Macau To Hk Ferry

[Briggsy]

I will be soon be doing the Air Asia to Macau: Ferry to Hong Kong: 2 or 3 days in Hong Kong: Oasis to London journey.

Could someone kindly let me know the cost of the ferry to Hong Kong. I looked through this sub-forum and the only thing I could find was a thread claiming the cost is equivalent to 18 pounds. This seems too high. Googling, I only found a bus called "Express Link" from Macau Airport to the ferry terminal for 55 Macau currency units - MOP. This is 216 Baht.

If you've done this journey recently I'd be interested to hear your experience.

[hotgeekus]

something like 120 hk dollars rings a bell in my head. It takes about 1 hour.

turbojet is one company, I took the other one.

The experience is like sitting in a boat for one hour.... to the airport not sure where you connect in HK, but a little research you can find it.

[Briggsy]

That sounds more like it 120 HK$ = 500 Baht. However the other poster has probably added in his total costs from airport to airport.

Does Macau have an airport taxi mafia like Bangkok and if so, how can one avoid them?

[toptuan]

Taxi from Macau Airport to the ferry terminal was around $5USD.

For the ferry, 500 baht doesn't sound right. I did the trip last May. The high-speed catamaran I used took 90 minutes and cost about $25USD per person. The ferry lands near the Star Ferry Terminal in Hong Kong--close to all transportation (bus, subway, taxi, etc.).

For more information on travel between HK and Macau, check out...

1) Lonely Planet's online "tips for travelers" in the Hong Kong section

2) Air Asia's Website: click "Flight Info" > "Ground Transportation" > Macau - Hong Kong

Also, here's feedback from another traveler (quoted from a website, somewhere!)

"Ferries are very frequent between Hongkong or Kowloon and Macau. Do not need to prebook, unless on weekend with passengers going to and fro to Macau. I gathered that on Sunday evening the ferry from Macau to Hongkong or Kowloon can be quite packed. Recently, on Good Friday I took First Ferry from Macau to Kowloon at 12.30pm and there were only 10 passengers. For the First Ferry I paid HKG155 from Macau to Kowloon 'cos it was a public holiday and paid HKG137 from Kowloon to Macau on a weekday. Departing from Hongkong take the Turbojet and from Kowloon take the First Ferry. (May 2006)"

Edited September 22, 2007 by toptuan

[onethailand]

Depends on what class you want to take, but it will cost you at least HKD$150. I take Super Class though, and it cost $244 in June.

[Briggsy]

Thank you for your replies.

I will be taking the cheapest class! I'm in no hurry. I'll stick a post on here to let you know the results. Should be under 1000 Baht all up.

[Thaising]

Thank you for your replies.

I will be taking the cheapest class! I'm in no hurry. I'll stick a post on here to let you know the results. Should be under 1000 Baht all up.

Take a look at their website http://www.turbojet.com.hk/index.htm

[nonthaburial]

Taxi from Macau Airport to HK Ferry pier about 50-60 Ptcs which is equal to the same in HK$. No taxi mafia there, small airport and taxis lined up and very fair and reliable. Take ferry to Kowloon terminal, about 150HKD and from there the train to HK Airport is a very short taxi ride. You can check in at the train station and unload your luggage. If you have plenty of time to spare then you can walk around Kowloon until you feel the time is right to take the train to the airport.

Post Note.

I noticed that the security staff at Macau airport were Filipino who spoke English which for those unsure of themselves is very helpful. Every time I have passed through on this route I noted that although I speak Cantonese I had no need to as English was widely spoken. I realise that you have 2-3 days in HK so the ferry destination from Macau is your choice, however I write this for people who are not staying over in HK.

Edited September 23, 2007 by nonthaburial

[Briggsy]

Thank you, nonthaburial. Comprehensive reply.

I've been googling and I discovered that for 55 MOPs you can avoid being stamped in in Macau and get the Express Link bus to the ferry terminal. Has anyone done this? Actually I think I rather like stamps in my passport although I would have to queue for immigration whilst the Express Link avoids this.

