Gold, traditionally smuggled in and out of Macau, can be purchased duty-free in the handy form of coins, small buddahs and mythological Chinese figures in a plethora of shops throughout the city.
Cantonese Cards
It’s easy to get around Macau by taxi, but be sure to carry your hotel card on you at all times and ask the concierge to write your destination down in Cantonese as very few cabbies speak English or Portuguese.
Correct Currency
ATM’s throughout Macau disburse patacas, the local currency (MOP) as well as Hong Kong dollars (HK$) which are accepted everywhere -your greenbacks (which are NOT) can be exchanged for HK$ by any casino teller, 24-hours a day.
Walk Around
Compact Macau is friendly, safe and conducive to exploration by foot – just grab the city map provided by hotels and hit the streets.
Weekday Bargains
With a winter full of events like Christmas and the Gran Prix, the territory has no real ‘low’ season. The best time to bag a bargain is during the weekday when ‘mainland’ tourists are hard at work back home.
Bargain Down
Don’t be afraid to offer vendors about 40% less than the asking price at markets, curio shops and stalls – bargaining is expected.
Multi-museum Passes
If you plan to visit more than one museum, purchase the Passe De Museus – it earns you free entry to Macau’s multiple museums including the Grand-Prix, the Maritime History museum and the Museu de Macau.
Bypass Customs
Landing in Hong Kong? Take the Turbo-Jet Sea Express hydrofoil straight from the airport to Macau in order to bypass HK immigration and customs formalities.
