Settling-in Macau
Macau Destination Guide
The Basics
Let’s Talk About Culture
Settling in Tips
Let’s Have Fun
Need Help?
The Basics
Where is Macau Located?
Macau is a special administrative region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Macau is located on the western bank of the Pearl River Delta in southern Guangdong Province, the People’s Republic of China – appends the Mainland city of Zhuhai and lies somewhere in the range of 60 kilometers toward the west of Hong Kong. Macau comprises Macau Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane. Macau Peninsula is the center of the region and is associated with Taipa by three bridges. A few international hotel resorts – with new supporting infrastructure – are located on the reclaimed land among Taipa and Coloane in the newly developed district known as Cotai.
The Portuguese arrived and settled in Macau in the mid 16th Century. Portugal rented Macau as the Macau special administrative region from the Ming dynasty and paid an annual rent until the end of the 19th Century. As a former Portuguese colony, the city’s architecture, art, religion, traditions, food, and community reflect the integration of Chinese, Western, and Portuguese cultures. Macau turned into a Special Administrative Region of China on 20th December 1999 and exercised a high degree of autonomy under the principle of “One country, two systems”. The SAR is developing in size with more structures on recovered land, and in the number and assorted variety of its attractions. In 2005, The Historic Center of Macau was recorded on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its unique historical and cultural landscape. Macau positions itself as the World Center of Tourism and Leisure as it forms into a quality international tourist destination.
Macau's Facts & Figures
| Land Area | : | 115.3km2 (44.5 sq mi) |
| Population | : | 650,900 |
| Density | : | 19,500 people per square kilometer |
| Government | : | Devolved parliamentary multi-party system within socialist republic |
| Time Zone | : | GMT +8 hours |
| Currency | : | Macanese Pataca (MOP) |
| Religion | : | 95% Han Chinese, 2% Macanese, 3%Others |
| Language | : | Chinese, Portuguese |
| Weather | : | Humid subtropical climate with average relative humidity between 75% and 90% (source: Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau) |
| Geography | : | Macau is situated 60 kilometers (37 mi) southwest of Hong Kong and 145 kilometers (90 mi) from Guangzhou of Mainland China. It also has 41 kilometers (25 mi) of coastline, yet only 310 meters (1,000 ft) of land border with Guangdong of Mainland China. It consists of the Macau Peninsula itself and the islands of Taipa and Coloane, which are now connected by landfill forming Cotai. The peninsula is formed by the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River) estuary on the east and the Xi Jiang (West River) on the west. It borders the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone in mainland China. The main border crossing between Macau and China is known as the Portas do Cerco (Barrier Gate) on the Macau side and the Gongbei Port of Entry on the Zhuhai side. |
Let’s Talk About Culture
Local Culture
The mixing of the Chinese and Portuguese societies and religious customs for over four centuries has left Macau with a novel gathering of occasions, celebrations and occasions. The greatest occasion of the year is the Macau Grand Prix in November when the principle lanes in Macau Peninsula are changed over to a circuit bearing similitudes with the Monaco Grand Prix. Other yearly occasions incorporate Macau Arts celebration in March, the International Fireworks Display Contest in September, the International Music Festival in October and November, the Macau International Marathon in December, and the East Asian Games.
The Lunar Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival and celebration normally takes place in late January or early February. The Pou Tai Un Temple in Taipa is the place for the Feast of Tou Tei, the Earth god, in February. The Procession of the Passion of Our Lord is a well-known Roman Catholic rite and journey, which travels from Saint Austin’s Church to the Cathedral, also taking place in February.
A-Ma Temple, which honours the Goddess Matsu, is in full swing in April with many worshippers celebrating the A-Ma festival.
In May it is common to see dancing dragons at the Feast of the Drunken Dragon and twinkling-clean Buddhas at the Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha. In Coloane Village, the Taoist god Tam Kong is also honoured on the same day.
Dragon Boat festival is brought into play on Nam Van Lake in June and Hungry Ghosts’ festival, in late August and/or early September every year. All events and festivities of the year end with the Winter Solstice in December. Macau preserves many historical properties in the urban area. The Historic Centre of Macau, which includes some twenty-five historic locations like the Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral, was officially listed as a World Heritage Site UNESCO on 15 July 2005 during the 29th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Durban, South Africa.
