Visiting
Business hours
Government offices, big firms and the larger Chinese businesses observe a 5 day working week.
General opening hours are 9.00am–6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
The majority of banks are open from 9.00am–4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Many retail businesses open from 10.30am– 9.00pm or later, daily.
Many Chinese shops keep extended hours, opening from 10.00am–10.00pm, daily.
Public holidays
January 2 – New Year's Day (in lieu)
January 23-25 – Lunar New Year
April 4 – Ching Ming Festival
April 6 – Good Friday
April 9 – Easter Monday
April 30 – Feast of Buddha
May 1 – Labour Day
June 25 – Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival)
October 1 – Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (in lieu)
October 2 – National Day of the People's Republic of China (in lieu)
November 2 – All Souls Day
December 10 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 20 – Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
December 22 – Winter Solstice
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day
December 31 – New Year's Eve (half day)
Climate
Macau has a similar climate to Hong Kong - temperate with warm to hot, humid summers and cool winters. For weather details in Macau, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The currency in Macau is the Pataca (MOP). The value of the Pataca is linked to, and slightly less than, the Hong Kong dollar. The Hong Kong dollar is widely accepted in Macau but change will generally be given in Patacas. Patacas are not accepted in Hong Kong.
Time zones and time differences
Macau is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. There is no summer day light saving time in Macau.
To find out the current time in Macau, view the World Clock.
Telecommunications and Dialling codes
Macau's country code is 853.
For calls to Macau from Australia dial: 0011 + 853 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Macau to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Macau has a very efficient and good quality telecommunication infrastructure. High quality internet service is available and the Macau government has installed free wireless internet in many public areas.
According to the telecom authority of Macau, the mobile phone penetration rate for a population of 500,000 has reached 240%. For a small area, Macau is well served by one land line provider and 4 mobile phone carriers all with 3G network and data access.
Generally speaking, the cost of calling on mobile phone from Macau is relatively high. Australian visitors are advised to check with their local service provider regarding phone coverage and international roaming charges prior to departure to Macau.
If planning an extended stay in Macau, alternatively you might consider purchasing a local prepaid mobile phone SIM card, which will provide cheaper local calls. Some local providers are:
Electricity and water
Macau’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The square three-pin plugs (UK style) are most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Macau Government Tourist Office – www.macautourism.gov.mo
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.