[giruz]

Thank you, nonthaburial. Comprehensive reply.

I've been googling and I discovered that for 55 MOPs you can avoid being stamped in in Macau and get the Express Link bus to the ferry terminal. Has anyone done this? Actually I think I rather like stamps in my passport although I would have to queue for immigration whilst the Express Link avoids this.

Hi,

I've done BKK-MACAU-HK just 1 month ago.

I don't remember the prices for the ferry but if you check on thornetree or on their website I'm sure you can find it.

Once landed you can do customs as usual (no more than 10min), then take a bus AP1 (i think) that for 3.5MOP (or 3.1) will take you to the ferry terminal. If you got luggage there is an extra fee of 3MOP for piece.

It takes about 20 min from the Airport to the Ferry terminal.

Just remember:

if you aren't a gambler or if you don't want a young Chinese girl for the night...well...Macau won't be interesting for you. Don't spend more than a night there (and do it only if you feel compelled to do it). Couldn't find any decent place to eat (with decent prices).

We (me and my gf) ended up eating @ mcdonalds.

Really a depressing place, and remember...if you are flying out with the night flight...please EAT while in HK. Macau has only ONE foodcourt so...forget about nice food.

hope it helps

g.

Edited September 23, 2007 by giruz

[Briggsy]

Thank you, giruz.

You have reduced the cost by using a bus from Macau airport to the ferry terminal.

[nonthaburial]

Thank you, nonthaburial. Comprehensive reply.

I've been googling and I discovered that for 55 MOPs you can avoid being stamped in in Macau and get the Express Link bus to the ferry terminal. Has anyone done this? Actually I think I rather like stamps in my passport although I would have to queue for immigration whilst the Express Link avoids this.

Hi,

I've done BKK-MACAU-HK just 1 month ago.

I don't remember the prices for the ferry but if you check on thornetree or on their website I'm sure you can find it.

Once landed you can do customs as usual (no more than 10min), then take a bus AP1 (i think) that for 3.5MOP (or 3.1) will take you to the ferry terminal. If you got luggage there is an extra fee of 3MOP for

It takes about 20 min from the Airport to the Ferry terminal.

Just remember:

if you aren't a gambler or if you don't want a young Chinese girl for the night...well...Macau won't be interesting for you. Don't spend more than a night there (and do it only if you feel compelled to do it). Couldn't find any decent place to eat (with decent prices).

We (me and my gf) ended up eating @ mcdonalds.

Really a depressing place, and remember...if you are flying out with the night flight...please EAT while in HK. Macau has only ONE foodcourt so...forget about nice food.

hope it helps

g.

Stunned with some of these statements. Macau is a wonderful little place during the week, at least. Weekends and public holidays are a drag as the gamblers take over big time. The history and the old buildings to me are worth a visit . The food mix of Portuguese and Cantonese plus the cheap wine is fantastic and attracts visitors from all over Asia. Huge numbers of very good and reasonably priced restaurants there, my guess is that you were unable to identify them due to the Portuguese/Chinese signage or you were not adventurous enough

[Briggsy]

Whilst we're on the topic of travelling to HK, I need some HK Dollars. I'll get some in Bangkok before I go. Am I better off changing Baht to HKD in Bangkok or in Hong Kong? Just to give you a start, you lose about 2% by exchanging in Bangkok. This does not factor in offshore/onshore rates if they exist.

Edited September 24, 2007 by Briggsy

[onethailand]

If you have an ATM card, use that, bearing in mind there are usually transaction fees. The rates you get this way are much better though.

As baht is not a major currency in HK, the rates will vary significantly from place to place. And always avoid Chequepoint - they give rates which look close to official rates but in fact they've moved a zero, which means you'll lose around 10%. Find smaller money changers - the best rates are usually in Chungking Mansions.

[Briggsy]

I just asked a Chinese Thai guy (you know the type, more Chinese than Thai, shouts/barks a lot, quite intelligent/canny, doesn't listen much, went to school in China). He says the best thing to do is to change your Baht into USD in Thailand and then change your USD into HKD in Hong Kong. Whaddya think? Will it be a money saver over the 2% loss by changing THB into HKD in Thailand?

