Name(English): Macau Visa and going to Macau
Name(Chinese): 前往澳門的交通攻略
Category: Practical Information
Casinos, historical heritage and almond cookies. Macau offers these all. Many tourists to Hong Kong may cross the border to visit this neighboring city and spend a day or two experiencing Asia’s Vegas. And if you are one of them, this is the guide to get you through the visa application process and everything else you’ll need to know.
Known as one of the most popular cities of China, visa or entry permit has been exempted for 81 countries around the world (See section VII), as well as to other Chinese or Hong Kong citizens. Be aware of the limit of stay (See section VIII), which varies by country. If you do not find your country from the above list, below includes a quick guide for the Ordinary Visa application.
- Choose your preferred visa type — Individual MOP 100; Family Passport MOP 200; Children under age of 12 MOP 50
- Prepare USD30 (tax), alongside with the visa application charge, and the required documents to your local Chinese embassy or consulate
- Your visa will be ready in 5 working days and you’re good to go!
If you did not manage to apply for your Macau visa 5 days prior to your trip, you may still apply at the “Visa Room” at the border checkpoint upon arrival, for which additional charges would however be charged.
After knowing the entry essentials, it’s time to book a ride to the city. There are mainly two ways that most people opt for — by ferry or bus, or by helicopter if you have some extra cash to burn. Here includes the more popular methods.
By ferry
Cotai Water Jet (金光飛航) and TurboJET (噴射飛航) are the two companies that offer ferry tickets. Ticket price ranges from HKD 160 to HKD 3,010, depending on class and time. Locals usually take ferries from Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (港澳碼頭)in Sheung Wan or China Ferry Terminal (中國客運碼頭) in Tsim Sha Tsui and grab their ticket at the terminal counter beforehand.
By bus
This is a rather new way of travelling to Macau. Some locals opt for it to experience a trip on the infamously exorbitant (HKD 120.1 billion) Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB). Take a bus to the terminal and pass the border checkpoint. Then hop onto the cross-boundary shuttle. The 40-minute ride costs HKD 65 to 70 for an adult’s single trip and half-priced concessionary fare is offered to senior citizens and children under the age of 12 or less than 1.2m in height.
You’ll hop off by the ferry or bus terminal of your choice, Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal (澳門外港客運碼頭) or Taipa Ferry Terminal (氹仔客運碼頭) if you travel by sea, or the HZMB Macau port if by land. You may then take some free hotel shuttles that will lead you to the city centre and explore around.
Another must-know for a Macau day trip is the currency. Other than MOP, HKD is also in circulation in Macau. Yet, make sure you have your MOP spent in Macau, as you’ll not be able to use it in Hong Kong.
Here’s all the basics you need to know for a day trip from Hong Kong to Macau. Have fun discovering the nearby glitz and glam aside from your splendid trip in Hong Kong!
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