Macau is located in Guangdong province, on the western bank of the Pearl River Delta, at latitude 22º 14º North, longitude 113º 35º East and connected to Gongbei District by the Border Gate (Portas do Cerco) isthmus.

The Macau Special Administrative Region has an area of 29.5 sq. km, comprised of the Macau Peninsula 9.3 sq. km and connected to Mainland China), the islands of Taipa (6.8 sq. km) and Coloane (7.6 sq. km) and the reclaimed area COTAI (5.8 sq. km).

The total population was estimated to be 544,600 . About 94% are ethnic Chinese, from different provinces, namely Guangdong and Fujian. The remaining 6% includes Portuguese and other regions.

The Pataca (MOP$) is divided into 100 avos and it is Macau's official currency. There are banknotes and coins in the following denominations:
Coins: 10, 20 and 50 avos; 1, 2 and 5 Patacas.
Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Patacas.

By the decision of the Government the Pataca is linked to the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). The exchange rate is MOP$103.20 = HK$100.00. There is an acceptable variation up to 10%. Roughly 10 Patacas is equivalent to 1 EURO and 8 Patacas is equivalent to 1 US Dollar.

Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages, Cantonese being most widely spoken. The official languages are used in government departments in all official documents and communications. English is generally used in trade, tourism and commerce.

Local calls in Macau are free of charge when made from a private phone. When using a public phone, they cost MOP$1.00. Phone cards can be purchased for MOP$50.00, MOP$100.00 or MOP$150.00 and they can be used as well as coins in public phones located all around the city and the islands. In the busiest areas there are also credit card phones. If you would like to use your mobile phone while in Macau, please contact the information services, dialing 1000(CTM), 1118(Hutchison Telecom) , 1628(SmarTone) or 1888(China Telecom (Macau) Co., Ltd.). Besides, Hutchison Telecom Network is now providing the Mobile Tour Guide Service. Visitors can listen to the voice information service by dialing the Spot Code #83.

The climate is fairly warm tropical climates. Annual average temperature is about 20ºC (68ºF) and ranges from 16ºC (50ºF) to 25ºC (77ºF). Humidity levels are high and average values vary between 73% and 90%. Annual rainfall is 1.778mm, mostly during Summer months.

Autumn (October - December) is the most pleasant season. Days are sunny and warm and humidity levels are low. Winter (January - March) is cold but sunny. In April humidity increases and from May to September the climate becomes hot, humid and rainy with occasional tropical storms (typhoons).

Warning signals for the typhoons which depend upon the proximity of a tropical storm. If a signal 8 is hoisted, the bridges between Macau and Taipa and the isthmus between Taipa and Coloane are closed. As a preventive measure sea and air connections between Macau and Hong Kong as well as most flights are cancelled.

In the Summer visitors are advised to wear light cotton clothes. In winter some woolen clothes are recommended as well as a thicker jacket or even an overcoat. From March to May as well as from September to November nights are cooler and therefore a cardigan or sweater will be useful.

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since 20 December 1999, and, like Hong Kong, benefits from the principle of 'one country, two systems'. The tiny SAR is growing in size - with more buildings on reclaimed land - and in the number and diversity of its attractions. The greatest of these continues to be Macau's unique society, with communities from the East and West complementing each other, and the many people who come to visit.

There are two kinds of taxis: the black with cream roof ones and the yellow ones. The flagfall charge is MOP$13.00 for the first 1600 meters. MOP$1.50 will be added for every 230 meters afterwards. Waiting on passengers' request will be charged for MOP$1.50 for every minute. There is also radio-taxi-service - tel. (853) 2851 9519, 2893 9939, 8500 0000 & 2828 3283.

There is a MOP$3.00 surcharge for each piece of luggage carried in the boot; MOP$5.00 surcharge for boarding taxi at the Macau Airport or journeys from Macau to Coloane; no surcharge from Macau to Taipa or from the islands to Macau, but between Taipa and Coloane, a MOP$2.00 surcharge applies.

In order to eliminate the language barrier between taxi drivers and passengers, the Macau Government Tourist Office has provided most taxis with a destination guide which includes the names of the most requested destinations in Chinese, Portuguese and English. When used together with a map, this guide will reduce many of the usual misunderstandings.