[onethailand]

I just asked a Chinese Thai guy (you know the type, more Chinese than Thai, shouts/barks a lot, quite intelligent/canny, doesn't listen much, went to school in China). He says the best thing to do is to change your Baht into USD in Thailand and then change your USD into HKD in Hong Kong. Whaddya think? Will it be a money saver over the 2% loss by changing THB into HKD in Thailand?

Put it this way - you lose twice on the exchange - but as I said before you don't always get great rates on Baht either. Either way 2% is pretty likely unless you can find good money changers.

USD is fixed rate in HK - you will always get between 7.78-7.81 HKD for every 1 USD. Anything less than that, find another money changer.

I assume using an ATM card is out of the question.

[Briggsy]

Fact

1. Change Baht into HKD in Thailand, you lose 2%. This does not take into account any offshore/onshore rate difference this exchange rate may have.

2. Change Baht into USD in Thailand, you lose 0.5-1%. This does not take into account any offshore/onshore rate difference this exchange rate may have. Change USD into HKD in Hong Kong, you lose ?????, I don't know.

3. Change Baht into HKD in Hong Kong, you lose ?????, I don't know but people are intimating it is more than 2% as the Baht is not a major currency.

4. Use Thai ATM card in Hong Kong, you lose ??????, I don't know.

5. Use UK credit card in Hong Kong, you lose 4% on cash withdrawals when all charges and exchange rates are factored in.

Summary

Options 3 & 5 are out. Option 1 is the only one with the definite figures. Options 2 & 4 lack info but may be cheaper than option 1.

Edited September 25, 2007 by Briggsy

[nonthaburial]

Briggsy I note your urge to save as much money on this trip as possible, what with cheap airlines, buses to Macao ferry from Macau Airport, cheapest ferry tickets, and now the best exchange rates.

I would however be very interested in which Hotel you will be using in HK as this could blow your careful financial plans out of the window with HKprices as they are !

Also what prices were you quoted for the HK - UK leg return

[Briggsy]

I will be staying in the (in)famous Chungking Mansions. Many guesthouses are there, as you know. Singles from 120HKD and dorm beds from 50HKD

My air ticket from HK to Gatwick is in fact 2 singles rather than a return.

HK to Gatwick GBP128.55

Gatwick to HK GBP 215.74

Total GBP 344.29

Gotta live like this as an English teacher in Thailand!

[onethailand]

As you are staying in Chungking Mansions anyhow - take the baht. You won't lose 2% there for sure.

As for ATM, you get the best rates possible and you pay transaction fees at your bank (usually 100 baht, I think?) but as you will probably not withdraw large amounts, the 100 baht may work out to more than 2%.

[nonthaburial]

I will be staying in the (in)famous Chungking Mansions. Many guesthouses are there, as you know. Singles from 120HKD and dorm beds from 50HKD

My air ticket from HK to Gatwick is in fact 2 singles rather than a return.

HK to Gatwick GBP128.55

Gatwick to HK GBP 215.74

Total GBP 344.29

Gotta live like this as an English teacher in Thailand!

Ok point made, you are certainly not living high style if youre staying at Chungking Mansions. However that is in walking distance from the Kowloon Ferry terminal. See thats another couple of bucks I have helped you save !!

[Briggsy]

Excellent. I'm having a Beer Lao to celebrate that.

[Slotman]

Weekdays cost 142 MOP economy.

Take a look at: www.turbojet.com.hk/turbojet_sailing_rev.htm

All the information is there for you.

Enjoy. Slotman.

[Slotman]

If you want any more info just ask, I live in Macau.

Not thought of staying here for a day or two, it's quite an experience!!

Slotman...

[Briggsy]

What I ended up paying in Hong Kong.

Actual cost of Macau Airport to HK Airport.

