Fire and rescue, medical, and police
Call any number for all emergency services:
-
999
-
110
-
112
Macau
Advice levels
What does this mean?Exercise a high degree of caution in Macau.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Macau.
Overview
Safety
- Violent crime is rare in Macau, but some petty crime happens. Thieves target tourist spots and crowded places, such as shopping centres, markets, the airport and casinos. Take care of your belongings.
- Drink spiking happens. Don't accept food, drink, cigarettes or gum from strangers. Don’t leave your food or drinks unattended.
- Scammers may ask for help carrying luggage or ask for money. Never carry anything for someone you don't know. Get legal advice before sending money or signing documents.
- Protests can turn violent. It's illegal to protest without Macau government approval. Avoid large public gatherings.
- Macau experiences typhoons and flooding of low-lying areas. Typhoon season is between May and October. If the warning level is Typhoon 8 and above or a Black Rain Signal is raised, businesses, transport services and Government offices will close. These can disrupt transport and essential services. Follow the advice of local officials. Contact your travel operator about delays.
Full travel advice: Safety
Health
- Macau has very high humidity from May to October and can have very high pollution levels. If you have a heart or breathing condition, minimise physical and outdoor activities when the air quality index health risk is high and on very humid days.
- Macau sometimes has outbreaks of dengue. Japanese encephalitis is also a risk.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
- Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases include tuberculosis and hepatitis. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Avoid contact with animals.
- Macau's medical facilities are adequate. You may need to pay up-front. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation to Hong Kong. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Full travel advice: Health
Local laws
- Macau's Law on Safeguarding National Security may be interpreted broadly, and you could break the law without intending to. The law could be applied to activities that occurred outside Macau, including social media posts.
- Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties include heavy fines and jail terms.
- Chinese law doesn't recognise dual nationality. The Australian Government may be unable to help if you enter Macau on a travel document other than your Australian passport or if you're deemed a Chinese citizen. If you're travelling from Macau to Hong Kong or mainland China, use your Australian passport.
- If Macau authorities consider you a Chinese citizen, they may refuse access to Australian consular services. Get legal advice if you’re unsure of your citizenship under Chinese and Macau law.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel
- Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. It has separate visa and entry administration to Hong Kong and mainland China. You generally won’t need a visa for a visit less than 30 days. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of China for the latest tourist, business and student visa information.
- If you plan to return to mainland China after visiting Macau, confirm your Chinese visa allows you to re-enter mainland China. Check with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for eligibility requirements and visa types.
- The local currency is the Macanese Pataca (MOP). Some shops and buses also accept Hong Kong dollars and Chinese yuan. Most places accept credit cards.
- Only use licensed taxis or reputable limousine services. Insist on using the meter.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.
- Australia doesn't have an embassy in Macau. For consular assistance, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong.
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the Consulate-General's social media accounts.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Safety
Civil unrest and political tension
Demonstrations and protests
It’s illegal to protest without approval from the Macau government. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Avoid protests, demonstrations and large gatherings.
Don't photograph, film or participate in protests or other acts that authorities may consider provocative.
If there are signs of disorder, move away quickly and seek shelter in a safe place.
Increased screening, including of digital devices, is possible for travellers crossing between Macau and mainland China.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To avoid the risk of violent unrest:
- avoid large gatherings and protests
- monitor the media for possible unrest and avoid those areas
- follow the advice of local authorities
More information:
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities.
More information:
Crime
Petty crime
There's little violent crime in Macau. You could encounter pickpocketing and street theft.
Thieves target tourist spots and crowded places such as crowded shopping areas, markets and casinos.
Take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places.
Drink spiking
Methanol poisoning
Scams
Scams against travellers are increasing.
Criminals sometimes present themselves as people in need.
Scams can start via the internet. A person might offer you gift cards or money to help carry someone's luggage on an international flight. They may ask for your money, credit card or online bank account details.
Other reported scams involve:
- fake arrests
- property
- holiday club or timeshare schemes
- scratch lottery tickets
- foreign lottery schemes
- relationships
- people impersonating government officials
Be wary of strangers asking for your help.
Never carry anything for anyone you don't know and trust, especially when crossing international borders. There's a risk that criminals have hidden drugs or other illegal items inside.
To avoid becoming a victim of a scam:
- don't send money or give credit card or bank account details to anyone you don't know and trust
- thoroughly research any scheme or agreement before signing or paying money
- seek legal advice before signing any property contract
More information:
Kidnapping
Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Cyber security
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Typhoons
Macau experiences typhoons and flooding of low-lying areas. Typhoon season is between May and October.
If the warning level is Typhoon 8 and above or a Black Rain Signal is raised, businesses, transport services and Government offices will close.
Local safety rules require businesses and transport services to close during typhoons or very heavy rain.
Authorities may delay or suspend flights and ferries into and out of Macau. Contact your travel operator or airline to find out about delays.
If there's a typhoon:
- monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly
- know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plans
- secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
- follow the advice of local authorities
If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:
- follow the advice of local authorities
- monitor the news and other local information sources
- monitor the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
- keep in contact with friends and family
More information:
Health
Travel Insurance
Physical and mental health
Medications
More information:
- Serviços de Alfândega de Macau (Only available in Portuguese or Chinese; for further enquiries, please contact the nearest Chinese Embassy or consulate)
Health risks
Macau experiences very high humidity during summer, from May to October. Reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities on very humid days.
Air pollution
High levels of air pollution may trigger bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions.
If you have existing heart or breathing difficulties, reduce physical and outdoor activities on days with high pollution.
For up-to-date air quality reports, visit the Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau.
