We like to make sure that our guests enjoy their stay at the hotel so we’ve put together some fundamental information about Macau:

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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 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 HolidaysDate
New Year’s Day1 January 2008
Chinese New Year Holiday7-9 February 2008
Easter Holidays21-22 March 2008
Ching Ming Festival4 April 2008
Labour Day1 May 2008
Feast of Buddha*24 May 2008
Tuen Ng Festival8 June 2008
Day After Mid-Autumn Festival15 September 2008
National Day1-2 October 2008
Chung Yeung Festival7 October 2008
All Souls Day2 November 2008
Immaculate Conception8 December 2008
Macau SAR Establishment Day20 December 2008
Winter Solstice21 December 2008
Christmas Holiday24-25 December 2008

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

Local Events

EventsDateEvents Details
The 7th International Gaming & Entertainment ExpoFeb 27-29, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Global Gaming Expo AsiaJune 4-6, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Grand PrixJuly 4-6, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
20th Macau International Fireworks Display ContestSeptember 13,14,20,27 & October 1, 2008The 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 2008Sep 25-28, 2008With 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.
13th Macau International Trade & Investment FairOctober 23-26, 2008 
22nd Macau International Music FestivalOctober 3 – November 2, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
55th Macau Grand PrixNovember 13-16, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
2008 Macau International MarathonDecember 7, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link