Hong Kong and the Mainland are very accessible. A mere 0.34-kilometre border separates Macau from Zhuhai, the Chinese border city. Hong Kong, located 60 kilometres (37 miles), is reached by an hour-long fast ferry ride. Hong Kong is a popular gateway to Macau. The Macau International Airport services direct flights from several points in Asia, specifically China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
Currency
Macau's official currency is the Macau Pataca (MOP). (The value of the Hong Kong dollar is slightly higher than the MOP.) Hong Kong dollars also freely accepted throughout the city, usually on par with MOP. China's RMB is increasingly being accepted as well. MOP exchange rate to the US dollar is about $0.16.
Weather
The climate is moderate to hot, with the mean variation between 16°C (50°F) and 25°C (77°F) throughout the year. The winter in Macau starts from January and lasts until March. The weather is a bit chilly but still quite sunny. In April, the humidity begins to increase and temperatures rise. The winds in the additional moisture and temperature increase the occurrence of rainfall as well. From May to September, the area experiences some shaky weather in the form of tropical storms.
Getting around the city
The taxi is the most convenient means of going around. With more people going to Macau, getting a taxi is not as easy, especially during peak hours. Options are waiting in a hotel taxi queue or booking through telephone. Flag down rate is 10 MOP. There is a surcharge of two MOP from trips originating in Macau and heading for Taipa or Coloane. Macau has an extensive public bus service. Minimum fare is 2.50 MOP.
Most hotels provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the ferry stations.
Tourist interests
Just like most destinations, there is much to see and do in Macau. A distinct advantage is its size. At 30 square kilometres (about 11 square miles) of land, reclaimed areas included, the compact size allows visitors to maximize their sightseeing time. Macau was originally divided into three islands – Macau, Coloane and Taipa. Cotai, home to mega-infrastructures, is the fourth area and was born from reclamation projects. Senado Leal in Macau, with its streets paved with wave-patterned mosaic tiles, is a good starting point. From there the branching narrow alleys are lined with boutiques, churches, antiques shops, souvenir shops and restaurants. There are markers leading to St. Paul's Ruins. Click here for tourist information.