Language
The official languages in Macau are Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese. Cantonese, however, is used more frequently. Official documents and much of the signage is written both and English is spoken in all of the tourist areas and hotels.
Currency
Macau uses the pataca (MOP), which is sub-divided into 100 avos. Bank notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000. However, the Hong Kong dollar is widely used and accepted in Macau and if traveling from Hong Kong there is no need to exchange money. Currency is easy and readily available at the airport, hotel or banks. ATMs are also easily available throughout Macau, especially in the hotels and casinos. Travelers’ checks are also widely accepted.
Time
Macau is in the GMT +8 time zone - the same as Hong Kong.
Electricity
Macau uses electricity at 220-240 V with British three-prong plugs (both round and square). Visitors coming from North America will need transformers and plug adapters if appliances are not compatible.
Communications
Macau has its own country code, +853, which means that calls to mainland China and Hong Kong are considered international and will be charged as such. There are four cell phone operators in Macau: Companhia Telecomunicacoes de Macau (CTM), Hutchinson Telephone, SmarTone Mobile Communications, and China Telecom. Mobile coverage is not a problem and WiFi hotspots are increasing with most hotels offering guests free access. Visitors can purchase a broadband card from CTM.
Duty-free
Customs allowances per passenger are as follows: 100 cigarettes, 10 cigars, 50 cigarillos, 100 grams of tobacco, one liter of alcohol, and gifts up to a value of US $600. Up to date information on Macau entry requirements can be found at http://www.customs.gov.mo
Tourist Office
Macau Government Tourist Office: +853-2831-5566 or http://www.macautourism.gov.mo
Consulates in Macau
Macau is a special administrative region of China and thus does not have many embassies and only a few general consulates. However, most major countries have embassies or consulates in Hong Kong, which is only a short journey away.
Angola Consulate, Macau: +853-2871-6237
Philippines Consulate, Macau: +853-2875-7111
Portuguese Consulate, Macau: +853-2835-6660
Emergency
Emergency services: 318 or 999