Macau Tourism:
Getting Around Macau

Going around with Taxis

Macau have plenty of licensed and metered taxis. Thre are two types of taxis - black and yellow taxis. Black painted with a creamcoloured roof, joined by radio-called taxis in yellow colour, Tel:(853) 519519.

Flag fall and the first 1500 meters travelled is 10 patacas. The fare for each subsequent 220 meters is 1 pataca, with waiting time at 1 pataca each minute.

Each piece of luggage carried in the trunk coasts 3 patpcas. Surcharges of 2 patacas for journeys from Taipa to Coloane, of 5 patacas for Macau to Coloane, and 5 patacas for journeys starting from Macau International Airport. There is no surcharge for return trips from the islands to Macau.

Very few taxi drivers can speak English. Most can understand Mandarin. So be sure to grab a bilingual map in the ferry terminal or in the hotels.

Going around with Pedicabs

Pedicabs are a dying tradition in Macau. These tricycle carriages with seating for two passengers are also known as trishaws. Very slow but more romantic form of transport. Pedicabs are propelled by bicycles with several gears and are not at all the same as the rickshaw.

Two main pick up locations for pedicabs are the Ferry Terminal and Hotel Lisboa. Avoid trouble by settling on an agreed fare first. Expect to pay about 10-30 patacas for a single journey. It may reach up to 100 patacas an hour for sightseeing, depending on where you go.

Pedicabs are best along the Praia Grande, the "old seashore". Don't expect pedicabs to go up the Penha Hill and other points of interest.

Bicycles

Bicycles can be hired from shops in Taipa, near the bus terminal. They are not permitted on either of the bridges.

Going around with Buses

Public buses and minibuses run from 6:45 a.m. to midnight. On all routes within the city, the fare is 2.5 patacas per journey. There are buses (Route 3, 3A, 10, 12, 23, 28C & 32) that provide regular service between the city and the piers for incoming or out going visitors.

All buses are air-conditioned and are quite comfortable. Try to avoid travelling during the rush hour, when buses tend to become over crowded.

There are buses from Macau to the islands with regular departures throughout the day, from 6:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. The fares are: Taipa - 3.3 patacas, Coloane Village - 4.0 patacas and Hac Sa Beach - 5.00 patacas. Passengers are required to have the exact fare.

There is a bus stop between Hotel Lisboa and the Portuguese school. You can enjoy a comfortable trip to the picturesque islands aboard an air-conditioned bus.

Bus number AP1 links the airport with the ferry terminal and downtown. It costs 6 patacas.

Going around with hire cars

Mokes - small jeep - like vehicles - painted in bright colours and good for especially exploring the islands, are available for hire at around $500 for 24 hours on weekdays, $600 on weekends, with unlimited mileage.

Drivers must be 21 years of age and hold a valid international licence.