opposite the main door of the Lisboa Hotel. They usually charge MOP$150.00 per hour. You should agree on the price before starting your trip.

If you like to go around by yourself with a map and Guide, you can hire a car. For permission on driving in Macau, please consult the Public Security Police Force at Tel: (853) 2837 4214, Fax: (853) 2852 3407 or email: info@fsm.gov.mo.

Information for car hire:
Vacations International Travel Service (Macau) Limited
Address: in the car park of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Tel: (853) 2833 6789
Fax: (853) 2831 4112
Information or reservations in Hong Kong - Tel: (852) 2576 6831
E-mail: avis@avis.com.mo
Website: http://www.avis.com.mo

Happy Rent a Car Company Limited 
Address: Istmo Ferreira do Amaral, n^o64-C, r/c, Macau
Tel: (853) 2843 9696

Burgeon Rent A Car Limited 
Address: Avenida do Nordeste, s/n^o,Edifício La Baie Du Noble, Bloco 2, r/c, Macau 
Tel: (853) 2872 2188

Helicopter
East Asia East Asia Airlines and Heli Express Limited co-operates aircraft between the helipads on the Macau and Hong Kong Ferry terminals. Each flight takes only approximately 16 minutes. Macau to Hong Kong service operates from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and the Hong Kong to Macau service operates from 9:30 a.m. to 10:59 p.m.

The helicopter service between Macau Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, PRC is also provided. The journey takes about 15 minutes at day and 25 minutes at night. Macau to Shenzhen service operates at 9:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. and the Shenzhen to Macau service operates at 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.

Passengers can enquire for flight details from their Hotline: Macau (853) 2872 7288; Hong Kong (852) 2108 9898, Shenzhen: (86)755 - 2777 8333 or visit the website: www.heliexpress.com

Aircrafts
Tourists can use the Macau International Airport for travelling to several destinations in the region on direct flights or catch connecting flights to different portsof Asia, Europe or America. The airport is located on Taipa Island and is 15 minutes away from the Macau Ferry Terminal, 20 minutes from the Barrier Gate and only 10 minutes away from the COTAI Frontier Post. It operates 24 hours a day. For detailed information on flight schedules, please dial (853) 2886 1111 or visit http://www.macau-airport.com (To read about the Regulation on Liquids Carried on Passenger Hand Baggage, please visit http://www.aacm.gov.mo)

Reservations on Air Macau flights can be made through telephone number (853) 8396 5555 or website: http://www.airmacau.com.mo Air Macau counters are located at the Airport (Departures - 2nd floor) and 398 Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, R/C, Macau. Viva Macau flights can be reserved at Tel: (853) 2871 8880, through their website, http://www.flyvivamacau.com or visit their office at Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, 181-187, Edf. Jardim Brilhantismo, 9 andar, (I), Macau.

There are approximately a dozen and a half companies flying to and from Macau, connecting to several cities in Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asia. (For detailed information on immigration and customs formalities, you can visit the Immigration Services website at http://www.fsm.gov.mo).

Transportation Service
All major hotels provide pick-up service which 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.

To and from Hong Kong
Tourists can find quite a number of jetfoils, Catamarans and ferries available, run by TurboJET, First Ferry and the Cotai Strip CotaiJet™.

TurboJET
Journeys will take one hour from Hong Kong to Macau and vice versa operating almost 24 hours. Drinks and snacks are available on board. The ticket prices range from MOP142 in Economy class on weekdays day service to MOP176 Economy class for night service. Tickets in Super class range from MOP244 to MOP275, VIP cabins for 4 to 6 persons are available at prices from MOP976 to MOP1,650. Trips are made between the Hong Kong Ferry Terminal (located in the Shun Tak Centre at Sheung Wan) and the Macau Ferry Terminal (located in the Outer Harbour). For inquiries call Macau (853) 8790 7039 or Hong Kong (852) 2859 3333. For telephone bookings, call Hong Kong (852) 2921 6688. You can also visit the website: www.turbojet.com.hk

