Macao’s fusion of Portuguese heritage and modern-day casinos creates a travel experience like no other – but understanding money in Macao and how currency works is vital to avoid confusion or fees. Whether you’re gambling in Cotai, enjoying Macanese cuisine, or shopping along Senado Square, knowing how to pay is key. This guide outlines what currency to bring, how to get money and currency in Macao (Macanese Pataca – MOP, with Hong Kong Dollars also accepted), tips for handling cash and cards, and the essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll navigate Macao smoothly and enjoy every moment.
How to pay in Macao – cash or card?
Macao is well-equipped for modern payment methods. In Macao, both cash and cards are accepted, especially in tourist zones like the Cotai Strip and Senado Square. Cash does remain handy for specific situations – especially in smaller food stalls, historic neighborhoods, or local transport. The Macanese pataca (MOP) is the official currency, though Hong Kong dollars (HKD) are also accepted almost everywhere.
You can use cash for:
- Street Vendors and Markets: Food stalls, night markets, and small shops are mainly cash-based.
- Public Transportation: Buses and ferries generally require cash or stored-value cards.
- Small Businesses: Independent cafés, bakeries, and corner stores often prefer cash.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Budget stays may require cash payment.
- Tips and Gratuities: While tipping isn’t mandatory, small cash tips are appreciated in some service settings.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: All hotels, from budget to luxury, accept major credit cards.
- Restaurants: Mid-range and high-end dining spots take cards, especially in tourist areas.
- Retail Stores: Malls, casinos, and branded stores widely accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tours: Established operators take card payments.
- Online Bookings: Hotels, ferries, and attractions can be booked online by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Macao?
The Macanese Pataca (MOP) is the official currency in Macao and widely accepted, as are Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) also. In some casinos, hotels, and shops, HKD is often preferred.
If you already have HKD, you can use it directly in Macao, and you’ll usually get a 1:1 exchange. However, if you pay in HKD, you might receive change in MOP.
USD, Euros, and other foreign currencies are not accepted, so don’t rely on them.
Where to get currency in Macao?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Macao. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Macao
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Macao
If you’re withdrawing money in Macao from an ATM, 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.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Macao?
Bringing a small amount of Macanese Pataca (MOP) is helpful for initial expenses like taxis or snacks. However, exchange rates outside Macao are usually poor, and MOP is not commonly stocked by foreign banks.
A better option is to withdraw MOP from ATMs upon arrival. ATMs are easy to find in hotels, casinos, shopping malls, and ferry terminals, and most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Check with your bank for any foreign ATM fees.
Currency can also be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange counters in the city for better rates than airport kiosks. HKD (Hong Kong Dollars) are also widely accepted in Macao at a 1:1 rate, though change is typically given in MOP.
Where to withdraw money in Macao
You can withdraw money in Macao at leading bank ATMs in the country. 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.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Macao.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Macao.
Where to exchange currency in Macao
Common places to exchange currency in Macao are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency exchange is available at many locations, including casinos and hotels, shopping malls (e.g., The Venetian, Sands Cotai) and tourist-heavy areas like Senado Square and Rua da Felicidade. Well-known providers include Travelex and exchange counters inside Wynn, MGM, and Galaxy casinos. If you are coming from Hong Kong, then you can use many currency exchange centres in Kowloon or centres like Global Exchange, Capital Exchange.
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are: Bank of China (Macao), Tai Fung Bank, Banco Nacional Ultramarino. Bank branches in central Macao and Taipa provide currency services during standard business hours.
You can find good currency exchanges in Macao using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Macao. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Tip: Carry HKD if you’re coming from Hong Kong, as it’s widely accepted in Macao. Avoid exchanging at the ferry terminal or airport, where rates are less favorable. Also Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices, they have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is carrying cash in Macao safe?
Carrying cash in Macao is safe, especially in casino areas, hotels, and tourist districts, but like any busy city, you should remain cautious in crowded places. Cash is widely used for small transactions, while cards are common in larger businesses.
To carry cash safely in Macao:
- Keep your wallet in a front pocket or a zippered crossbody bag.
- Avoid pulling out large amounts of cash in public – especially in markets or gaming areas.
- Use ATMs located in hotels, casinos, or banks – not on the street.
- Be alert in crowded places like Senado Square or the ferry terminals.
- Carry small bills for taxis, food stalls, and smaller vendors – especially those outside major casinos.
- Most hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls accept international cards.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Macao
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
