Travel
VISA information
All visitors are required to have a visa except nationals of countries which are exempted from a visa or entry permit. For more information on “Visa” and “Entry Permit” Exemption, please visit the website of the Macao Immigration Services of Public Security Police Force. http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/eng/EDoN.html#EDoN_VII
A Macao visa can be obtained through the Embassies/Consulates of the PRC (http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/) and should be used within its validity. Visitors may also apply for an entry permit or visa upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint. However, visitors from certain countries are required to obtain a visa in advance before their trip to Macao. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/eng/AfMV.html
How to reach Macao
By plane (Macau International Airport)
All major hotels provide a pick-up service which can be booked in advance or arranged upon arrival.
Taxis are conveniently available from the taxi rank outside the airport. Travelling from the airport to the venue (MPI) takes about 30 minutes (depending on the traffic condition). It costs about MOP 70.00 to MOP 100. A surcharge of MOP 5.00 is applicable, with each item of luggage carried in the boot charged at MOP 3.00.
By plane (via Hong Kong International Airport) and ferry:
An airport ferry service is available for passengers travelling to Macao via Hong Kong International Airport. Passengers can arrive in or depart from Macao via Hong Kong International Airport as a transit stop without having to pass through Hong Kong Customs and Immigration formalities and also without the inconvenience of carrying their luggage to the Ferry Terminal. The ferry trip from Hong Kong International Airport to Macao ferry terminal (Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal) takes approximately 45 minutes (please see the list of ferry companies below). Travelling from Macao ferry terminal to the venue (MPI) only takes about few minutes by taxi (it’s within 10 minutes walking distance).
By ferry:
1) Hong Kong → Macao
Hong Kong has three major terminals that service Macao-bound routes: Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Shun Tak Centre located on Hong Kong Island, the China (HK) Ferry Terminal located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon and Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal in New Territories. The trip takes about 1 hour.
2) Shenzhen, China → Macao
There is a ferry service between Macao (Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal) and Shenzhen (Shekou and ShenzhenAirport – Fu Yong Ferry Terminal). The trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
There is also a ferry service between Macao (Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal) and ShenzhenAirport – Fu Yong Ferry Terminal. A ferry service between Macao (Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal or Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal) and Shekou, Shenzhen, is also available. The travel time is about 1 hour.
3) Guangzhou (Nansha), China → Macao
There is a ferry service between Macao (Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal) and Guangzhou (Nansha) on weekends.
Companies offering ferry services:
TurboJET
For enquiries, please call Hong Kong +852 2859 3333
International toll free Tel: 00800 3628 3628 (available in Mainland China, Macao and Taiwan)
E-mail: reservation@turbojet.com.hk
Website: http://www.turbojet.com.hk
The Cotai Strip CotaiJet™
For schedule and booking enquiries, please call Hong Kong +852 2359 9990
Macao (853) 2885 0595
Website: http://www.cotaijet.com.mo
Local bus transportation information
http://www.dsat.gov.mo/bus/en/search_index.aspx
Currency
The Pataca (MOP) is Macao’s official currency.
By the decision of the Government the Pataca is linked to the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). The exchange rate is MOP103.20 = HKD100.00. There is an acceptable variation up to 10%. Roughly 8 Patacas is equivalent to 1 US Dollar.
Foreign currency can be changed in hotels, banks and authorised exchange dealers located all around the city. If the visitor needs to change money outside the usual banking hours, there are 24 hours exchange counters operating in the Macau International Airport (Taipa Island) and in the Lisboa Hotel (Macao). Banks open normally from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Most credit cards are accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants.
Language
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.