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Location & Area
Macau Special Administrative Region is located on the southeastern coast of China, at latitude 22o4' North and longitude 113o5' East. The territory comprises a peninsula and two islands in the Pearl River Delta of Guangdong Province.
The total area of Macau is 26.8 km2-the peninsula has 8.5 km2, Taipa 6.2 km2, Coloane 7.6 km2 and the reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane has 4.5 km2.
The city of Macau is built on the peninsula; two bridges of 2.5 km and 4.5 km respectively link it to its nearest island of Taipa, which in turn is joined to Coloane by a 2.2 km-long causeway. At the extreme northern end of the peninsula, on a narrow isthmus, is the imposing gateway (Portas do Cerco, or Border Gate), which leads to the Zhuhai and Zhongshan areas of China.
Time
Macau is eight hours ahead of GMT.
Visas
Visas are required by all visitors except:
- Residents of Macau;
- Nationals of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania and the United Kingdom(6 months) for a stay up to 90 days;
- Nationals of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United States of America and Uruguay for a stay up to 30 days;
- Nationals of China with valid Macau entry/depart documents, including residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas Chinese for a stay of up to 30 days;
- The "Hong Kong Identity Card", "Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card" or "Hong Kong Reentry Permit" holders may stay in Macau for a maximum period of one year.
- Holders of Diplomatic Passport or "Laissez Passer" issued by the United Nations.
- Holders of Consulate/Diplomatic documents issued by the Macau SAR or Hong Kong SAR
Customs
Arriving visitors are not usually bothered with customs formalities, except perhaps a routine check. On departure, there are no export duties on any article such as antiques, gold, jewellery, radio, cameras, etc. However, Hong Kong SAR customs will only allow visitors one litre of wine plus 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gr. of tobacco into the Hong Kong SAR duty free. Hong Kong SAR residents can take in only one bottle of table or Port wine, plus 100 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 125 gr. of tobacco.
Climate
The climate in Macau ranges from moderate cold to hot, with an average temperature of just 20oC (69oF). The humidity is high with an average range between 75% and 90%.
Population and Language
Population: approximately 470 thousand people in Macau (Chinese 95%, Portuguese and others 5%). Chinese and Portuguese are the 2 official languages of Macau.Cantonese is naturally the dominant speaking Chinese dialect, but Mandarin is also widely spoken. English is spoken by the trade, commerce and tourist services.
Religions
There is a complete freedom of worship in Macau. The main religions are Buddhism, Catholicism and Protestantism.
Health
International Inoculation Certificates are not normally required unless cholera has been detected either in Macau or Hong Kong or in the areas visited before arriving in Macau.
Water and Electricity
Water is treated according to international standards, and tap water is considered safe but there is a trace of chlorine odour. Like Hong Kong and China, Macau's electric system is 220V, AC 50 Hz. Electricity outlets accept British type round or square three pin plugs.
Media Information
Macau broadcasts its own TV and radio programs in Chinese and Portuguese. Likewise, the newspaper dailies and weeklies are published for both language markets. English language newspapers and periodicals from Hong Kong are readily available in central Macau and major hotels.
Tourist information are available from the Tourism Department which locates at the Leal Senado Square. There are also information counters located at the Ferry Terminal, the Guia Lighthouse, and the Monte Fort.
Communications
Public payphones are IDD equipped and can access approximately 230 countries. While charges for international calls depend on where you are calling to, local calls are fixrd at 1 pataca. Other telecommunication services such as internet, facsimile, Telex, and Telegram services are also available through the local telephone company’s service counters. The Central Post Office located at the Leal Senado Square, provides postal service and express mailing to destinations worldwide. Additionally, major express forwarding companies have branches in Macau.
Embarkation Tak
Hong Kong and Macau governments require a departure tax of HKD$19 and MOP$20,respectively ,which is normally included in the ticket prices.
Airport Tax
Passengers departing for any destinations must pay a Passenger Tax of Mop $90 and a Airport Security Tax of Mop$20 (Taxes will not be levied on those under 2 years ); those in direct transit or those on fights forced to returned by bad weather or other causes must pay a Passenger Tax of Mop$40 and a Airport Security Tax of Mop$10.