Insect-borne diseases
Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from disease:
- ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
- use insect repellent
- wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
Other health risks
Waterborne, foodborne and other diseases occur sometimes. These include:
Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
To protect yourself from illness drink only filtered water or bottled water from bottles with sealed lids. Practise good hygiene. Wash your hands carefully and frequently.
Medical care
There’s no agreement between Australia and Macau for free healthcare. The standard of medical facilities in Macau is adequate. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to Hong Kong. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
Private hospitals will ask to see proof of your travel insurance before treating you. They may ask you to guarantee payment or pay a deposit up-front.
Local Laws
Local Law
Macau's Law on Safeguarding National Security could be interpreted broadly. You could break the law without intending to. The law could be applied to activities that occurred outside Macau, including social media posts.
The Australian Government can't intervene in the Macau judicial process.
If local authorities consider you a Chinese citizen, they may refuse access to Australian consular services. This will prevent the Australian Government from providing you with those services.
Drugs
Possessing illegal drugs of any kind, including marijuana, can result in penalties that include heavy fines and jail time.
More information:
Weapons
Macau has strict laws around importing and possessing weapons. This includes stun guns, tasers and items that look like weapons, such as:
- replicas
- antiques
- toys
- fashion accessories
You must have a permit to import, possess or buy these items. This includes items sold in local markets. Apply in advance for a permit from local authorities.
Other laws
It's illegal to:
- join a public protest without Macau government approval
- take photos of military installations
Australian laws
Dual nationality
While Macau’s law allows dual nationals of Chinese descent to register their Australian nationality, China’s Nationality Law prevents legal recognition of dual citizenship in Macau.
Local authorities may deny you access to Australian consular services if they identify you as a Chinese citizen.
This can happen even if you entered Macau on an Australian or other foreign passport and you:
- meet the conditions to be recognised as Chinese citizen
- haven't renounced your Chinese citizenship according to Chinese law
- haven't formally advised the Chinese authorities of your Australian citizenship
- continue to maintain a passport issued by the Macau Special Administrative Region or by China.
Authorities may not allow certain categories of Chinese citizens, such as state officials, to renounce their Chinese nationality under Chinese law.
Get professional legal advice if you're not sure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.
If you plan to enter mainland China or Hong Kong from Macau, travel on your Australian passport.
Local authorities may not allow consular access if you enter Macau on a travel document other than your Australian passport or if local authorities identify you as a Chinese national.
More information:
Local customs
LGBTQIA+ travellers
Most people in Macau accept or are indifferent to LGBTQIA+ travellers. However, community attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people are generally more conservative than in Australia.
More information:
Travel
Visas and border measures
Visas
Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. It has separate visa and entry administration to Hong Kong and mainland China.
You generally won't need a visa for a visit less than 30 days. However, entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules, contact or visit:
If you need a visa, apply for it through your nearest PRC embassy or consulate.
The paper slip provided upon entry to Macau includes your date of entry and your latest departure date. The slip is needed at hotel check-in and when requested by local authorities. Replacement slips are available from the Macau Border Control Department or a police station.
Travel between Macau and mainland China
See the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for eligibility requirements and visa types.
If you plan to return to mainland China after visiting Macau, confirm your Chinese visa allows you to re-enter mainland China.
If you've recently changed your passport, but your Chinese visa is still in the old passport, take both passports with you. Officials may ask you to present your previous passport and Chinese visa.
More information:
Passport
Validity
Lost or stolen passport
Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier
Money
The currency in Macau is the Macanese Pataca (MOP).
Some shops also accept Hong Kong dollars and Chinese yuan.
Travellers in and out of Macau may need to declare Cash and Bearer Negotiable Instruments. Make a written declaration if you're carrying more than the equivalent of MOP120,000.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Macau.
More information:
Local travel
Accommodation
Unlicensed guesthouses providing low-cost accommodation operate in Macau. They may not follow the safety standards set for licensed guesthouses.
If you choose to stay in a guesthouse, check if it's licensed.
More information:
Driving permit
To drive in Macau, you need both:
-
a valid international driving permit (IDP)
-
your current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
If you stay in Macau longer than 14 days, you must register your driving licence with the Macau Public Security Police Force (CPSP).
Get your IDP in Australia before you leave.
You may not be covered by your travel and vehicle insurances if you drive without an IDP.
Road travel
Macau has a well-developed road network of standards similar to those of an Australian city.
Check you have adequate insurance before driving.
Find out about local road rules and practices.
More information:
Motorcycles
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.
To remain covered by your insurance, you may have to follow local laws.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis and ridesharing services
Use only licensed taxis or reputable limousine services. Arrange them through your hotel if you can. Always insist that the meter is used and be prepared to pay cash for taxis. Many taxis don't have seatbelts available for use in the back seat.
Rideshare services are illegal in Macau. Police have issued fines to drivers and passengers of unlicensed taxi services.
Public transport
Public buses are inexpensive and frequent. However, you may have difficulty finding them outside major tourist areas. Drivers generally have limited English.
More information:
Sea travel
Ferries are a common mode of transport from:
- Macau to
- Hong Kong and
- the Chinese mainland
Some cruise lines visit Macau.
More information:
Air travel
Check Macau's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Local contacts
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
- employer
- airline
Fire and rescue, medical, and police
Call any number for all emergency services:
- 999
- 110
- 112
Always get a police report when reporting a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Consular contacts
The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy in Macau.
For consular assistance, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong.
Australian Consulate-General, Hong Kong
23/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Phone: (+852) 2827 8881
Fax: (+852) 2585 4457
Website: https://hongkong.consulate.gov.au/
Facebook: Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong and Macau
X: @AusCGHK
Instagram: @auscghk
Check the Consulate-General website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the Consulate, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia
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