Travel tips · Macau · China
Macau travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Macau was administered by Portugal for more than 400 years until 1999 and is now a Special Administrative Region of China. Its Cantonese-speaking population lives among Portuguese street signs, Catholic churches and Chinese temples, and the small Macanese community of mixed heritage has its own creole cuisine.
Key facts
- Language
- Cantonese, Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese
- Currency
- MOP
- Plugs
- Type G (UK-style) sockets mostly, some Type D and M, 220 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water meets treatment standards, but most locals boil it or drink bottled…
- Emergency
- 999 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- Dress modestly and keep quiet in churches and temples, and do not touch offerings on temple altars.
- Casinos require a minimum age for entry and do not allow photography on the gaming floor.
- Queue for buses and taxis; pushing in is frowned upon.
- Learn a few Cantonese words; English is common in hotels but less so in local cafés and on buses.
- Avoid blocking narrow pavements in the Historic Centre while taking photos.
- Book Macau Tower ahead: Bungee jumps and skywalks should be booked in advance, especially at weekends.
- The Historic Centre's churches, temples, squares and many small museums are free.
Tipping
Restaurants and hotels usually add a 10% service charge, so extra tipping is optional. Rounding up taxi fares is common but not expected.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nei hou | Hello (Cantonese) |
| M̀h'gōi | Thank you / excuse me (Cantonese) |
| Dò jeh | Thank you for a gift (Cantonese) |
| Obrigado / Obrigada | Thank you (Portuguese) |
| Bom dia | Good morning (Portuguese) |
What to wear
Light clothing for most of the year, plus a layer for icy air conditioning in resorts; casinos and upscale restaurants expect smart-casual dress.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type G (UK-style) sockets mostly, some Type D and M, 220 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water meets treatment standards, but most locals boil it or drink bottled water.
- Emergency number
- 999 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Free government Wi-Fi is available at many public places, and prepaid tourist SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy.
- Time zone
- Asia/Macau
Macau is generally safe for visitors. Watch for pickpockets in the Historic Centre crowds and avoid unofficial money lenders around casinos. In typhoon season, follow the official warning signals, when ferries and outdoor attractions may close.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check China's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Macau?
Restaurants and hotels usually add a 10% service charge, so extra tipping is optional. Rounding up taxi fares is common but not expected.
+Can you drink the tap water in Macau?
Tap water meets treatment standards, but most locals boil it or drink bottled water.
+What plugs are used in Macau?
Type G (UK-style) sockets mostly, some Type D and M, 220 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Macau?
Cantonese, Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese.