Immerse in the mesmerizing blend of East and West, ancient and modern, glamour and tradition that is Macau. Often dubbed as Asia's Las Vegas, this city is a thrilling labyrinth of casinos, historical heritage, and culinary delights. It is the perfect detour for tourists visiting Hong Kong, with seamless cross-border travel facilities. This guide aims to navigate the essentials of planning a trip to Macau.
Passport
Known as one of China's most popular cities, Macau exempts visa or entry permit requirements for citizens of 81 countries worldwide, as well as for other Chinese or Hong Kong citizens. However, the duration of stay allowed varies per country, so awareness of these specifics is essential. In cases where a visa is required, follow the simple steps below:
- Select the desired visa type - Individual MOP 100; Family Passport MOP 200; Children under the age of 12 MOP 50
- Prepare USD 30 (tax), along with the visa application charge, and the required documents to submit to your local Chinese embassy or consulate
- Your visa will be ready in 5 working days!
In instances of a last-minute plan, the "Visa Room" at the border checkpoint can process visa applications on arrival, albeit with additional charges.
Once the entry formalities are sorted, it's time to plan the journey. Three main options exist - ferry or bus for the budget-conscious, and a helicopter ride for those keen on splurging.
By Ferry
Cotai Water Jet (金光飛航) and TurboJET (噴射飛航) are the two companies that offer ferry tickets. Ticket price ranges from HKD 160 to HKD 3,010, depending on class and time. Locals typically avail tickets from Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (港澳碼頭) in Sheung Wan or China Ferry Terminal (中國客運碼頭) in Tsim Sha Tsui.
By Bus
A recent addition to travel options is the bus ride, which offers a scenic journey on the grand Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (港珠澳大橋). A 40-minute ride costs HKD 65 to 70 for an adult's single trip, with concessionary fares for senior citizens and children. The entire journey, inclusive of city-to-airport buses and border checkpoints, can take a little over two hours.
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Upon reaching Macau, by sea or land, visitors can avail free hotel shuttles to the city centre from the ferry or bus terminal.
Currency: MOP
Currency in Macau is the MOP, though HKD is also widely accepted as HKD 1 = MOP 1. However, it is advisable to spend all MOP in Macau, as it is not accepted in Hong Kong.
Armed with these essentials, all that remains is to delve into the fascinating labyrinth that is Macau. Experience the glitz of Asia's Las Vegas and discover a new facet of the travel experience on this exciting day trip from Hong Kong.
