Macau Destination Guides > Facts for The Visitors
 By Air
Macau International Airport opened in late 1995. It is linked by scheduled air services to Bangkok, Beijing, Brussels, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, Pyongyang, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei and other cities in China including Chongqing, Changsha, Dalian, Fuzhou, Hainan, Qingdao, Shenyang, Xi'AN, Xiamen, Yantai and Wenzhou.
These routes are operated by Air Macau, Air China, China Northern, China Northwest, China National Aviation Corporation, Asiana, Air Koryo, EVA Airways, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Sabena, Singapore Airlines, TAP-Air Portugal, Thai Airways, TransAsia Airways and Xiamen Airlines.
By Sea
Several fleets of hight-speed vessels serve the 40-mile route between Hong Kong and Macau: jetfoils, turbo-cats, jumbo-cats and hover ferries. There are more than 100 sailings throughout the day and evening, with all-night service by jetfoils.
Passengers are advised to be at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure in order to complete immigration formalities. Those arriving early can join stand-by lines for earlier sailings. Children over the age of 12 months pay full fare on all vessels. There are two terminals in HongKong. The main sea terminal and heliport are located in Shun Tak Centre, on the waterfront West of Central District on Hong Kong Island. It stands over the Sheung Wan station of the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) and adjoins a terminal for public buses and minibuses from many parts of Hong Kong, including the A2 Airbus from the airport. The terminal has passenger wharves and helipad, ticketing offices for current and advance sailings and flights, reservation offices of Macau hotels and travel agents, the Macau Government Tourist Office representative office and information counter. The China Ferry Terminal, which offers ferry services from the Kowloon side, is located on the Tshimshatsui waterfront alongside Harbour City, and is used for Jumbocats, and Hover-ferry sailing to and from Macau. It contains ticketing offices for current and advance sailings.
The Macau Maritime Terminal and heliport is situated in the Outer Harbour. It contains ticketing offices for travel to Hong Kong, Macau Hotel reservation of offices, car hire offices, travel agencies selling tours in Macau and to China, duty-free shops and restaurants, as well as luggage lockers, automatic teller machines a computerized information guide, money exchange and post office facilities.
Visas
If travel arrangements are made through an agent, the visa processing is handled by Macau operator.
A. Visas are required by all visitors except:
a) Nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, People's Republic of China, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America and Uruguay for a stay of less than 20 days;
b) Hong Kong residents with Hong Kong Identity Card can stay in Macau for a period of up to 90 days;
B. Visas are available on arrival in Macau.
There are three types: INDIVIDUAL MOP$100 for an individual traveller for a single stay of up to 20 days in Macau, children under 12 years of age pay MOP$50.
FAMILY - MOP$200 for couples, husband travelling with wife and or children (under 12 years) of same surname or on proof of their relationship.
GROUP - MOP$50 per person for bona fide groups of 10 or more.
Health
International Innoculation Certificates are not normally required unless cholera has been detected either in Hong Kong or Macau or in the area recently visited by the arrival.
Customs
On arrival, visitors are not usually bothered with customs formalities, but may be subject to a routine check. There is a 5% ad valorem duty on importation of electrical appliances and equipment.
On departure, there are no export duties on any articles: antiques, gold, jewellery, radios, cameras, etc.
However, Hong Kong customs authorities will only allow visitors one litre of spirits plus 200 cigarettes of 50 cigars or 250 gr. of tobacco into the British Colony duty free. Hong Kong residents are allowed to take in only one bottle of table or Port wine, plus 100 cigarettes 0r 25 cogars.
Foreign Currency
There is no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency which can be brought in or taken out.
Foreign currencies or traveler checks may be exchanged at hotels, banks and licensed money exchange bureau.
Taxis
There are plenty of licensed taxis, all with meters and painted black with a creamcoloured roof, joined by radio-called taxis in yellow color.
Pedicabs
A pedicab - a tricycle carriage with seating for two passengers, also known as a trishaw - is a slower but more romantic form of transport. Pedicabs are propelled by bicycles with several gears and are not at all the same as the rickshaw.
The Ferry Terminal and Hotel Lisboa are their two main pick up locations. It's good advice to settle on an agreed fare first. Some places of interest in Macau are located on hilltops, and it is physically impossible for pedicabs to take you up the rather steep inclines.
Bicycles
Bicycles can be hired from shops in Taipa, near the bus terminal. They are not permitted on either of the bridges.
Buses
Public buses and minibuses run from 6:45 a.m. to midnight. On all routes within the city. There are buses (Route 3, 3A, 10, 12, 23, 28C & 32) that provide regular service between the city and the piers for incoming or out going visitors.
There are buses from Macau to the islands with regular departures throughout the day, from 6:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Passengers are required to have the exact fare. Try to avoid traveling during the rush hour, when buses tend to become over crowded.
There is a bus stop close to Hotel Lisboa, just in front of a secondary school. You can enjoy a comfortable trip to the picturesque islands aboard an air-conditioned bus.
Bus number AP1 links the airport with the ferry terminal and downtown. It costs 6 patacas.
Hire Cars
Mokes - small jeep - like vehicles - painted in bright colours and good for especially exploring the islands, are available for hire with unlimited mileage. Drivers must be 21 years of age and hold a valid international license. |
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