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Guide
Macau, Macau π²π΄
#1245
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
ποΈ 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. |
π₯ Population | approximately 680,000 |
π» Internet Speed | average download speed of 100 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Macau Pataca (MOP), 1 MOP β 0.12 USD, 1 USD β 8.00 MOP |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable, but many prefer bottled water |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type G sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include CTM, 3, and Smartone, with average prices starting at MOP 100 for data packages. |
π³ Banking for Expats | HSBC, Bank of China, and local banks accept international accounts and services. |
π Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hotels, and hostels like 'The Macau Youth Hostel'. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards and mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings available, average price is around MOP 600 per night. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'Bed & Breakfast near A-Ma Temple' range from MOP 250 to MOP 400 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Macau Peninsula, including areas around the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Taipa and Cotai Strip offer coworking spaces and modern amenities. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Macao Coworking Space in the NAPE area provides a vibrant environment for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Academics in Taipa is a popular spot with reliable internet and great coffee. |
πΌ Networking Events | The American Chamber of Commerce frequently hosts business networking events. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Macau Expat Meetup Group on Facebook is a great platform for socializing and connecting. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Macau Taxi services, or use the app 'Didi' for ride-hailing. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike-sharing options are available, including MacaBike. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Hac Sa Beach on Coloane Island, about 15 minutes from the city center. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Macau Airlines serves regional routes. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air Macau and China Eastern Airlines connect to international destinations. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Macau Ferry Terminal serves as a major transport hub for ferries and buses. |
π Public Transport Passes | Macau has a reliable bus network, with a local pass costing around MOP 100 for unlimited travel for a week. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Ferries to Hong Kong and Zhuhai are very frequent and affordable, around MOP 160 for a round trip. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital Conde de SΓ£o JanuΓ‘rio provides overall healthcare services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'The Yoga Room' offers a variety of classes for different skill levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'Fitness First' and 'Gold's Gym' have multiple branches across Macau. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at 'Wash & Go' situated in various neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Deliveroo operate widely in Macau. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Macanese egg tarts and Portuguese-style chicken. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'The Blissful Carrot' offers a selection of vegan dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | 'Lord Stow's Bakery' is renowned for its original egg tarts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Explore the local street market near Senado Square for budget snacks and eats. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are popular for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Wet markets and local grocery stores deliver, but major supermarkets like 'Pingo Doce' are commonly visited. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Cotai Strip offers numerous high-end bars and casinos. |
π» Local Brewery | Macau Beer Company offers local craft beers with tastings available. |
π· Wine Bars | 'Wines of Portugal' offers tastings and a great atmosphere. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Stall along Rua de Cunha in Taipa offer diverse street food options. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as 'The Golden Peacock' serve Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Ruins of St. Paul's and A-Ma Temple showcase the blend of cultures. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | 'Macau Museum' and 'Macao Contemporary Art Centre' are popular art spots. |
π° Historical Sites | Historic Centre of Macao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
π Religious Sites | St. Dominic's Church provides a glimpse into Macau's colonial past. |
π Annual Events | 'Macau Arts Festival' and the 'Macau International Fireworks Display Contest' are noteworthy. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The area of Taipa is rich in local culture and heritage. |
π Theater Venues | The 'Macao Cultural Centre' hosts a variety of performances and shows. |
ποΈ Local Markets | 'Red Market' and 'Rua do Sem Sem' are good for local produce and goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Various bars along Avenida da Praia Grande host live music events. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art can be seen around the historic district of Macau. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | 'Cooking with Amy' offers classes focusing on Macanese cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | 'Macao Museum of Art' showcases local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Many buildings along Senado Square reflect the colonial architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures defines much of Macau's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Coloane Island offers beautiful beaches and hiking trails. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | The 'Hiking Trails' in Coloane are popular with locals. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the Macau Grand Prix Circuit provide a scenic route. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Macau Tower Observation Deck is breathtaking. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Coloane Nature Reserve offers opportunities for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Hac Sa Beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and SingPost offer parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | 'Techie Workshop' provides mobile and computer repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | 'Macau Table Tennis Academy' welcomes public play. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | 'Macau Language Centre' offers Mandarin and Cantonese classes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | 'Macau Central Library' is spacious for reading and studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | 'Macao Federation of Trade Unions' hosts community events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | 'Game On' has consoles and PC gaming options. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | 'The Venetian Macao' is one of the largest gaming halls in the world. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MOP 35,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = MOP 1,400,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MOP 25,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = MOP 1,000,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MOP 30,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = MOP 1,800,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MOP 22,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = MOP 1,320,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MOP 28,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = MOP 2,240,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MOP 20,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = MOP 1,600,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 12% for general companies, 9% for small businesses. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | territorial taxation system. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rate of 12% for annual income over MOP 600,000. |
π§Ύ VAT | No Value Added Tax (VAT) system implemented. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | No annual property tax, but a small property transaction tax applies. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 3% to 4% based on purchase price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Macau does not tax foreign-source income for individuals, making it appealing for digital nomads. |