Bus AP1 3.30 HK$

Ferry 140 HK$

Bus A21 33 HK$

Total 176.30 HK$ = 775 Baht

Actual cost of HK Airport to Macau Airport

Bus E11 14 HK$

Underground 5.60 HK$

Ferry 172 HK$

Bus AP1 3.30 HK$

Total 194.90 HK$ = 857 Baht

The difference in ferry price is principally due to travelling to Macau at night which is pricier, I believe.

Accommodation in Hong Kong.

3 nights @ 160 HK$ = 480 HK$ = 2112 Baht.

This gets you a very small room with air con and a bathroom.

Money changing

Thai Baht to HK$ in Thailand cost around 2.2%

Thai Baht to US$ in Thailand then US$ to HK$ in Hong Kong cost around 1.5%

Using Thai ATM card in Hong Kong cost around 3.8% + 100 Baht charge per time.

It can be seen that the convenience of the ATM card is somewhat negated by the extra cost. It is also worth noting that the rates of money changers and banks in Hong Kong can vary greatly even when they are next door to one another so it's worth shopping around.

Hope this helps somebody.

[onethailand]

Very good post Briggsy, thanks. Don't know about the 3.8% for ATM, that's surely way too high, but the 100 baht is definitely charged - are you sure you didn't accidentally add that into the equation?

Also, did you try changing Thai baht directly in Chungking?

[Briggsy]

Very good post Briggsy, thanks. Don't know about the 3.8% for ATM, that's surely way too high, but the 100 baht is definitely charged - are you sure you didn't accidentally add that into the equation?

Also, did you try changing Thai baht directly in Chungking?

Yes, I too was surprised by the 3.8%. I made 2 ATM withdrawals for different amounts in Hong Kong so I checked both and they both came out at an exchange rate-based fee of 3.8%. When I include the 100 Baht charge the percentage loss for the first withdrawal was an unacceptable 9.5%. This is because this withdrawal was not for a large amount, just 400 HK$.

I did look around the money changers in Chungking, Mirador and Tsim Sha Tsui and their advertised rates for Baht were worse than the 2.2% I paid in Thailand. However as I had previously decided not to take Baht to Hong Kong, I did not look very hard. It may well be that it can be beaten.

So if I visit Hong Kong again, I'll go with US$ as that works out the cheapest.

[onethailand]

Very good post Briggsy, thanks. Don't know about the 3.8% for ATM, that's surely way too high, but the 100 baht is definitely charged - are you sure you didn't accidentally add that into the equation?

Also, did you try changing Thai baht directly in Chungking?

Yes, I too was surprised by the 3.8%. I made 2 ATM withdrawals for different amounts in Hong Kong so I checked both and they both came out at an exchange rate-based fee of 3.8%. When I include the 100 Baht charge the percentage loss for the first withdrawal was an unacceptable 9.5%. This is because this withdrawal was not for a large amount, just 400 HK$.

I did look around the money changers in Chungking, Mirador and Tsim Sha Tsui and their advertised rates for Baht were worse than the 2.2% I paid in Thailand. However as I had previously decided not to take Baht to Hong Kong, I did not look very hard. It may well be that it can be beaten.

So if I visit Hong Kong again, I'll go with US$ as that works out the cheapest.

Interesting. I'm off to HK on Monday, don't know if I'll swing by Chungking but if my office doesn't find me a room then I will definitely be in that area.

The 3.8% is outrageous - which bank in Thailand do you use?

[Briggsy]

Interesting. I'm off to HK on Monday, don't know if I'll swing by Chungking but if my office doesn't find me a room then I will definitely be in that area.

The 3.8% is outrageous - which bank in Thailand do you use?

Siam Commercial. However I would expect (without any supporting evidence) that all Thai banks would be using the same rate.

[miniwai]

Hiya briggsy,

Sorry off topic but I was wondering if you could tell me what the Oasis flight to London was like? I really fancy doing this route on the way home early next year. Seems like a fun way to get home and check out some places on the way!

I will have the misses with me and don't thinks she'll be very happy with cramped Airasia style seats for 13+ hours (don't really think my legs could handle it either!).

Thanks in advance