In Macau visitors will find an efficient bus service, not only in the city but also in the islands. Visitors can look for the destinations, itineraries and stops in the information panels located at every bus stop. All the buses have air conditioning. Between Macau and Taipa visitors can catch buses 11, 22, 28A, 30, 33, 34 and also the airport buses AP1, MT1, MT2, N2, 21 and 26. Buses 21, 21A, 25, 26, and 26A connect Macau, Taipa and Coloane.

There are other buses circulating around the Macau peninsula. For detailed information, please call (853) 2885 0060 / (853) 2827 1122 or visit the following websites:
- Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos de Macau, S.A.R.L
- TRANSMAC - Transportes Urbanos de Macau, S.A.R.L.

For journeys on Macau peninsula there is a flat fare at MOP$3.20. If you travel to Taipa, it costs MOP$4.20 and if your destination is Coloane village MOP$5.00. If you go to Hác-Sá, you will pay MOP$6.40. For those wishing to go from Macau to the Airport or back, the special bus service costs MOP$4.20 per person.

The pedicab, or tricycle rickshaw, is a liesurely and romantic form of transport around the waterfronts of Macau (it is not designed for hill climbing), and offers visitors a chance to see and photograph the sights, while chatting with the drivers. The main locations for hiring a pedicab are outside the Macau Ferry Terminal and opposite the main door of the Lisboa Hotel. They usually charge MOP$150.00 per hour. You should agree on the price before starting your trip.

If you like to go around by yourself with a map and Guide, you can hire a car. For permission on driving in Macau, please consult the Public Security Police Force at Tel: (853) 2837 4214, Fax: (853) 2852 3407 or email: info@fsm.gov.mo.

Information for car hire: 
Companhia de aluguer de automóveis sem condutor "V.I.T. (Macau), Lda." 
Address: Hotel Grand Lapa, garagem 
Tel: (853) 2833 6789 
Fax: (853) 2831 4112 
Information or reservations in Hong Kong - Tel: (852) 2576 6831 
E-mail: avis@avis.com.mo 
Website: http://www.avis.com.mo

Burgeon Rent A Car Limited 
Address: Avenida do Nordeste, s/n^o,Edifício La Baie Du Noble, Bloco 2, r/c e kok-chai, O,P,Q, Macau
Tel: (853) 2828 3399
Fax: (853) 2822 9983
E-mail: info@burgeonrentacar.com 
Website: http://www.burgeonrentacar.com 

Vang Iek Rent-a-Car Service Company Limited 
Address: Avenida Almirante Lacerda, n^os 69 a 71, r/c, Macau 
Tel: (853) 2899 1199
Fax: (853) 2855 6519 
E-mail: info@virentacar.com.mo 
Website: http://www.virentacar.com.mo

1) Macau International Airport

Tourists can use the Macau International Airport for travelling to several destinations in the region on direct flights or catch connecting flights to different ports of Asia, Europe or America. The airport is located on Taipa Island and is 15 minutes away from the Macau Ferry Terminal, 20 minutes from the Barrier Gate and only 10 minutes away from the COTAI Frontier Post. It operates 24 hours a day. For detailed information on flight schedules, please dial (853) 2886 1111 or visit http://www.macau-airport.com

To read about the Regulation on Liquids Carried on Passenger Hand Baggage, please visit http://www.aacm.gov.mo

For detailed information on immigration and customs formalities, you can visit the Immigration Services website at http://www.fsm.gov.mo

Airline information: http://www.macau-airport.com

Transportation Service at the Macau International Airport
All major hotels provide pick-up service which can be booked in advance or arranged on arrival.

Taxis are air-conditioned and inexpensive, they are freely available at the taxi station outside the Airport. There will be a surcharge of five patacas and each piece of luggage carried in the trunk will cost three patacas.

There are special bus service (marked AP1, MT1, MT2, N2, 21 & 26) serving the airport. These buses cross the city and stop at the major hotels.

2) Helicopter Service

When you are arriving Macau from Hong Kong or Shenzhen, helicopter will provide a speedy option.