Cultural Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s
So sample a little of all the food that others offer to you. If you have strict dietary considerations, you might want to learn how to explain that in the local
language.
Do bring a small gift if you visit someone’s home.
Do cover your head when you’re in temples or mosques.
Don’ts
Don’t lose your temper. This is usually seen as a lack of respect for others. Don’t be offended by personal questions and remarks.
Don’t parade or display another country’s flag, make negative comments about the government or its leaders, you could be jailed for committing crimes against the party.
Don’t use your finger to point at people when you want their attention. Don’t sneeze, cough, or blow your nose while you’re at the dinner table.
Don’t stick your chopsticks vertically into your rice. Many view this act as bad luck because it resembles the incense sticks that Buddhists offer to the dead.
Settling in Tips
Getting Around
Light Rail Transit
Only Macau light rail Taipa Line Phase One is under construction. This subway line will link the Border Gate and Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal and contain 21 stations via Macau International Airport (MFM). It will open in 2019 or 2020. In the future, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) will entirely operate five subway lines.
Air Travel
Located on the east side of the outlying island of Taipa, Macau International Airport (MFM) has convenient transfers between the air and ferry services in the region. Its runway is on a narrow strip of reclaimed land and is connected to Taipa by two bridges. Flights leaving this airport take passengers directly to most destinations in this region and there are scheduled airlines between it and cities in mainland China including Beijing, Shanghai, Haikou, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Fuzhou and Chengdu and Taibei and Gaoxiong in Taiwan as well as Seoul and Inchon in Korean, Bangkok, Manila, Singapore and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Travelers can also catch connecting flights to other parts of Asia, Europe and America.
Train Services
Macau does not have a railway station or rail lines. But it is not far from Zhuhai Railway Station, which is just across Gongbei Port. Passengers from Mainland China can arrive there, pass the border to reach the city. The railway station has been connected with many cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Guilin.
Bus Services
A frequent bus service runs between the Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane. Route information in Chinese and Portuguese is posted at every bus stop detailing destinations, itineraries and stops.
The bus fare is MOP6.00 and passengers should prepare adequate coins for the fare as no change is given on the buses. The buses are all airconditioned. Routes go to and from different spots in the Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane including Macau International Airport. Some buses even traverse narrow streets and alleys in Macau.
Taxi Services
The taxi in Macau is in black with a cream roof. The flag-fall charge is MOP19.00 for the first 1600 metres, with MOP2.00 added for every 240 metres thereafter. MOP2.00 is charged for waiting per minute at the passenger’s request. There is a MOP3.00 surcharge for each item of luggage carried. For radio taxi service, please call +853 8500 0000 / 2828 3283.
There is a MOP5.00 surcharge for boarding a taxi at Macau International Airport, the taxi station of Taipa Ferry Terminal, the campus of the University of Macau or journeys from Macau to Coloane. From Taipa to Coloane, a MOP2.00 surcharge applies, while there is no surcharge from Macau to Taipa or from the islands to Macau.
In addition, there is also a special radio taxi service, which the vehicle is blue in colour. Like normal taxi, the fare of the special radio taxi is charged according to the taximeter, but with an additional hailing fee of MOP5.00 (this fee will be waived if the booking is made more than one hour in advance). For special radio taxi service, please call: +853 288 12345, visit http://macaotaxi.com/en/ or download mobile app “Macao Taxi”. For more information, please contact Macau Radio Taxi Services Limited at +853 8893 9999.
Ship
There are three ferry terminals providing schedule ferry serivices to Shenzhen (Shekou Port, Fu Yong Ferry Terminal in Shenzhen Airport) and Hong Kong (Tsim Sha Tsui, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Airport).
