Local Insights
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Perhaps in time Las Vegas will become known as "The Macau of America". Meanwhile the former Portuguese enclave is transforming by the minute, with new casinos and infrastructure projects mushrooming all over the city – which, happy to report, still maintains many pockets of Mediterranean charm amid the gambling and construction frenzy.
Getting there
Macau International Airport (853 2851 1213; www.macau-airport.gov.mo) lies by the former island of Taipa, a few minutes' drive from the centre of the city. Swift catamaran ferries (853 8790 7039; www.turbojet.com.hk) journey to Hong Kong and other parts of the Pearl River Delta, while the land crossings to Mainland China are heavily used by tour groups. The Heli Express helicopter service (853 2872 7288; www.helihongkong.com), with routes to Hong Kong and Shenzhen, remains the swishest way to arrive and depart.
Weather
Brisk winters, hot and humid summers and a pleasant spring and autumn characterise Macau's climate. In January and February the urban temperature sometimes drops below 10oC. March and April is the seasonal interchange period, when the weather is mainly fine. Between May and September, when there could well be typhoons, the thermometer may climb to 34oC. October and autumn bring cooler weather.
Important Number
| Ambulance | 999 |
| Fire | 999 or 853 2857 2222 |
| Police | 919 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | 853 2834 0390 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Bus |
Mini Moke |
Limousines | |
| Hotlines | Macau's black-and-cream or yellow-coloured taxis may be hailed on the street or booked by phone. 853 2851 9519 or 853 2893 9939 |
Two bus companies run services all over Macau and out to Taipa and Coloane. TCM 853 2885 0060 or 853 2878 7809 www.tcm.com.mo Transmac 853 2827 1122 www.transmac.com.mo |
The classic Macanese getabout is the Mini Moke, available from Avis. 853 2833 6789 www.avis.com.mo |
Most of the major hotels run their own fleet of limousines, or they may be hired from Avis. 853 2833 6789 www.avis.com.mo |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Flagfall P11; airport surcharge P5. |
Fares from P2.5. |
From P450 per day. |
From P400 per hour. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours, though less frequent at night. |
24 hours |
24 hours |
| Pedicabs |
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| Hotlines | Macau's pedicabs – a bicycle with seating for two mounted behind – are a charming way to get around or sightsee. Their drivers usually cluster at the ferry terminal, and around casinos and touristic areas. |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
P25 for a short journey; P100 for an hour's sightseeing. |
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| Operating hours | Roughly 8.00 am – 8.00 pm. A few hang out by the casinos at night. |
* Remarks: The MOP "P" is local currency
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Hello | Nei ho |
| Please | Qing |
| Thank you very much | Mooi sai/duo zej |
| I do not understand | Ngoh m sek |
| Do you speak English? | Nei sek m sek gong ying men? |
| Nice to meet you | Ho hoi sam gin dao nei |
| Never mind | Mo sau wei |
| Good | Ho |
| Your are welcome | M'sai hak hei |
| Excuse me | M'ho yee sei |
| Where is the toilet? | Sai sou gan hai bin do? |
| What is your name? | Nei gui xing? |
| My name is... | Ngoh xing... |
| How much does this cost? | Gei qin? |
| Maybe | Wah zeh |
| Do you understand? | Sek m sek? |
| Help! | Gao meng |
| Today | Gam yat |
| Yesterday | Ting yat |
| Yes | Hai |
| No | Moh |
Business and Finance
Much of Macau's textile industry has shifted to the mainland, leaving the territory more dependent on gambling and tourism. The opening of the gaming industry to foreign access has spurred an increase in public works expenditures. The general economy is remarkably healthy, thanks to a surge in visitors from China and a hike in taxes on gambling profits, which generate about 70% of government revenue.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details
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