Macau Travel Guide

Macau — Shopping

Shopping

Popular buys are jewelry (particularly gold and jade), Chinese antiques, porcelain, pottery, electronic gadgetry, cameras, watches and beading work. Also Chinese herbs and medicines, dried seafood, abalone, pastries and locally-made knitwear.

There is no sales tax because Macau is a free port. Bargaining is expected. For antiques, gold and jewelry, use officially-recommended shops. Always ask for a warranty and receipt.

The main shopping area is located along the Avenida do Infante D Henrique and Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, São Domingos Market, Rua de Palha, Rua do Campo and Rua Pedro Nolasco da Silva. Find unique gifts in Macau's flea market around Rua das Estalagens (near St Paul's Ruins). There is an Artisan's Fair every Saturday evening in Santo Agostinho Square. Several glitzy luxury goods malls have sprung up around several of the new casino resorts, including Wynn Macau and The Venetian.

Shopping hours: Generally daily 1000-1900, though some of the new luxury brand malls are open until 2100. Some shops may close on the first day of every month.

Currency

Pataca (MOP; symbol MOP$) = 100 avos. Notes are in denominations of MOP$1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of MOP$10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 avos. Hong Kong Dollars are widely accepted.

Note: The Pataca is loosely pegged to the Hong Kong Dollar.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged at hotels, banks and licensed bureau de change. There are 24-hour exchange counters at Macau International Airport (Taipa Island), and the Lisboa Hotel (Macau).

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Numerous ATMs are available for cash withdrawal by credit card and China UnionPay debit cards.

Travelers Checks

These may be exchanged at banks, bureau de change and at many hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.