Macau

Violent crime is low in Macau.

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and bag snatching happens.

Petty thieves are most active in:

• crowded shopping areas
• markets
• the airport
• casino areas

To avoid petty crime:

• watch your belongings, especially in crowds
• look out for suspicious behaviour

Drink spiking

Drink spiking happens.

To avoid drink spiking:

• be careful of people who approach you in bars, clubs and casinos
• refuse drinks, food, gum and cigarettes from strangers
• don't leave your food or drinks unattended

More information:

• Partying safety

ATM fraud

Take care withdrawing money from an ATM:

• avoid using ATMs on the street — use those inside banks, shops, shopping centres or casinos
• if someone approaches you at an ATM, cancel your transaction before speaking to them

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To avoid the risk of violent unrest:

• avoid crowds and demonstrations
• monitor the news for unrest or strikes
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Macau experiences typhoons and severe weather.

Severe weather may cause:

• transport delays
• a temporary shutdown of infrastructure

If there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and local sources
• get updates from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• stay in touch with your friends and family

Typhoons

Typhoon season is between May and October.

The path and strength of a typhoon can change quickly.

If authorities issue a signal for a typhoon level 8 (T8) or above in Hong Kong:

• businesses and transport companies must close
• the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong will close

During a typhoon:

• planes and ferries into and out of Macau may be delayed or suspended
• follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services
• check our severe weather advice for what to do

Contact your travel operator or airline for the latest information.

For weather updates, monitor:

• local media
• Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau
• World Meteorological Organization Severe Weather Information Centre

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 vaccines (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Macau. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

More information:

• Medication

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 remains a risk in Macau and measures have been introduced to prevent the spread. See Travel for details. 

Contact Macau’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s 24 hour hotline on +853 2870 0800 or the Macau Special webpage against Epidemics for the latest information.

For information on Macau’s COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to the SSM (Health Services Macau). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia’s regulatory process.

More information:

• Macau Government Centre for Disease Control and Prevention - Special webpage against Epidemics
• The Macau Government Facebook page  
• Coronavirus (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (World Health Organization)

Air pollution

The air pollution in Macau may worsen breathing, sinus or asthma conditions.

If you have a heart or breathing illness, and pollution levels are high:

• reduce your physical activities
• avoid going outdoors

For up-to-date air quality reports, visit the Macau Bureau of Meteorology.

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of dengue occur sometimes.

You're also at risk of Japanese encephalitis.

To protect yourself from illness:

• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel
• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wearing long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common in Macau. Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Outbreaks usually:

• start in March or April
• peak in May
• continue until October

HFMD mostly affects children aged younger than 10 years. It can also occur in adults, particularly young adults.

You can get HFMD by direct contact with discharges of infected people.

Practise good hygiene. Wash your hands carefully and frequently.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases may occur, including:

• tuberculosis
• hepatitis

Avoid eating raw or undercooked food, such as salads.

Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea. 

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities in Macau is adequate.

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.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to Hong Kong. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

You face severe penalties for carrying or using illegal drugs, including marijuana. Penalties include heavy fines and jail sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Weapons

Macau has strict laws around importing and possessing weapons. This includes 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.

Macau has strict laws for owning stun guns and tasers.

Other laws

In Macau, it's illegal to:

• join a public protest without government approval
• take photos of military installations

Always stay in licensed accommodation. If you don't, authorities may fine you.

More information:

• Macau Government Tourism Office — Accommodation

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

If you're a dual national of Chinese descent, you can register your Australian citizenship with the Macau Identification Bureau.

Macau Identification Bureau

Largo do Senado No. 18

Edificio Comercial China 2.0-5.0 Andares, Macau

Phone: (+853) 2837 0777

Website: dsi.gov.mo

If you plan to enter mainland China from Macau, use your Australian passport.

China doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a former Chinese citizen, Chinese authorities may:

• continue to treat you as a Chinese citizen

• not allow you access to Australian consular services, even if you enter China on a foreign passport

More information:

• Dual nationals

• Travel advice for China

Visas

If you're visiting for tourism for less than 30 days, you generally won't need a visa. In other situations, you will.

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.

If you need a visa, apply for it through your nearest PRC embassy or consulate.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules, contact or visit:

• Macau Immigration Service

• Macau Tourism

Border Measures

You may need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or Macau Health Code prior to departure. For the latest entry requirements, refer to the Macau Government Tourism Board or contact your airline or travel agent.

If you're in Macau take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19. Follow the advice of local authorities. New measures may be introduced at short notice. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. See Macau Special webpage against Epidemics for the latest update.  

Travelling to Australia

You're no longer required to undertake a pre-departure COVID-19 test if you arrive in Australia from Macau. 

See the Department of Health and Aged Care for more information on these measures.

You must have a visa to travel between Macau and mainland China.

To return to mainland China after visiting Macau, get a multiple-entry visa for China. Apply before leaving Australia. If not, you need to apply for a new visa for China.

If you have previously visited China and plan to apply for a Chinese visa at the border of Zhuhai and Macau, carry your previous Chinese visa with you even if it's in a recently replaced passport.

Border authorities may refuse to issue you with a new Chinese visa if you have a previous one but can't show it to them.

More information:

• Macau government website
• Travel advice for Hong Kong
• Travel advice for China

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers

The currency in Macau is the Macanese Pataca (MOP).

Some shops also accept Hong Kong dollars and Chinese yuan.

You must declare in writing if you arrive or depart with MOP120,000, or equivalent. This includes all forms of currency, not just cash.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Macau.

Take care using ATMs as thefts happen. See Safety

More information:

• Macau Customs Service

Industrial relations disputes can disrupt transport and essential services.

Monitor local media and plan accordingly.

Driving permit

To drive in Macau, you need both:

• a valid international driving permit (IDP)

• your current Australian driver's licence

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

The road network is mostly well-developed but congested during the day.

Before driving:

• check your insurance cover

• get to know local road rules

More information:

• Driving or riding

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

Only use licensed taxis or reputable limousine services. Try to book through your hotel. Insist on using the meter. You may need 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:

• Macau Government Tourist Office — Local transportation

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Ferries are a common mode of transport between:

• Macau

• Hong Kong

• the Chinese mainland

Ferries sometimes have accidents, including where people have died.

Some cruise lines visit Macau.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Macau's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help 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: hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Hong Kong and Macau

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 an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia