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Before you go to Macao SAR China: what to know

Must know

  • Macao has its own immigration rules, separate from mainland China and Hong Kong; check your visa-free days for Macao specifically.
  • Bringing in e-cigarettes is prohibited; vapes are confiscated and fines apply.
  • Hong Kong dollars are accepted almost everywhere at roughly 1:1, but change is often given in patacas (MOP), which are hard to use outside Macao.
  • Gambling is legal only for those 21 and over; casino entry needs ID.
  • Typhoon signal 8+ suspends ferries and many services, mainly June–October.

Entry and visas

Many nationalities enter visa-free: British citizens up to 180 days, most EU states 90 days, and US, Russia, Belarus, India, Turkey and UAE 30 days. Other nationalities (except a short restricted list) can usually get a visa on arrival (MOP 200 single entry). Mainland Chinese residents need an Exit-Entry Permit with endorsement. No arrival card is required.

Passport validity: At least 90 days beyond the intended stay, subject to statutory exceptions for certain documents.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Entry slip is issued at immigration; keep it with your passport until departure.
  • Free casino/hotel shuttle buses run from the ferry terminals, airport and border gates.
  • Visa on arrival (if needed): MOP 200 single, MOP 300 multiple entry.

Customs

  • E-cigarettes are prohibited from import.
  • Declare cash over MOP 120,000 (or equivalent).
  • Duty-free per adult: 19 cigarettes (a full pack of 20 is over the limit) and 1 litre of spirits over 30% ABV.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: visatraveler.com ↗, macaotourism.gov.mo ↗, roafly.com ↗, gov.mo ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Amex, JCB

Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — works in some places

Where to exchange money

  • Use Hong Kong dollars directly if arriving from Hong Kong
  • Bank ATMs (BNU, Bank of China Macau, ICBC) with a low-fee card

Where not to exchange

  • Casino cashiers for currency exchange
  • Hotel desks

ATMs: ATMs at banks, casinos and ferry terminals accept foreign cards; many dispense both MOP and HKD.

Tipping: Hotels and larger restaurants add a 10% service charge. Taxis: round up.

  • HKD is accepted almost everywhere; MOP is rarely accepted in Hong Kong - spend patacas before leaving.
  • Casinos and big hotels take cards; small eateries and street vendors often prefer cash.
  • Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard do not work abroad; bring a foreign-issued card or cash.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: macaotourism.gov.mo ↗, macaotourism.gov.mo ↗, usa.visa.com ↗, mastercard.com ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Manufacturing, distributing, selling, importing or exporting e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products is prohibited, including carrying them across the border.
  • Smoking in most indoor and many outdoor public places; casinos only in designated smoking lounges.
  • Drugs incl. cannabis and CBD: severe penalties.
  • Gambling under age 21.
  • Littering and spitting: fines.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Carry your passport or ID at all times.
  • Drones require permission from the Civil Aviation Authority in most areas.
  • Working on a visitor stay is illegal.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, roafly.com ↗, ssm.gov.mo ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Buddhism and Chinese folk religion; Catholic heritage from the Portuguese era.

Clothing: Casual is fine. Some casinos and fine-dining restaurants ask for smart casual (no beachwear or flip-flops).

Etiquette

  • Respect queues at bus stops and attractions.
  • Be quiet and respectful in temples and churches.
  • Do not photograph casino gaming floors - it is prohibited.
  • Cantonese is the main language; Portuguese is official but little spoken; English is common in hotels.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: macaotourism.gov.mo ↗

Climate

Subtropical, similar to Hong Kong: mild dry winters, hot humid rainy summers, typhoons June–October. Autumn is best.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: 18°C / 13°C, cool, dry
  • February: Feb: 18°C / 14°C, cool, humid; Chinese New Year
  • March: Mar: 21°C / 17°C, mild, foggy
  • April: Apr: 25°C / 21°C, warm, humid; showers
  • May: May: 29°C / 24°C, hot; rain increases
  • June: Jun: 31°C / 26°C, hot, wet; typhoons possible
  • July: Jul: 32°C / 27°C, hot, humid; typhoons
  • August: Aug: 32°C / 27°C, hot; storms
  • September: Sep: 31°C / 26°C, hot; peak typhoon risk
  • October: Oct: 28°C / 23°C, warm, drier; good
  • November: Nov: 24°C / 19°C, pleasant, sunny; Grand Prix
  • December: Dec: 20°C / 14°C, cool, dry

Best season: October–December for dry, sunny weather.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: smg.gov.mo ↗, macaotourism.gov.mo ↗

What to pack

  • Type G plug adapter (some sockets Type D/M)
  • Light layer for cold casino and mall air-conditioning
  • Umbrella in the rainy season
  • Smart-casual outfit for casinos and fine dining
  • Passport for casino entry checks

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • E-cigarettes and vapes
  • CBD products

Practical

Plugs: Type G (also D/M), 220V, 50Hz

Water: Tap water is treated, but most visitors and locals drink bottled or boiled water.

Traffic: drives on the left

Mobile and eSIM: Prepaid SIMs/eSIMs from CTM and others; Hong Kong SIMs may roam. Free Wi-Fi (FreeWiFi.MO) in public places.

Apps: Google Maps, Macao Tourism app, Aomi (taxis)

Internet: Open internet; Western sites work normally.

Health: No vaccinations required. Hospitals: Conde S. Januário (public) and Kiang Wu (private).

Insurance: Not required; recommended.

Emergency: Police, fire, ambulance 999 (also 112)

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, macaotourism.gov.mo ↗, macaotourism.gov.mo ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.