Time Zone

GMT + 8 hours

Language

The official languages of Macau are Cantonese and Portuguese. Other Chinese dialects, such as Mandarin and Hokkienese are also spoken throughout the city. English is used by many people, particularly in shops, restaurants and hotels.

Currency

The Macau Pataca is the main currency used and is found in the following denominations: Coins - 10, 20 and 50 Avos; 1, 2, 5 and 10 Patacas; Notes - 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Patacas. Hong Kong Dollars and the Chinese Yuan Renminbi are also widely accepted in the city. You can exchange currency at either a bank or private currency exchange. Exchange rates are subject to daily fluctuations and additional charges may apply.

Electrical Standard

Local voltage is 220 volts AC. Electrical plug adaptors for the UK can be supplied.

Shopping Hours

Monday to Friday: 11am to 9pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 10pm

Banking Hours

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5:30pm

City Centre

The main area of Leal Senado Square is approximately 2 Km. The journey takes 10 minutes by taxi and approximately 20 minutes by bus, which can be caught at the stop opposite the hotel.

Shopping

The New Yaohan can be reached from the hotel by taxi in 10 minutes, the Fisherman's Wharf in 7 minutes by foot and the Landmark Macau city center in approximately 10 minutes.

Medical

The closest facilities are available at Kiang Wu Hospital, which is about 3 Km away and can be reached by taxi within 20 minutes from the hotel. The other facilities are at Hospital Conde Sao Januario, which is 2 Km away from the hotel, a journey which takes about 10 minutes by taxi.

Banking

There are many ATMs near the hotel where you can withdraw funds. Tai Fung Bank is open between 9am and 5:30pm and is 0.3 Km from the hotel and can be reached on foot in 7 minutes. ATM machines are also available at the Macau/Hong Kong Ferry Terminal, a short walk from the hotel, and also at Sands Casino, a short 5 minute walk from the hotel.

Tips on Tipping

While tipping was not customary among the Chinese, but because of the tourists, porters and waiters have become accustomed to small tips on top of the 10% service fee that is automatically charged. Bellboys, porters and toilet attendants will also expect a small tip.

* Feast of Buddha (Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha, feast of the Drunken Dragon, Tam Kong Festival)