Macao Local Customs

MONEY MATTERS:Well, in case...

by Krystynn

MONEY MATTERS:Well, in case you didn't already know, Macau has its own currency (yes, the Pataca), which is worth almost exactly the same as Hongkong dollars. Anyhow, no need to change any money into Patacas prior to your visit. In fact, you probably don't *want* to change any. All establishments in Macau accept HK dollars, and if you do obtain any Patacas, HK will *NOT* exchange patacas for HK dollars. Just thought you'd like to know....Note: As at July 31, 2001: US$1 = 8.03 Macau Patacas.

MACAU - SURVIVAL GUIDE: ...

by Krystynn

MACAU - SURVIVAL GUIDE: Bargain, Bargain, Bargain. Haggle, Haggle, Haggle. Yes, especially when buying jewelry, antiques, etc... Be sure to ASK for a certificate for the gold purchase (as proof of purchase/ for authenticity). If you see something you like and the price is right, yes - it's alright to go ahead and BUY IT... otherwise you'll might regret it later. IF you win BIG at the casinos, may I humbly suggest that you deposit all your winnings in a bank or keep it safe (although no where is really safe these days). Yes, there are many cases where winners were robbed immediately after they left the casino. If you are leaving Macau on the weekend or during major public holidays, remember to book your return ferry ticket IN ADVANCE, or you may not be able to leave the colony as planned. Guys, if you really must visit those ladies of the night, PLEASE protect yourself. I'm sure you've...

ATMs:These days when...

by Krystynn

ATMs:These days when travelers talk about visas they don't necessarily mean the diplomatic kind. Gone are thedays of traveler's checks (read: obsolete!). TODAY, you can leave your money safely in the bank and access it from anywhere in the world and withdraw it in that particular country's local currency. Yes folks, there are ATM machines all over the country and even in little villages. What do I mean? How do you get cash?Hey, just stick in your bankcard (read: ATM card), punch in your four digit PIN and out will come your much-awaited cash for your spending pleasure (at a very good rate of exchange, I might add). So leave your money belt at home and relax.... Trust me, I've relied on this matter for ALL my trips abroad and so far, I haven't been disappointed. Iused to carry quite a bit of cash in the past... and got mugged THREE times! Sydney, Hongkong andNice. Oh well... But...

Portuguese Folk Dance

by Jim_Eliason

Just outside the tourist office in NAPE next to the golden Lotus statute are daily folk performances of Portuguese dance.

Taste of Macau

by Jim_Eliason

I was lucky enough to be here during this festival which features the best restaurants in Macau all lined up in dozens of booths.

Egg Tart

by Lensky

No trip to Macau is complete without tasting this savory pastry. Its delicious. Good thing there is a branch of Lord Stow's in the Philippines.

Road Names

by MizBlack

It's always good to have the name of a place or road name jotted down in chinese as well. There would be locals who do not know the name of the place in portuguese.

Ask For Directions

by keeweechic

Wandering around the backstreets between the square and St Pauls ruins, its easy to get lost. Don't be afraid to ask shop owners for directions, they are very helpful and friendly.

Bamboo Inscriptions

by leffe3

To follow

Krystynn's Local Custom Tip

by Krystynn