Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, known for its rich history, vibrant entertainment options, and unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 680,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average download speed of 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Macau Pataca (MOP), 1 MOP ≈ 0.12 USD, 1 USD ≈ 8.00 MOP |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but many prefer bottled water |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include CTM, 3, and Smartone, with average prices starting at MOP 100 for data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | HSBC, Bank of China, and local banks accept international accounts and services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hotels, and hostels like 'The Macau Youth Hostel'. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards and mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings available, average price is around MOP 600 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'Bed & Breakfast near A-Ma Temple' range from MOP 250 to MOP 400 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Macau Peninsula, including areas around the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Taipa and Cotai Strip offer coworking spaces and modern amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Macao Coworking Space in the NAPE area provides a vibrant environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Academics in Taipa is a popular spot with reliable internet and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | The American Chamber of Commerce frequently hosts business networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Macau Expat Meetup Group on Facebook is a great platform for socializing and connecting. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Macau Taxi services, or use the app 'Didi' for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike-sharing options are available, including MacaBike. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hac Sa Beach on Coloane Island, about 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Macau Airlines serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Macau and China Eastern Airlines connect to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Macau Ferry Terminal serves as a major transport hub for ferries and buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Macau has a reliable bus network, with a local pass costing around MOP 100 for unlimited travel for a week. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries to Hong Kong and Zhuhai are very frequent and affordable, around MOP 160 for a round trip. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Conde de São Januário provides overall healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'The Yoga Room' offers a variety of classes for different skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'Fitness First' and 'Gold's Gym' have multiple branches across Macau. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at 'Wash & Go' situated in various neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Deliveroo operate widely in Macau. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Macanese egg tarts and Portuguese-style chicken. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'The Blissful Carrot' offers a selection of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Lord Stow's Bakery' is renowned for its original egg tarts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Explore the local street market near Senado Square for budget snacks and eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Wet markets and local grocery stores deliver, but major supermarkets like 'Pingo Doce' are commonly visited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Cotai Strip offers numerous high-end bars and casinos. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Macau Beer Company offers local craft beers with tastings available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | 'Wines of Portugal' offers tastings and a great atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Stall along Rua de Cunha in Taipa offer diverse street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as 'The Golden Peacock' serve Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ruins of St. Paul's and A-Ma Temple showcase the blend of cultures. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | 'Macau Museum' and 'Macao Contemporary Art Centre' are popular art spots. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historic Centre of Macao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Dominic's Church provides a glimpse into Macau's colonial past. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | 'Macau Arts Festival' and the 'Macau International Fireworks Display Contest' are noteworthy. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The area of Taipa is rich in local culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The 'Macao Cultural Centre' hosts a variety of performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | 'Red Market' and 'Rua do Sem Sem' are good for local produce and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars along Avenida da Praia Grande host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen around the historic district of Macau. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | 'Cooking with Amy' offers classes focusing on Macanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | 'Macao Museum of Art' showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many buildings along Senado Square reflect the colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures defines much of Macau's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Coloane Island offers beautiful beaches and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The 'Hiking Trails' in Coloane are popular with locals. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the Macau Grand Prix Circuit provide a scenic route. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Macau Tower Observation Deck is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Coloane Nature Reserve offers opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Hac Sa Beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and SingPost offer parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | 'Techie Workshop' provides mobile and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | 'Macau Table Tennis Academy' welcomes public play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | 'Macau Language Centre' offers Mandarin and Cantonese classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | 'Macau Central Library' is spacious for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | 'Macao Federation of Trade Unions' hosts community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | 'Game On' has consoles and PC gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | 'The Venetian Macao' is one of the largest gaming halls in the world. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MOP 35,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MOP 1,400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MOP 25,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MOP 1,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MOP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MOP 1,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MOP 22,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MOP 1,320,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MOP 28,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MOP 2,240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MOP 20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MOP 1,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 12% for general companies, 9% for small businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | territorial taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rate of 12% for annual income over MOP 600,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | No Value Added Tax (VAT) system implemented. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax, but a small property transaction tax applies. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% to 4% based on purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Macau does not tax foreign-source income for individuals, making it appealing for digital nomads. |