We like to make sure that our guests enjoy their stay at the hotel so we’ve put together some fundamental information about Macau:
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. Check today’s exchange rate via our Currency Converter.
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 foot in 10 minutes, the Fisherman’s Wharf in 7 minutes and the Landmark Macau 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’s automatically charged. Bellboys, porters and toilet attendants will also expect a small tip.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays
Date
New Year's Day
1 January 2008
Chinese New Year Holiday
7-9 February 2008
Easter Holidays
21-22 March 2008
Ching Ming Festival
4 April 2008
Labour Day
1 May 2008
Feast of Buddha*
24 May 2008
Tuen Ng Festival
8 June 2008
Day After Mid-Autumn Festival
15 September 2008
National Day
1-2 October 2008
Chung Yeung Festival
7 October 2008
All Souls Day
2 November 2008
Immaculate Conception
8 December 2008
Macau SAR Establishment Day
20 December 2008
Winter Solstice
21 December 2008
Christmas Holiday
24-25 December 2008
* Feast of Buddha (Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha, feast of the Drunken Dragon, Tam Kong Festival)
Local Events
Events
Date
Events Details
The 7th International Gaming & Entertainment Expo
Feb 27-29, 2008
Global Gaming Expo Asia
June 4-6, 2008
FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Grand Prix
July 4-6, 2008
20th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest
September13,14,20,27 & October 1, 2008
The largest of its kind and one of the most important in the world. Experts from different countries are invited to Macau to compete with spectacles of fireworks set off over the Nam Van Lake.
Macau (Golf) Open 2008
Sep 25-28, 2008
With presence of high profile players and support of the Macau Golf and Country Club, the Macau Open gives the region's golfers a chance to test their rapidly developed skills against the best in the world.
