Macau’s culture is both unique and interesting. With its blend of eastern and western traditions the people of Macau are very progressive, and have many local customs similar to those in the west. However, older Macau residents are still conservative. Some don’ts include getting overly intimate in public places. Avoid discussing controversial issues in public, do not speak openly about triads or gangs and do not hug or kiss a person you do not know. Like most Chinese, people usually greet each other by shaking hands and it is customary to bring some sort of a gift (no matter how small) when visiting someone’s house.
Macau Climate
Macau’s weather is similar to that of Hong Kong, and the humidity remains pretty high all year through. There are however the occasional typhoon threats in July and November. The best time to visit Macau is during autumn i.e. from October–December, when the temperature is a pleasant 20-25 degrees centigrade. Spring (March-May) is not a bad time to visit either. Winters here tend to be chilly, windy and wet, while the summers (July-Sept) can be pretty hot and humid. Hotel rooms are hardest to find on weekends, on Hong Kong public holidays, Chinese New Year and during the Macau Grand Prix in November.
What to Wear in Macau
Cotton or light casual clothing is recommended for visiting during the summer. Woolen clothing and an overcoat can be required during the winter. A light weight jackets is sometimes necessary for the cooler evenings from September to November. Most people in Macau are pretty stylish and tend to follow Hong Kong fashion trends. Jeans, T-shirts and summer dress are the ideal clothing out here. Plus don’t forget to bring a bathing suit if you want to relax on the beach.
Macau Shopping
Macau's most popular shopping items include jewelry and gold, Chinese antiques, porcelain, pottery, electrical gadgets, cameras, and watches. As Macau is a free port, everything is available at duty free prices. When shopping for antiques and jewelry, it is better to shop at recommended stores rather than at street stalls. Also don’t expect to buy treasures from the souvenir stalls at St. Paul's, the Border Gate, and Penha Hill. Knit- wear and clothes can be purchased at good prices from the many street stalls near San Domingos market, near Senate Square which has a multitude of shops, and in Rua da Palha. The main shopping area in Macau is located along the Avenida do Infante D. Henrique, Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, Sao Domingos Market, Rua da Palha, Rua do Campo, and Rua Pedro Nolasco da Silva. For good quality antiques try the flea market around the Rua das Estalagens, near St. Paul's Ruins. Also worth a shopping visit is the Saturday market at Taipa Village.
Travel Around Macau
Macau’s airport is on Taipa Island. As not many international flights come to Macau, most people often get here by ferry or jetfoil from Hong Kong. You can also catch a helicopter from Hong Kong to Macau as well. Getting around Macau is easy as it is a walking city, with everything within walking distance. Some places in Macau are also only accessible by foot. Other than walking, the best way to get around Macau and the islands of Taipa and Coloane is by air-conditioned bus or minibus. Routes take in the Lisboa Hotel, Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, the Barrier Gate, the Floating Casino, the A-Ma and Kun Iam Temple, and Taipa and Coloane villages. The taxis are pretty good and are all metered and reasonably priced, however many drivers don’t speak English. For those who enjoy touristy things take a three-wheeled pedicab ride known as ‘triciclos’. However they can be more expensive than the taxis and they are slow-moving. Driving is not recommended for the faint hearted in Macau as the traffic tends to be quite rough.
Health Services in Macau
There are two hospitals in Macau that have adequate medical facilities and are able to provide emergency medical care. Highly developed medical facilities and trained personnel are available in Hong Kong. Health centers are also available in Macau with 7 on the peninsula, one in Taipa Island, and one in Coloane. Also all four and five star hotels have in-house medical facilities. In case of an emergency, please dial 999.
Macau Nightlife
Macau’s nightlife is mostly based on its casinos and gambling activities such as horse races and greyhound races. But for those who prefer to party, this city has plenty of clubs, bars and pubs to keep one entertained. The night entertainment here ranges from soft lights and sweet music, to loud and noisy clubs. There are also plenty of Karaoke bars in the city. Also most four and five star hotels in Macau have their own bars featuring live music and entertainment. Some interesting night spots are:
China City - Jai Alai Palace, 1st Floor
Guia Disco Nightclub - Hotel Guia
Portas do Sol Supper Club - Hotel Lisboa, 2nd Floor (old wing)
Skylight Disco and Nightclub - Hotel Presidente, 2nd Floor
Karaoke Lounge -Basement 1 of Hotel Royal
Bar da Guia - Mandarin Oriental, with live music and dancing every night
Dining Out in Macau
Macau has a wide variety of good restaurants with various cuisines ranging from Portuguese, Macau and Chinese to European, Indian and Japanese food. There are plenty of cafés, food stalls and restaurants all over Macau, Taipa and Coloane as well. The restaurants in Taipa are extremely good and are definitely worth a visit. Some other popular restaurants include; Abalone A Iat, Cafe e Nata Patisserie, Lord Stow's Bakery, Cha Cha Chung, Furosato, Fernando's and Restaurante "Si Van".
Macau Business
Though much of Macau’s economy is based on tourism, most people earn their income from working at the casinos. Textile and fireworks manufacturing are also major industries. Tourism accounts for roughly 25% of the GDP, while the gambling industry represents well over 40% of GDP.
