| Introduction Macau is on the southeastern coast of China, on the west bank of the Pearl River Delta. It is a 50-minute jetfoil journey from Hong Kong and 145 km from Guangzhou. Macau has a total area of 23.8 sq. kms, which includes the Macau peninsula, connected to the People's Republic of China by a narrow isthmus, the island of Taipa and the island of Coloane. The total population is around 430,500 -- of which 95 per cent are Chinese. The remainder is Portuguese and other nationalities. The charm of Macau is in this mixture of culture, with squares such as Leal Senado and Lilau, churches like St. Joseph Seminary and St. Lawrence, fortresses such as the Monte and Guia, and temples like A-Ma and Lin Fong. To this heritage is added the bustle of ancient streets in the Chinese district, the distinctive Avenida Almeida Riberiro, the rattle of "mahjong" games and the strong aromas of Chinese and Portuguese cuisine. Macau is a blend of cultures, people, aromas, flavours and styles. Visas : Macau was reunited with China on 20 December 1999. Entry rules are similar to Hong Kong, i.e. many nationalities are issued with limited tourist visas on arrival. Note: If you are also intending to visit Mainland China you will need a separate China Visa. Macau law demands that everybody carry identification at all times. Customs : There are no restrictions on the amount of currency that you can take into and out of Macau. Visitors may take unlimited amounts of alcohol and cigarettes into Macau. Time : Macau time: GMT + 8 hours Currency : Pataca (ptcs or MOP) 100 cents = HK$1 100 avos = 1 Pataca Notes issued - MOP1,000, MOP500, MOP100, MOP50, MOP20 Coins issued - MOP10, MOP5, MOP1, 50 avos, 20 avos, 10 avos Hong Kong Dollars are welcomed as equivalent currency (with a very marginal difference); however change will always be given in Patacas. Tipping : Almost restaurants and hotels add 10%. Tipping is not expected but is appreciated - tip porters and hotel staff around MOP5-MOP10. Banking Hours :Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm Saturday 9.00 am to 12.30 pm Language : Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages. Cantonese is widely spoken, while Mandarin is also very popular. English is generally used in shops, restaurants and hotels. Telephone : The international dialling code for Macau is 853 (there are no individual area codes in Macau) When calling overseas from Macau dial 01 + country code + area code + telephone number. Electricity : 220 V AC 50 cycles in most places. Some older buildings still use 110V. Plugs are usually 3 round pins. Water : Tap water is safe to drink and bottled water is widely available. International Airport : Hong Kong International Airport (opened in July 1998) at Chek Lap Kok. Macau International Airport was opened in 1998. International Airport Departure Tax : On flights to China: MOP80 (MOP50 for children aged 2 to 12). For all other destinations: MOP130 (MOP80 for children). Transit passengers who continue their journey within 24 hours of arrival are exempt from the above. How to get there? : Travelling to and from Macau is very convenient. Visitors can choose to arrive either by air, sea or land. Many airlines link Macau International Airport with other destinations in Asia. The sea route between Macau and Hong Kong is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with 24-hour traffic by fleets of high-speed ferries and jetfoils, as well as a helicopter service. Since Macau is connected to mainland China by land, there are also regular buses crossing the two borders. Dress Code : In general, casual to smart clothes are worn; although some restaurants and bars do have a dress code. On beaches, topless sunbathing is never acceptable. Diplomatic Missions : The Portuguese Consulate General is now located in the building formerly known as the Hotel Bella Vista. Climate : Macau's climate is fairly warm with temperatures ranging from 16-25 degrees. - The best season is autumn (October - December) when days are sunny and warm and the humidity is low. - The winter (January March) is cold but sunny. - In April, the humidity starts to build up and from May to September the climate is hot and humid with rain and occasional tropical storms (typhoons). |
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