Currency
The official currency in Macau is Pataca (MOP), divided into 100 avos. Prices are normally shown with a dollar symbol ($).
Pataca is pegged to Hong Kong dollar at a rate of MOP$1.032 to HK$1.0 and Hong Kong dollars are widely accepted in Macau at 1:1 rate, with the exception of government offices where you must pay in patacas. Hong Kong dollars are also used as the gambling currency in Macau's casinos.
Chinese renminbi / yuan is also accepted by many establishments at a 1:1 rate. This may not be the best deal though, given the exchange rates.
There are no custom restrictions for tourists on the amount of money imported to or exported from Macau.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Money can be exchanged at banks or independent money changers. Changing patacas outside of Macau is very difficult (even in Hong Kong, the commissions can be very high) so the best advice for tourists is not leave Macau with patacas.
In fact, in many cases travelers to Macau would not even need to use patacas, just Hong Kong dollars.
ATMs
Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are available almost everywhere in Macau.
Most of them dispense both patacas and Hong Kong dollars (some also dispose Chinese renminbi). The ATMs accept most credit and debit cards that work on international networks.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards (mostly Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted by retailers and restaurants in Macau. Some retailers may require a minimum purchase amount (usually $100) if paying by credit card.
Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks can be cashed at banks and major hotels.
Current Hong Kong Dollar Rates
For other currencies or conversion amounts go to Currency Converter
Macau Gallery
There are 15 pictures in our Macau gallery. Click the thumbnail to enter.
