| Learn the local customs of Macao. Tips and photos posted by real travelers and Macao locals. Map |
 | Macao Local Customs | Tips 1 - 10 of 44 |  |
If you intend to buy the food for a takeaway, the instruction is "Wai Mai" (To sell externally). Folks in Southeast Asia is so used to the term "Da Bao" (which means packet-up to go) that we tend to use the same term in Macau. Unfortunately, in Macau (as in Hong Kong), "Da Bao" means wrapping up the dead, which earned me quite a few dirty looks on my first trip to HK before I realised the taboo. Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Macao?
Read reviews about Macao Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 by Amareyui
With 97% of the population being Chinese, the colonial government didnt enforce its citizens to arquire the skill.
I can assure you the tourists will have a better grasp of the Portuguese street names than most locals, since we don't really bother with it.
There is one Portuguese elementary/secondary in Macao. Leave a Comment
|
 Chopsticks by xuessium
Also, never use a chopstick to point at something, most least a person. Very rude. Leave a Comment
|
 by SLLiew
Perhaps because Macau was under Portuguese rule for four centuries. The slower Iberian lifestyle compared to British urgency created a contrast.
Though there are now more newer buildings, this "older" photo with a Portuguese flag shows part of Macau with tree lined roads and the good old carefree days.
|
 Clock by xuessiumLeave a Comment
|
Visiting Macao?
Read reviews about Macao Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 Street signs in Macau. by ahoerner
This is even more interesting for the one who already has been to Northeastern Brazil, where one may find the street signs in exactly the same style, due to the Portuguese colonization. See my São Luis page for more details. Leave a Comment
|
 Cakes of the Chong Yang
Festival (see next pic) by ntm2322, 1 more photos
This festival is also called the "Elderly's Festival". Double nine signifies longevity and this day is a special day for people not only to pay their respects to the elderly but also for the elderly to participate and enjoy in several activities during the day as a mean to improve their health.
This festival also occurs when winter is approaching and people start arranging warmer clothes, not only for them but also for their ancestors. On this day many Chinese like to climb mountains (climbing mountains is also related to getting higher in one's career) to mark the festival and they will visit the graves of their ancestors and provide them some warm clothes (clothes made of paper and burnt as offerings).
People also like to appreciate chrysanthemum flowers and enjoy the nice weather.
In Macau there are some traditional cakes that people can buy on the day of this festival (in Chinese, the word “cake” and the word “high” have the same sound gao1, either for eating or for offering to their ancestors when visiting their graves
Some of the customs that no longer exist here (probably in other parts of China are still enjoyed) include:
- Carrying a spray of dogwood when hiking or climbing mountains (this plant has a strong flagrance and it is related to warm the body and prevent one from getting a cold in late autumn).
- Drink chrysanthemum wine (related to living longer). The Chinese word for wine is jiu3, a homonym of the Chinese word for "long" that symbolizes longevity.
- Family get-together and outdoor activities, an occasion to remember their ancestors and express their love for the living and loved ones,
- Kite flying, etc.
|
 | |  |
For someone who's not from Asia there are some things one should know.When paying something cash,one must old the note with both hands and give it to the other person.The same way,when someone gives a presentation card,receive it with both hands and do read it for a while.It shws respect for the person. Leave a Comment
|
 by SLLiew
Exchange is: 1 USD = 8.03 Macanese Pataca (pegged to HK Dollar)
100 avos = 1 Macanese Pataca
Coins: 10, 20, 50 avos
MOP$1, MOP$2, MOP$5, MOP$10
Banknotes:
MOP$10, MOP$20, MOP$50,
MOP$100, MOP$500, MOP$1000
|
 The "birthday gifts" I
received from my family by ntm2322
When offering a red envelope to somebody it must be done with both hands and expressing some wishes at the same time (Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Good Health, etc.). On the other hand, people who receive the red envelope must receive it with both hands and express his/her gratitude (a simple word of thank you is good enough). Never refuse a red envelope.
When offering a red envelope never put coins like little change or dirty, creased bank bills inside, instead, use “good-looking” bank bills.
How much to give it depends of you and the degree of intimacy you have with the person you want to give the red envelope to.
Many Chinese people use red envelopes in their own houses for good luck, they usually place red envelopes under small tangerines. In this case coins are used instead of bank bills.
Let’s see another example. It is Chinese New Year. If you are a single person you are not supposed to hand out any red envelopes, just sit and wait for them. If you are married you are supposed to carry with you a generous bunch of red envelopes for the whole week to distribute them and expect to receive a few only from your mother-in-law and father-in-law.
In office, it is the same. If you are married you should give red envelopes to your colleagues’ children and if you have a child they will do the same to you. You should also give a red pocket to your single co-workers but once again, because you are married you will receive none.
|
| | |
|
More Macao Travel Deals Macau Rent A Car
The world's top car rental brand, the reliable service in Macau. 10 Hotels in Macau
Book your Hotel in Macau online. No reservation costs. Great rates! Cheap Hong Kong Hotels
Hotel Photos, Info & Virtual Tours. Find the Hotel You Want at Ctrip. Sponsored Links
|