Food
Local cuisine in Macau consists of a mix of Cantonese and Portuguese food. Many dishes resulted from the spice blends that the wives of Portuguese sailors utilized trying to reproduce European dishes. Its ingredients and seasonings incorporate those from Europe, South America, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Typically, Macanese cuisine is prepared with different flavors and flavors including turmeric, coconut drain, cinnamon, and bacalhau, giving exceptional smells and tastes. Famous dishes include minchi, capella, galinha à Portuguesa, galinha à Africana (African chicken), bacalhau, Macanese chili shrimps and stir-fry curry crab. Pork chop bun, ginger milk, and Portuguese-style egg tart are also very popular in Macau.
Tipping
Tipping is not common practice in Macau as a 10% service charge is included in the price of most goods. However, a small tip is generally appreciated by bellhops and waiters.
Local Food
A special combination of Portuguese and Chinese cuisine, with ,ingredients and seasonings assembled from Europe, Africa, and South East Asia. Macanese food is particularly irresistible. Eminent for its flavor-mixing society, and normal cooking procedures, for example, baking, grilling, and roasting, Macanese food – with more than 450 years of history – is commonly seasoned with flavors, for example, turmeric and cinnamon, while some coconut mils top off the remarkable aroma and taste. Signature dishes most famously includes ‘Galinha à Africana’ (African chicken) and Macanese Chili Shrimps.
Some ‘must-try’ items are found on street stalls, with Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts) and ‘pork chop buns’ established favorites of Hong Kong and Taiwanese visitors.
Rua de S. Paulo, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro (popularly-known as ‘San Ma Lo’), Rua da Felicidade, Travessa do Auto Novo near Senado Square and Rua do Cunha in Taipa Village are the places to find local snacks, packed with shops selling Macau delicacies like almond cakes, egg rolls, peanut candies, roasted sliced meat and many other local specialties. Some of the snacks are cooked right in front of you – and all make excellent gifts for your nearest and dearest.
International Food
Macau is a brilliant decision for sampling international cuisine. Major hotels and upscale shopping centers offer different kinds of cuisines with different styles. Michelin star restaurants and international dishes are prepared by world-class chefs.
Macau offers various kinds of international cuisine such as Japanese cuisine, Korean barbecue, specialties from the US, France, Italy, India and Southeast Asia. The Rua de Abreu Nunes – also known as ‘Thailand Street’ – many Thai restaurants. Curry, boiled fish, and Tom Yum Goong soup are only some samples of Thai food. The Three Lamps District (Rotunda de Carlos da Maia) has turned into a magnet for various overseas Chinese from Myanmar throughout the years, who have conveyed the secrets of Myanmar cuisine to Macau with them, while Rua do Cunha in Taipa and Senado Square on the Macao Peninsula also enjoy the ‘Food Street’ reputation. The visitors can find an array of restaurants in the streets through this cosmopolitan city.
Medical Care
Government & Private Hospitals
Macau is served by one major public hospital, the Hospital Conde S. Januário, and one major private hospital, the Hospital Kiang Wu, both located in Macau Peninsula, and university associated clinic called Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital in Cotai. In addition to hospitals, there are numerous health centers providing free basic medical care to the residents. Consultation in traditional Chinese medicine is available as well. None of the Macau hospitals are independently assessed through international healthcare accreditation. There are no western style medical schools in Macau. All aspiring physician in Macau has to obtain their education and qualification elsewhere. Local nurses are trained at the Macau Polytechnic Institute and the Kiang Wu Nursing College. Currently, there are no training courses in midwifery in Macau.