Macau - Hong Kong

Sky Shuttle Helicopters Limited (Sky Shuttle) operates aircraft between the helipads on the Macau and Hong Kong Ferry terminals. Each flight takes only approximately 16 minutes. Macau to Hong Kong service operates from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and the Hong Kong to Macau service operates from 9:30 a.m. to 10:59 p.m.

Macau - ShenZhen

The helicopter service between Macau Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, PRC is also provided. The journey takes about 15 minutes at day and approximately 25 minutes at night. Macau to Shenzhen service operates at 9:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. and the Shenzhen to Macau service operates at 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.

Passengers can enquire for flight details from their Hotline: Macau (853) 2872 7288; Hong Kong (852) 2108 9898, Shenzhen: (86) 755-2777 8333 or visit the website: http://www.skyshuttlehk.com

3) Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport - Macau

If you are arriving via Hong Kong International Airport, the airport ferry service is available. Passengers can transit into or out of Macau via Hong Kong International Airport without the need to go through HK Customs and Immigration formalities and also without the hassle of carrying their luggage to the ferry terminal. The trip to Macau Route is approximately 45 minutes.

TurboJET
For enquiries please call Hong Kong (852) 2859 3333, Macau (853) 8790 7039. E-mail: reservation@turbojet.com.hk Website: http://www.turbojet.com.hk

The Cotai Strip CotaiJet™
Enquiries for schedule and booking please call Hong Kong (852) 2359 9990, Macau (853) 2885 0595, or visit the website: http://www.cotaijet.com.mo

Hong Kong International Airport - Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (Shun Tak Centre) - Macau

The following public transportation from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport to Macau-Hong Kong Ferry Terminal is available:

Alternative a) - Airport Express
First, take the Airport Express to the Hong Kong Station in Central.
Fare: HK$100 (Single Trip)
Frequency: Every 12 minutes
Journey Time: 24 minutes
Operating Hours: 5:54 AM - 00:48 AM

Then, take a taxi to the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (Shun Tak Centre) at Sheung Wan.
Fare: HK$15-20
Journey Time: 10-15 minutes

Alternative b) - Public Bus No. A11 (air-conditioned)
Passenger should get off at the "Macau Ferry, Connaught Road, Central" bus stop.
Fare: HK$40
Operating Hours: 06:10 AM - 00:30 AM
Frequency: Every 20-25 minutes
Journey Time: 30-40 minutes

Alternative c) - Taxi
Taxi service from HKIA to Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal
Fare: HK$350-400
Journey Time: 30 minutes

Ticket fares are for reference only.

1) To and From Hong Kong

Hong Kong has two major terminals for Macau-bound travelers: Shun Tak Centre located at Hong Kong Island and China Ferry Terminal located on the Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. Tourists can find quite a number of jetfoils, Catamarans and ferries available, run by TurboJET, the Cotai Strip CotaiJet™ and First Ferry.

a) To and from Hong Kong Island

The main sea terminal and heliport are located in Shun Tak Centre, on the waterfront West of Central District on Hong Kong Island. It is above Sheung Wan MTR station (Mass Transit Railway) and next to a terminus for buses and minibuses from many parts of Hong Kong, including the A11 Airbus from the airport. The terminal has passenger wharves and helipad, booking offices for current and advance sailings and flights, reservation offices of Macau hotels and travel agents, a branch of China Travel Service, and a Macau Government Tourist Office Information Counter.

TurboJET
Journeys will take one hour from Hong Kong to Macau and vice versa operating almost 24 hours. Drinks and snacks are available on board. Trips are made between the Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal (located in the Shun Tak Centre at Sheung Wan) and the Macau Ferry Terminal (located in the Outer Harbour). For inquiries call Macau (853) 8790 7039 or Hong Kong (852) 2859 3333. For telephone bookings, call Hong Kong (852) 2921 6688. You can also visit the website: http://www.turbojet.com.hk

The Cotai Strip CotaiJet™
The company runs ferry service between Hong Kong (Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal) and Macau (Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal). Travel time is approximately 1 hour. Enquiries for schedule and booking please call HK (852) 2359 9990, Macau (853) 2885 0595, or visit the website: http://www.cotaijet.com.mo

Macao Dragon Company Limited
The company runs ferry service between Hong Kong (Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal) and Macau (Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal). Enquiries for schedule and booking please call Macau (853) 8296 8296, HK (852) 3972 3622; fax to HK (852) 2877 6645, or visit the website: http://www.macaodragon.com

b) To and from Kowloon

The China Ferry Terminal is located on the Tsimshatsui waterfront alongside Harbour City, on the Kowloon side of the harbour. It is used for Catamaran sailings to and from Macau, and is convenient for visitors staying in Tsimshatsui hotels. There are booking offices for current and advance sailings.

