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5,964 mi away
£1 MOP 10.99
Today
6:23 pm
+8h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Macau
Macau
25°
Moderate rain
Sat
23°
25°
Sun
24°
27°
Mon
23°
28°
Tue
23°
30°
Wed
25°
30°
Thu
26°
30°
Fri
24°
28°
SPF level in Macau
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Macau
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after you leave Macao.
You can visit Macao for tourism for up to 6 months without a visa.
For stays over 6 months, work, or study, you must get a visa before arrival.
You must stay in licensed accommodation when visiting Macao.
If you are travelling from a country with yellow fever risk, you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter.
Good to know:
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty upon entry to Macao.
To travel from Macao to mainland China, you must get a Chinese visa before arriving at the border.
Safety in Macau
Tips when travelling
Macau is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take particular care of your passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas.
Be aware of your wallet and other valuables when visiting casinos late at night.
Do not become involved with drugs as possession can lead to imprisonment.
If driving with a UK licence, get a 1949 international driving permit before you travel.
Be aware that Uber is illegal and the police will take action against drivers and passengers using unlicensed taxi services.
Bonus tips:
Register to drive if you plan to drive in Macao for more than 14 days.
Typhoon season runs from May to November, so monitor weather updates and follow local advice during this period.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Macau
UK driving licenses are valid for a limited period. Check local regulations for specifics, and it may be wise to obtain an International Driving Permit.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Health in Macau
As a British tourist, you should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency treatment and repatriation. While Macau doesn't have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check your policy carefully to understand the coverage and any exclusions.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice on vaccinations and health precautions before travelling to Macau. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Mosquito-borne diseases are uncommon but take precautions.
Cards & payments
Medium
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Macau
Tipping is not as widespread or expected in Macau as it is in some Western countries, but it is appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service, especially in Western-style restaurants. Not expected in local eateries.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is appreciated but not required.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is customary.
Hotel Porter
10-20 MOP per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 MOP per day, left in the room.
Tour Guide
100-200 MOP per day for good service.
Mobile & roaming
UK mobile users will not benefit from EU roaming agreements post-Brexit. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Macau. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM
10GB for 128 MOP (~£12.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Macau
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G, Type M
No UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
High
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is widely available in Macau, particularly in hotels, casinos, cafes, and restaurants. Many public areas also offer free WiFi. The internet is generally fast and reliable. Keep in mind that some websites may be blocked.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Macau
Country code
+853
To call a Macau number 6234 5678 from the UK, you would dial 00 853 6234 5678.
The international dialing code for Macau is 853. When calling Macau from abroad, you'll need to use your country's exit code, followed by 853, and then the local number.
Languages in Macau
UK Embassy
British Consulate-General Hong Kong
No. 1 Supreme Court Road, Hong Kong
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Macau
Beaches in Macau
Frequently asked questions
British citizens typically do not need a visa for tourist visits to Macau for stays of up to 6 months. However, you should always check the latest entry requirements with the Macau Public Security Police Force Immigration Department before you travel, as visa policies can change.
The best time to visit Macau is during the autumn months (October to December) when the weather is pleasant, with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures. Spring (March to May) is also a good time to visit. Avoid the summer months (June to August) due to high heat, humidity, and the risk of typhoons.
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Macau. Bottled water is readily available and is the safest option for drinking. When ordering drinks in restaurants, it's advisable to request bottled water or drinks made with purified water.
The official currency of Macau is the Macanese Pataca (MOP). Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are also widely accepted throughout Macau. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, casinos, and larger shops, but smaller establishments may prefer cash.
Be cautious of street vendors selling counterfeit goods, and avoid gambling with individuals who approach you unsolicited, as these could be part of scams. Always use reputable taxi services and ensure the meter is running. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure to prevent petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Macau blends Chinese and Portuguese cultures, so respecting local customs is important. When visiting temples or religious sites, dress modestly. It's polite to use both hands when giving or receiving business cards. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics and be mindful of noise levels in public places.
Macau offers various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and hotel shuttle services. Casino and hotel shuttles are often free and provide convenient transport between major tourist destinations. The public bus system is efficient and affordable. Taxis are readily available but can be more expensive during peak hours.
Lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended, especially during the warmer months. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly. While Macau is generally liberal, revealing clothing may not be appropriate in all settings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking and exploring.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.