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Information About Macau
IAAPA Blog Item: What To Do, See, and Eat in Macau
Macau Government Tourist Office
Where is Macau?
Why do I see different spellings for Macau?
How do we get there?
Do we need visas?
What is the local currency?
What language is spoken in Macau?
How do we get around Macau?
How can we arrange a side trip to China?
Where is Macau?
Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China since December 1999. Looking at the southwestern coast of china on a map, you will see Macau at the mouth of the Pearl River, south of Guangzhou and southwest of Hong Kong. Covering a total of 28.2 square km.—less than one-sixth the size of Washington, D.C. – it consists of the mainland city, which is linked to the islands of Taipa and Coloane by bridges and a causeway.
Why do I see different spellings for Macau?
The traditional spelling is Macau, however some businesses are choosing to use Macao, which is considered to be the English spelling. The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, using the “o” ending is the proper name of the Asian Attractions Expo 2008 property, however for all other usage, IAAPA has chosen to use the traditional spelling.
How do we get there?
Ideally, you can fly into Macau International Airport (MCM) and IAAPA will have more details on flights to Macau in early 2008. For now, many visitors get to Macau via Hong Kong. A fleet of speedy ferries operates 24 hours a day, whisking visitors between Hong Kong and Macau. The journey across the Pearl River takes an hour or less, refreshments are available aboard the ferry, and passage through immigration a
nd customs is usually fast and efficient.
Do we need visas?
It is not likely that you will need a visa to travel to Macau. There are a few countries that have not yet signed visa-free travel agreements, but usually anyone with valid travel documents can enter for up to 30 days. Those who do need a visa can get it on arrival.
What is the local currency?
The Macanese pantaca (written MOP$) is equivalent to the Hong Kong dollar; USD$1 = MOP$8. Hong Kong dollars and Chinese RMB are freely circulated in Macau.
What language is spoken in Macau?
Cantonese is the primary language of Macau and is spoken by nearly 90 percent of the residents. Portuguese is also an official language of Macau.
How do we get around Macau?
The city is very compact and many places are well within walking distance. Otherwise you may choose to take taxis. Drivers carry multilingual but often don’t speak English, so be sure to have the hotel concierge write your destination out in Chinese.
How can we arrange a side trip to China?
Although Macau is now part of China, there is still a border between them and foreigners need visas to cross. That said, a visa is easily arranged and well worthwhile. You can spend a few hours in Gongbei, the border town that is a short walk from Macau, or take a bus tour around Zhuhai and Zhongshan. For golfers, there are half a dozen internatonal-standard courses less than an hour’s drive from Macau. The Chung Shan Golf Club was the first to be built in modern China. With courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, it is one of the best golf clubs in Asia.