Currency
Pataca (MOP) is Macao's official currency and is linked to the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). The exchange rate is MOP103.20 = HKD100.00. Roughly MOP8 is equivalent to USD1.
Climate
Macao has a warm, tropical climate. Autumn (October – December) is the most pleasant season. Days are sunny and warm and humidity levels are low. Winter (January – March) is cold but sunny. In April, humidity increases and from May to September the climate becomes hot, humid and rainy with occasional tropical storms (typhoons).
Electricity
Electricity in Macao is 220V, 50Hz. The power plugs used in Macao are of the three-pin, square-shaped (British) type.
Languages
Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages, Cantonese being most widely spoken. The official languages are used in government departments in all official documents and communications. Cantonese, Mandarin and English are generally used in trade, tourism and commerce.
Population
The total population is estimated at around 682,000. About 90% are ethnic Chinese, from different provinces with the remainder including Portuguese, Philippine and other nationals.
Tax Requirements for Foreign Congress Organisers
There is no tax on conferences and exhibitions in Macao. For more information, visit www.dsf.gov.mo.
Time
Macao is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter time.
Visa Policy & Procedures
Macao offers visa-free entry for nationals from more than 70 countries. For more details, please visit Public Security Forces of Macao website: www.fsm.gov.mo.
All visitors must hold a valid passport or travel document, and note that the validity of this document must not be less than 30 days from the date of entering Macao. This information is for reference only, and for further details on entry formalities, please contact your local embassy/consulate. If delegates want to travel to mainland China, visas may be obtained at any of the China Travel Service (CTS) offices in Macao. Visas can also be obtained at the Gongbei Immigration and Customs (after the border gate).
*Remarks: If travellers wish to enter Hong Kong before Macao, they need to check relevant Hong Kong visa policies & procedures with respective immigration departments. For example, Indian nationals need to register online before they can visit or transit Hong Kong visa-free.