MACAU

"Gambling, greenery and glitz in a cultural mix" writes The LonelyPlanet of Macau. Centuries ago China gave the colony of Macau to the Portuguese in exchange for their help ridding the area of pirates. In 1999, the colony was repatriated to China becoming a Special Administrative Region (SAR), ending over 400 years of Portuguese administration. Today, operating under the Chinese “one country two systems” formula, Macau has been transformed into the “Las Vegas of the East”. Like Hong Kong, Macau has its own government, passports, visas, postal system and currency. The city’s atmosphere is a heady blend of colonial Europe, the Far East, and the glamour of the Sunset Strip.

GETTING THERE

The most popular way to get to Macau is to fly to Hong Kong and take the ferry from Hong Kong International Airport Terminal. From your flight you can board the Ferry directly from Hong-Kong International airport. Ferries leave approximately every hour until 22:00. A second ferry terminal is located in Hong Kong city if necessary. The ferry trip takes approximately one hour and costs approximately HKD$230.

If you are travelling from within Asia several airlines fly direct to Macau International Airport.

From the Airport/ Terminal:

TAXIS: Licensed taxis in Macau are black or yellow in colour. Taxis in Macau are reasonably priced and as it is a small city, it is difficult to rack up charges. The flagfall charge for a taxi is MOP$13 for the first 1500 meters. MOP$1.50 will be added for every 180 meters afterwards.

BUS: Bus AP1 runs between the airport and the Barrier Gate. Its route passes through several points on Taipa Island, then Macau Tower, Hotel Lisboa, the Macau Art Museum, the Sands and the Ferry Terminal on the way. It costs MOP$3.30.

ACCOMMODATION

PokerStars qualifiers will be staying at the beautiful Grand Lisboa Hotel.

We recommend the Grand Lisboa Hotel & Casino in Macau but the city also boasts a wide variety of other hotels from deluxe through standard to bed-and-breakfast style accommodation.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Visas: Residents of many countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, and many European and Asian countries do not require a visa for visits of less than 30 days. Check the official government website at www.macautourism.gov.mo, before traveling.

Time: GMT+8

Language:Cantonese, Mandarin, some English

Climate: Cooler and less humid in November, but still sub-tropical.
Note: Most casinos have a casual dress code.

Currency: Macanese Pataca (MOP) Exchange. $1 US = 8 MOP
Note: Try not to leave Macau with a lot of Patacas, they are quite difficult to exchange in Western countries.

Voltage: 220 volts

Official tourist website: Macau Government Tourist Office

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