Hospital Centre S. Januário (Government)
Address: Estrada do Visconde de S. Januário
Enquiries: +853 2831 3731
(Provides 24-hour emergency services)
Island Emergency Station of Hospital Centre S. Januário (Government)
Address: Block H (next to University Hospital), Macau University of Science and Technol-
ogy, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa
Enquiries: +853 2899 2230
(Provides 24-hour emergency services)
Kiang Wu Hospital (Private)
Address: Estrada Coelho do Amaral
Enquiries: +853 2837 1333
(Provides 24-hour emergency services)
University Hospital (Private)
Address: Block H, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa
Enquiries: +853 2882 1838
Health Centre
Centro de Saúde Macau Oriental (Tap Seac)
Av. Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, Macau
+853 2852 2232
Centro de Saúde Macau Norte (Bairro Fai Chi Kei)
Estrada Marginal de Patane, Macau
+853 2856 2922
Centro de Saúde Porto Interior (Hoi Pong Koi)
Rua Constantino Brito, n.o 11, 4o – 7o andar, Macau
+853 2892 0024 / 2892 0025
Centro de Saúde de S. Lourenço (Fong Son Tong)
Trav. Inácio Baptista, n.o 2, r/c, Macau
+853 2831 3418
Centro de Saúde Areia Preta (Hac Sa Wan)
Rua Central da Areia Preta, Lote de Terra 18
+853 2841 3178
Centro de Saúde dos Jardins do Oceano
Largo da Ponte, s/n, Taipa
+853 2881 3089
Centro de Saúde Nossa Senhora do Carmo-Lago
Área A,1.o andar do Edifício do Lago, Estrada Coronel Nicolau de Mesquita da Taipa
+853 2850 0400
Posto de Saúde Coloane (Lou Wan)
Largo Presidente António Ramalho Eanes, Coloane
+853 2888 2176
Posto de Saúde para os Idosos Taipa (Tam Chai)
Rua Regedor, Bairro Social da Taipa Bloco 9, R/C No.357J +
853 2882 7667
Posto de Saúde Provisório de Seac Pai Van de Coloane
Lote CN4 de Seac Pai Van de Coloane, Edifício Lok Kuan, Bloco 5, r/c
+853 2850 2001
Expat Housing in Macau
Almost everyone in Macau lives in an apartment, and new expats will require the assistance of a real estate agent to choose an apartment. Many apartments are furnished and have basic appliances such as a fridge and washing machine. However, lots of apartments do not have an oven, which means that you will have to buy one. Most expats opt for a countertop stove rather than a large one.
There are 9 residential areas in Macau; Border Gate, Ilha Verde, Areia Preta, Horta e Costa, Coronel Mesquita, Ferreira do Amaral, Fai Chi Kei, San Kio, Patane e Sao Paulo; it is best for the estate agent to go through the benefits of living in each area.
International Schools
Many of the schools in Macau are private or subsidized schools. International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Macau. International schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam.
There is usually local population, as well as an international student body. Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, etc. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.
Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.
International School of Macao (TIS)
Address: Avenida Wai Long, MUST Campus, Block K, Taipa, Macau
Tel: 853 2853 3700
School of Nations (SON)
Address: Avenida Wai Long, MUST Campus, Block K, Taipa, Macau
Tel: 853 2870 1759
Daily Needs
Banking
Macau is an offshore financial center labelled as a tax haven with a free port and no restrictions on the FOREX regimes. The financial business is regulated and supervised by the Monetary Authority of Macau. The section of Offshore non-finance business is controlled by the Macau trade & Investment Promotion Institute. Currently, there are 27 licensed banks in Macau and is also a hub of top commercial banks in Asia such as Banco Tai Fung and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China.
Since Macau is growing at a rapid pace for development and urbanisation, the banking sector is required to match the other established banking hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore.
1. Bank of China
http://www.bankofchina.com/mo
2. ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) Macau http://www.icbc.com.mo
3. Tai Fung Bank
http://www.taifungbank.com
4. Luso International Banking
www.lusobank.com.mo
5. Banco Nacional Ultramarino
https://www.bnu.com.mo
Groceries
With a population of just half a million, Macau imports most of its international food and beverage products through distribution channels in Hong Kong. Macau, like Hong Kong, is a free economy in which there is no restriction on the flow of goods and services, money or capital. One of the Macau Government’s core economic policies is to maintain a free port status with zero import duty for nearly all products. The main food retail stores in Macau are: ParknShop, Royal Supermarket and the supermarket at the New Yoahan department store.
Utilities
To supply to the Territory of Macau an essential service to its economic and social development, and to the well being of its population – the electricity supply. Coexists in CEM the public nature of a basic sector of activity with the private nature of its social capital.
Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM)
https://www.cem-macau.com/zh/
In 1985, Macao Water is owned by a joint venture named SUEZ NWS Limited (formerly known as Sino-French Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited) formed by French-based SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT (formerly known as Lyonnaise des Eaux) and NWS Holdings Limited from Hong Kong.