First Ferry
Catamarans from the First Ferry offer roundtrip sailings to and from Macau and Kowloon, arriving at the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. The journey takes about 60-75 minutes. For details, please call Hong Kong (852) 2131 8181 or Macau (853) 2872 7676. You can also visit the website: http://www.nwff.com.hk

The Cotai Strip CotaiJet™
The company runs ferry service between the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon and Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal in Macau. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. Enquiries for schedule and booking please call HK (852) 2359 9990, Macau (853) 2885 0595, or visit the website: http://www.cotaijet.com.mo

Notes for travelers:

• Passengers are advised to be at the terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, in order to complete immigration formalities.
• Standby - In the Shun Tak Centre and Macau Ferry Terminal, there are special lines for standby passengers who want to leave earlier than their ticketed sailings. Except for holidays and weekends, there is a good chance of getting a seat.
• Seat allocation - In Hong Kong and Macau, seats are allocated after check-in and immigration.

2) To and From Shenzhen

The Yuet Tung Shipping Co. offers a ferry service between Macau (Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal) and She Kou (Shenzhen). The trip takes about one hour and twenty minutes. Please call (853) 2885 0595 for detail.

TurboJET's service also extends to carrying passengers to and from Shenzhen. The company offers trips between Macau, Shenzhen Airport Fu Yong Ferry Terminal and She Kou. The journeys are about 1 hour. For more information, please visit http://www.turbojet.com.hk.

All visitors must hold a passport or a valid travel document. If travel arrangements are made through an agent, the visa processing is handled by Macau tour operators.

A. Visas are required by all visitors except:

a) Nationals of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Croatia, Czech, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania and the United Kingdom(6 months) for a stay up to 90 days;

b) Nationals of Australia, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the United States of America and Uruguay for a stay up to 30 days;

c) Holders of "Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card" or "Hong Kong SAR Re-entry Permit"; Valid "Hong Kong Identity Card" holders are required to bring their valid passport or travel documents when they enter Macau.

d) Nationals of China with valid Macau entry / depart documents;

e) Holders of Consulate / Diplomatic documents issued by the Macau SAR or Hong Kong SAR;

f) Holders of Diplomatic Passport;

g) Holders of "Laissez Passer" issued by the United Nations; in the course of duty;

h) Holders of travel document issued by the Portuguese authorities for the foreign citizens.

Visas can be obtained from the Immigration Services through Embassies/Consulates of the PRC and should be used within the validity. The visa is expired after the valid date.

Visas may be applied for upon arrival at the Immigration counter, however some countries are required to apply for an entry visa before embarking to Macau (Pre-arrival Visa Initiative for Nationals of Six Countries).

There are three types:
Individual - MOP$100, children under 12 years of age pay MOP$50.
Family Passport - MOP$200
Group - MOP$50 per person for bonafide groups of 10 or more and children aged 12 or under.

The above information is for reference only. For further information on entry formalities, please call the Macau Immigration Services of Public Security Police Force: (Macau area code) 853-2872 5488 or visit the website: http://www.fsm.gov.mo, email: psp-info@fsm.gov.mo

For those who want to travel to mainland China, visas may be obtained at any of the China Travel Service (CTS) offices counters in Macau (the main branch is located at Avenida do Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues, nºs 223-225, Edifício Nam Kuong, tel.853-2870 0888) or at the Gongbei Immigration and Customs (after the Border Gate) .

Portuguese passport holders who need the consulate's assistance may go to the Portuguese Consulate located at Rua Pedro Nolasco da Silva, 45, or call Tel: (853) 2835 6660/1/2 or fax: (853) 2835 6658.

All visitors entering Macau must go through Customs clearance and declare any dutiable commodities exceeding duty-free quotas. To find out more details about dutiable commodities and latest duty-free concessions, please visit the Macau Customs Service' s website at: http://www.customs.gov.mo.