Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Macau
About
| Macau is situated about one hour by ferry from Hong Kong and nowadays attracts hordes of visitors with its new Vegas-style casino resorts. It is split into three main landmasses connected by bridges. Macau Peninsula, Taipa Island and Coloane Island. The larger of Macau's two islands, Coloane Island is perfect for a day trip. Nature trails thread among the hills in Seac Pai Van Park, which also has a walk-in aviary. See the oldest lighthouse on the China coast: the 17th-century Guia Fortress. There are a number of attractions on the peninsula, such as the wine museum, Flora Gardens, the Grand Prix Museum and quite a few temples. |
|
| Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | |
| Previous name: | Cidade do Nome de Deus de Macau (City of the Name of God) |
| Capital: | Macau (MFM) |
| Currency: | Macanese Pataca (MOP). Hong Kong Dollar widely accepted. The Pataca can be difficult to exchange once you leave Macau. |
| Language: | Cantonese Chinese and Portuguese. English is widely spoken in tourism areas. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 853 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +8 (6 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to Go: | Mid-October – December |
| Best for: | UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Gambling |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs with round or square pins are used |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Casual wear is suitable, but certain casinos may have a strict dress code. Respect should be shown when entering temples. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Macau without incurring customs duty: • 100 cigarettes, 50 cigarillos, 10 cigars or 100g of tobacco • 1L of alcohol over 30% volume |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 28-31; Apr 4, 18-19, 21; May 1, 5, 31; Jun 2; Oct 1-2, 7, 29; Nov 2-3; Dec 20-25, 31
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 16-19; Apr 3-6; May 1, 24; Jun 19; Sep 26; Oct 1-2, 18; Nov 2; Dec 20, 22, 24-25, 31
Visa Requirements
No visas are required by SA passport holders for a stay not exceeding 30 days.
- Passport must be valid for 90 days beyond stay in Macau, with 2 blank pages.
- Proof of possessing at least MOP5000 as means of subsistence in Macao if the period of intended stay is 7 days, at least MOP10,000 if the period of intended stay is 8-14 days, at least MOP15,000 if the period of intended stay is 15-21 days, at least MOP20,000 if the period of intended stay is 22 days or longer
Additional information: www.gov.mo/en/services/ps-1474/ps-1474b/
Should you require a visa, you can apply through the China Visa Application Centre.
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
