Practical Information

Macau's unit of currency is the pataca. Pegged to the value of the U.S. and Hong Kong dollars, a pataca is worth slightly less than one Hong Kong dollar and is valued at 8 patacas to U.S. $1. The state-owned Instituto Emissor de Macau issues currency and controls the money, finance, and foreign exchange markets. There are numerous commercial banks in Macau, many of which are foreign-owned (principally European and Chinese).  Most transportation and businesses accept the Hong Kong dollar.

Travelnotes

Customs--U.S. and Thai passport holders do not need visas to enter Macau.

Transportation

Visitors can go to Macau from Hong Kong by ferry (about a 3-hr. trip), or by hydrofoil or jetfoil (about 1 hr.) from Hong Kong or Kowloon.  For travelers using Macau as a transit stop to Hong Kong, a convenient "ExpressLink" service whisks travelers and baggage directly from the airport to the ferry terminal, minimizing customs procedures for entry and exiting through Macau. 

Helicopter flight takes 16 minutes from Hong Kong Island. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Several hotels provide transportation from the ferry pier. Public buses are available.

Telecommunications

Most hotels have facilities for overseas phone calls and cables. Most contain business centers with a wide range of services. Overseas calls also can be made from the General Post Office. Access to international communications carriers is via Hong Kong and China. Macau is 12-13 hours ahead of eastern standard time, depending on daylight savings time in the United States.

Health

No inoculations are currently required. Travelers should check latest information.

Link to EAP Country Information page | Back to EAP Background Notes

Back to EAP Bureau Home Page | Return to DOSFAN Home Page

This is an official U.S. Government source for information on the WWW. Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.