Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in Macau.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 1 month after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 30 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
US has no offices in Macau; US Consulate General in Hong Kong is accredited to Macau; US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the Consulate General in Hong Kong [852] 2523-9011; US Consulate General in Hong Kong, 26 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
853
Local Emergency Phone
999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Macau: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers
Currency (Code)
Macanese pataca (MOP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
Cantonese, Mandarin, other Chinese dialects, Tagalog, English, Portuguese
Major Religions
folk religion 58.9%, Buddhist 17.3%, Christian 7.2%
Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Fortaleza do Monte; Maritime Museum & Fisherman's Wharf; Macau Tower; Giant Panda Pavilion; Guia Fortress; Coloane Island & Hac Sa Beach; Taipa Island & Taipa House; Senado (Senate) Square; Ruins of Saint Paul’s
Major Sports
Soccer, volleyball, basketball, dragon boat racing
Cultural Practices
Macau is an autonomous territory within China. A Portuguese colony until 1999, Macau has a diverse culture firmly rooted in Cantonese culture, with a mix of influences from East Asia and Western Europe. Macau is known for being the largest gambling center in the world.
Tipping Guidelines
A 10% service charge is usually included in most restaurants, but you can leave coins if paying with cash or round up the amount you wish to tip if paying by credit card. If a service charge is not included, you can leave 5-10% of the bill for good service. Round up taxi fares to the nearest dollar amount. Tip bellhops $1-2 (USD) per piece of luggage carried. Hotel staff, except bellhops, do not expect tips.
Souvenirs
Jewelry/watches, traditional silk robes; Chinese-inspired paintings, jade statues, and tea sets
Traditional Cuisine
Minchee — minced or ground beef or pork flavored with molasses and soy sauce and served with a fried egg on top
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, September 28, 2023
