MACAU

FLAG

National Day October 1st

CURRENCY

Currency Pataca (MOP)

The MOP is the currency of Macau. if you have Hong Kong dollars, don't worry they are excepted everywhere.

VISA

Most travelers don't need a visa. Check with the nearest MACAU Embassy or Immigration office. Don't forget to check what the immigration officer stamps in your passport.

DID-INTERNET-GMT

DID 00

Country Code (853)

Internet (mo)

GMT + 8

ELECTRICITY

220 V 50 HZ

HOTELS

If you haven't gone to a Casino, you haven't been in Macau.

More on MACAU

by (Encyclopedia.com)

FACTS & DATA

State: China, Special Administrative Region

Head of State: President of China JIANG Zemin (since 27 March 1993

Head of Government: Edmund Ho Hau Wah - Chief Executive
Currency: Pataca (MOP)

Location: Pearl River Delta, 60 km west of Hongkong, 145 km south of Guangdong

Area: 23.8 sq.km

Temperature: 30°C in summer, 10-15 in winter

Capital:
Population: 440.000

People: Chinese 95%, Others 5% incl. Portuguese

Religion: Buddhist 50%, Catholic 15%, others 35%
Language: Mandarin, Portuguese, Cantonese, English

Major industries:

Health risks:
Time: GMT +7

Electricity: 220-240V
Weights & measures: Metric

Road traffic: Left side

Public transport: taxi ok

The famous almond cookies

NEWSPAPERS

English

People's Daily

Chinese

Macao's Daily News

UNIVERSITIES

University of Macau

Macau is like a little European enclave in a Chinese setting. It has a lot of old Portuguese charm in a gambling mad city. The "mainlanders " gamble 24 hours a day and have made Macau the No. 1 gambling place on earth. If you don't like gambling you have enough other things to do as the town offers a wide range of activities. The world highest sky jump from the Macau Tower will give you enough adrenaline, 234m sure will do it. Walk up to the Fortaleza do Monte from the Portuguese Embassy, a step road, check it out. Swimmers, surfers or just sun bathing can be done on Coloane island. The only thing which you shouldn't do in Macau is shopping, take the boat to Hong Kong.

AIR, direct flights from Bangkok, Kaohsiung, Manila, Singapore, Taipei and various Chinese cities. More alternatives are available via the Hong Kong airport. SEA, in 1 hour from Hong Kong in a speed boat or by helicopter 16 min. There is as well a ferry service to Shenzhen. ROAD, 2 1/2 hours bus ride brings you to Guangzhou former Canton.

Information	Currency Converter Language Population Ports Facts Religion Temperature
Official	Business Information Centre Facts Government Visa Holidays
Reference	Tourism Weather Currency Converter
Transport	Bus

Art and Museums

Food & Restaurants

Food

Travel

Airport Advise Car Rental Airport Hotels Travel Travel Warning

Emergency 999, 24 hours 110, 112, Police Force 573333 Kiang Wu Hospital Tel.371333 Tourist Office 340390 Lost property 519401 Taxis 967115

Macau has been over 150 years under Portuguese rule when it was given back to China on December 20th, 1999. The majority 95% of the population is Chinese, 3% are Portuguese and others 2%. The Portuguese influence can be seen everywhere. Macau is famous for it's casinos and nightlife. The people call themselves Macanese. Since the handover to mainland Chine a virtual boom has taken place.

Macau itself offers some nice sightseeing possibilities. St. Lawrence’s Church dating back to 1560, fort Barra to protect against the Dutch, Monte Fortress with approximate 100 old guns and the oldest temple in Macau A Ma.

The Ruins of St. Paul's, the oldest church in Macau dating back to 1602. It later became an army depot and was destroyed by a fire in 1835. It's a very popular tourist destination.

Fortaleza do Monte located next to St. Paul's on a hill, was built around the same time as the St. Pauls church to defend the Dutch. On top is the museum of Macau. You can as well see a large number of old guns pointing in all directions of the city.

The 338m high Macao Tower gives you a magnificent view all over Macau and the pearl river delta and a 234 m sky jump. You have the guts?

A Ma temple is dedicated to the Taoist Goddess of A Ma. It is the most famous of the Macau temples and gave the city it's name.

1 one hour speed boat ride brings you to Hong Kong. It's quite a fun ride. Don't forget your passport. There are 3 destinations. Hong Kong island where all the banks are and most of entertainment, bars, pubs and restaurants,. Kowloon, the "mainland", and the New Territories and a direct service to Hong Kong's international airport.

The typical Macanese food is a mixture of Chinese, mainly Cantonese Cuisine, Portuguese, Indian and Malay. Located by the sea, expect good fresh seafood. You'll find a wide range of international cuisines as well.. There are plenty of small food stalls and restaurants which serve home cocked Chinese fair. Some dishes are a little unusual but the locals enjoy it. An insider tip for Portuguese food is Fernando's restaurant on Coloane island. Open air on the beach.

Macau beer is a refreshing pale lager which suit well the climate. You'll find a range of international brews as well. San Miguel from the Philippines and Tsingtao from China are very popular. As a former Portuguese colony you'll find a wide range of Portuguese wines.

Macau never really sleeps. A lot of the nightlife is in the Casinos. There are plenty of them inclusive the big names from Las Vegas and the famous Casino Lisboa. They offer gambling, Bars, restaurant and the colorful shows. Along the waterfront where you'll find the Kun lam statue are quite a few bars and pubs. The other area is in Taipa around the Jockey Club.