Macao (a.k.a Macau), a unique fusion of Portuguese heritage and Chinese culture, is famed for its world-class casinos, historic sites, and fusion cuisine. Whether you’re exploring the cobbled streets of the Historic Centre, trying street food in Taipa Village, or enjoying the nightlife on the Cotai Strip, knowing how to manage your money is important. Both the Macanese pataca and Hong Kong dollar are accepted, and cards are widely used in urban areas and casinos, though cash is still useful in local markets and small shops. This guide covers key information on cash and ATMs in Macao, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Where to find ATMs in Macao?
Macao has a high concentration of ATMs, especially in densely populated areas such as the Macao Peninsula, Taipa, and Cotai. Major banks like Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), Bank of China (Macao), and ICBC (Macao) operate large ATM networks. Machines are available in shopping malls, hotel lobbies, casino complexes, ferry terminals, and near bus stations. Most ATMs dispense Macanese pataca (MOP), and some also offer Hong Kong dollars (HKD).
Tourist Spots:
ATMs are easy to find near attractions like the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square, A-Ma Temple, and inside major casinos such as The Venetian, Grand Lisboa, and Wynn. Multilingual interfaces (including English) are available on most machines, and international cards are widely accepted. However, many smaller vendors still operate on a cash-only basis, especially in older parts of the city.
Rural Areas:
Macao is a compact territory with no true rural zones. However, if visiting quieter residential areas or outer neighborhoods of Coloane, ATM access may be less frequent. It’s best to withdraw cash in the city before heading into more laid-back zones or village markets.
Best ATMs to use in Macao for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Macao are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BNU,
- BCM Bank,
- ICBC,
- Bank of China,
- OCBC, and
- Taifung Bank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Macao, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in MOP).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in MOP’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Macao?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Macao. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus cards, CUP, JCB, Maestro Diners, Discover, Jetco cards. Others such as American Express and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in Macao operate 24/7, particularly those in casinos, malls, and along major streets. Machines inside smaller shops or banks may be limited to business hours.
What are ATMs called in Macao?
ATMs are known locally as “提款機” (tik kuan gei) in Cantonese. Signage also includes “ATM” in English.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Macao typically offer Traditional Chinese (Cantonese), Portuguese, and English. Language selection is available early in the process, and English is widely supported for tourist use.
If you don’t understand these languages, try scanning the ATM screen on your phone camera with Google Translate and get an indicative translation (please note – such translations can have errors).
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Macao?
ATMs in Macao dispense primarily Macanese patacas (MOP). Certain bank-operated ATMs also offer the option to withdraw Hong Kong dollars (HKD) and sometimes Chinese yuan (RMB), depending on the machine. But cash machines do not issue euros, US dollars, or other foreign currencies.
ATM withdrawal limits in Macao?
ATMs in Macao have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of MOP 3,500 to MOP 10,000, with most common being MOP 5,000 per transaction. Some ATMs offer lesser cash per transaction depending on the type of card. E.g. one ATM has a limit of MOP 3,000 for Plus and Cirrus cards but allows MOP 10,000 per transaction for all other types of cards.
ATM Fees in Macao
There are many fee-free ATMs in Macao. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Macao do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So you have many fee-free options as a foreign card holder to withdraw cash here.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Macao. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Macao
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Macao?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Macao. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Macao. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Safety at ATMs
Macao is considered a very safe destination, with low crime rates and strong banking infrastructure. ATMs are located throughout the city, especially in casinos, shopping centers, and major hotel complexes. While ATM fraud is uncommon, it’s still wise to use machines in well-lit, populated areas or inside banks. Avoid withdrawing cash from standalone machines in less-traveled neighborhoods. Always cover your PIN during transactions, keep your cash secure, and monitor your account for any suspicious activity during your stay.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Macao takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Macao?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Macao. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Macao do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So you have many fee-free options as a foreign card holder to withdraw cash here.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Macao?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Macao and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Macao. Despite regulatory interest, directories confirm zero public-facing crypto ATMs in Macau city or its islands.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Macao
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank closed its Macau branch in 2025 and has no ATMs here.
- Barclays: No, Barclays does not operate ATMs in Macao.
- HSBC: Yes, HSBC runs consumer ATMs via HSBC Bank Macau branches.
- Standard Chartered: Yes, Standard Chartered operates ATMs in Macao under its branch.
