Macau, also spelled Macao, is a tiny Chinese territory that is about 30 square kilometers in size. It is a fusion of East and West in lifestyles, architecture, and food. Known for its huge casinos and being the world's top gambling city, it boasts some popular attractions for tourists to visit.
1. Macau’s legal tender is the Macanese Pataca, the Chinese Rembini is not accepted at shops in Macau. Most shops will accept the Hong Kong Dollar, and most casinos will only accept this rather than the Pataca.
2. Macau and China have a full international border. Chinese visas do not grant access to Macau nor vice versa and Chinese citizens need a visa to visit Macau. EU, Australian, American and Canadian citizens do not require a visa for short visits to Macau. You can obtain a visa upon arrival at Macau ferry ports.
3. Macau does not have embassies abroad but is represented within Chinese embassies. If you require a Macau visa, the Chinese embassy is the right place to start.
4. Macanese citizens are issued with their own passports, although they are also entitled to a full Chinese passport. Some citizens also have Portuguese citizenship.
5. Citizens of the People's Republic of China don't have the right to live and work in Macau. They have to apply for visas. There are limits in place on the number of Chinese citizens who can visit the city each year.
6. The official name of Macau is the Macau Special Administrative Region.
7. The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese, not Mandarin. Most local Macau citizens don't speak Mandarin.
8. Macau and China have wholly separate legal systems. The Chinese police and Public Security Bureau have no jurisdiction in Hong Kong.
9. The People's Liberation Army of China does have a small garrison in Macau.
10. Like Hong Kong across the water, Macau has its own money, passports and legal system that are completely separate from China.
11. The city even has its own snazzy flag. Apart from in foreign affairs, Macau mostly operates as an independent city-state.
12. Macau Ferry Terminal & Heliport - This unconventional yet interesting tourist attraction in Macau is popularly known as Shun Tak Macau terminal and welcomes flights between Macau and Hong Kong.
13. Skycap Cable Car - The cable car ride commences at the foothills of Machicang Mountain and covers a journey of 1700 meters at an elevation of over 700 meters.--
14. Nam Van Lake - Evenings are spellbinding here as the interesting laser show lures travelers from across the world to this destination.
15. Flora Garden - Along with this the garden is adorned with flowerbeds, small waterfalls and belvedere.
16. The Venetian Macao - Replicating its sister property in Vegas, this resort is a perfect place to enjoy the after-hours like never before.
17. Taipa Village - Adorned with pedestrian streets and beautiful alleys, it is one of the interesting places to visit in Macau.
18. You can enjoy duty-free shopping in malls offering latest styles of clothing, cosmetics etc in Macau.
19. Although Macao is a small island, there are more than 15 interesting museums of various themes, such as art and culture.
20. Senado Square is always bustling with tourists and locals making it one of the top Macau tourist places.