The Macao Water Supply Company Limited
https://m.macaowater.com/home
The joint venture company Sinosky Energy (Holdings) Company Limited, form by Macau Natural Gas Company Limited and its 50% joint venture partner, China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC), is in the process of preparing the construction of natural gas storage and transmission facilities, including a liquefied natural gas receiving terminal in the Macau International New Energy Island.
Macau Natural Gas Company Limited
http://www.macaunaturalgas.com/
Telephone and Mobile
Local calls are free from private telephones; at a public payphone they cost MOP$1 for five minutes. Most hotels will charge you MOP$3.
Macau’s telephone service provider is Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau. There are several conveniently located CTM branches in Macau, including a flagship store at Avenida Marginal do Lam Mou, the Praia, and another at Rua Pedro Coutinho, two blocks northeast of the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden.
Phone Codes
The international access code for every country, except Hong Kong, is 00. If you want to phone Hong Kong, dial 01 first, then the number you want; you do not need to dial Hong Kong’s country code (852). To call Macau from abroad – including from Hong Kong – the country code is 853.
Phonecards & SIM Cards
All payphones permit International Direct Dialling (IDD) using an Easy Call phonecard available for purchase from CTM for MOP$100. Rates are cheaper from 6pm to 9am on weekdays.
Domestic Help
Household helpers are readily available and can do anything from cleaning the house, washing clothes, to looking after the children and pets. Depending on the preference, one can either live in or come on a set schedule. If employing a live-in household helper, employers are required to provide either food or a separate food allowance.
It is recommended to only hire a household helper with good references and always take precautionary measures. Employers can ask politely to take a photograph of the new helper and make a photocopy of her National Identification card and keep both on file.
Let’s Have Fun
Entertainment
Known as the Las Vegas of Asia, Macau is more than just it’s nickname. It’s a certified entertainment capital. Apart from the opulence of luxury hotels and casinos attracting visitors and guests, Macau also offers unique entertainment and exciting events from local to international variety of shows, concerts, and performances.
CITY OF DREAMS
The House of Dancing Water will simply take your breath away. The show is a must-see when visiting Macau. A group of talented creatives has united for this spectacular show. It is created and directed by the world’s greatest show maker, Franco Dragone with more than 80 performers and performed in a USD $250 million custom-built theater with a 2,000 seating capacity.
THE VENETIAN THEATRE
The Venetian Theatre features an extravagant setting, after all, it’s housed in the biggest hotel casino in the world. Having hosted Chinese and International performers, it offers a luxurious venue where world-famous artists including acclaimed violinist Jue Yao, singing legend Elisa Chan, Grammy award winner George Benson, China National Symphony Orchestra, Swan Lake on Ice and more have conquered the stage.
GRAND LISBOA
An iconic architecture in Macau, it is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. The lotus shaped structure is home to the artistic and sexy Crazy Paris Show. The show has been running in Macau for 27 years and is definitely an unmatched attraction that truly complements the entire Grand Lisboa experience.
BROADWAY THEATRE AT BROADWAY MACAU
The epitome of entertainment in Macau, Broadway Theatre is one of Macau’s most watched shows. The auditorium offers the latest Asian and international performances for families and guests.
PARISIAN THEATRE
The Eiffel Tower at Parisian Macau may be the main attraction of the resort hotel but the Parisian Theatre is also just as popular. The 1,200-seat venue is not just designed for theatre performances but also for conferences, themed events, and even weddings.
Need Help?
Useful Contacts
Emergency
| Emergency | : | 999 / 110 / 112 |
| Hospital Centre S. Januário | : | 28313731 |
| Kiang Wu Hospital | : | 28371333 |
| University Hospital | : | 28821838 |
Copyright @ Asian Tigers Ltd • 15/1/2019
We make every effort to ensure the information contained in these destination guide is accurate and up-to-date. However, do keep in mind that the rules, regulations and other material in these guides change from time to time, so we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. We suggest that you contact the appropriate Asian Tigers office if you have any questions. They will be glad to help you.