First Ferry
Catamarans from the First Ferry offer roundtrip sailings to and from Macau and Kowloon, arriving at the China (HK) Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. The journey takes about 60-75 minutes. The ticket price ranges from MOP140 to MOP275. For details, please call Hong Kong (852) 2516 9581 or Macau (853) 2872 6301. You can also visit the website: www.nwff.com.hk

The Cotai Strip CotaiJet™
The company runs ferry service between Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal and Macau Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. Fares range from MOP142 to MOP154 for Class; from MOP244 to MOP260 for First and from MOP1,952 to MOP2,080 for VIP Cabin. Enquiries for schedule and booking please call HK (852) 2359 9990, Macau (853) 2885 0595, or visit the website: www.cotaijet.com.mo

Note: Ticket fares are for reference only

To and from Shenzhen
The Yuet Tung Shipping Co. offers a ferry service departing from Macau (at the end of Av. Almeida Ribeiro, Rua das Lorchas, near the Macau Masters Hotel, Pier 11A) at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.,6:15 p.m and 8:15 p.m. Tickets cost MOP129 for adults and MOP78 for children. Passengers departing from She Kou (Shenzhen) can travel at 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The trip takes about one hour and twenty minutes. Please call (853) 2857 4478 for detail.

TurboJET's service also extends to carrying passengers to and from Shenzhen. The company offers trips between Macau and Shenzhen Fu Yong Ferry Terminal (9:45a.m., 10:45 a.m.*, 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. departing from Macau; 10:30 a.m.*, 1:30 p.m., 5:25 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.# departing from Shenzhen). The journey is just over 1 hour. Ticket fares vary from MOP171 to MOP1,626. For more information, please visit http://www.turbojet.com.hk/turbojet_sailing_rev.htm.

*Available on Saturday and Sunday.
#Available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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.

If travel arrangements are made through an agent, the visa processing is handled by Macau tour operators.

Visas are required by all visitors except:
a) Residents of Macau;

b) Nationals of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Croatia, Czech, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Malta, Mongolia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania and the United Kingdom(6 months) for a stay up to 90 days;

c) Nationals of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United States of America and Uruguay for a stay up to 30 days;

d) Nationals of China with valid Macau entry/depart documents, including residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas Chinese for a stay of up to 30 days;

e) The "Hong Kong Identity Card" (with symbol "*", "***" or "R", "Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card" or "Hong Kong Reentry Permit" holders may stay in Macau for a maximum period of one year.

f) Holders of Diplomatic Passport or "Laissez Passer" issued by the United Nations.

g) Holders of Consulate/Diplomatic documents issued by the Macau SAR or Hong Kong SAR.

Visas can be obtained from the Immigration Services through Embassies/Consulates of the PRC and should be used within the validity, the visa is expired after the valid date. Visas are also available on arrival in Macau at the Immigration Services for a period of 30 days.

If travel arrangements are made through an agent, the visa processing is handled by Macau tour operators.

For further information, please call the Macau Immigration Services of Public Security Police Force: (Macau area code) 853 - 2872 5488 or visit the website: www.fsm.gov.mo

On arrival
Visitors are usually subject only to routine inspections. The importation of firearms without special permission is not allowed as well as other illegal and dangerous items. Drug trafficking is punished by law!

Other items are not restricted nor subject to the importation duties, providing they are carried in reasonable quantities and contents.

More information: http://www.customs.gov.mo

On departure
There are no export duties in Macau: antiques, gold, jewelry, radios and cameras among other items are duty free articles.

However, Hong Kong SAR customs authorities will allow visitors, aged 18 or above, one litre of alcoholic liquor and 60 cigarettes or 15 cigars or 75 grammes of other manufactured tobacco into the Hong Kong SAR duty free. Visitors holding Hong Kong Identity Cards must have spent 24 hours or longer outside Hong Kong in order to be qualified for the above duty-free concessions.