Macau

[lanny]

My gf and I are thinking about places to go on vacation later this year. One of the possibilities is Macau. Neither of us has been there but, from what little we know, it seems like an interesting place. And, of course, there are the casinos.

I haven't been able to find much about travel to Macau on the web so I thought I would ask here. Does anyone know if we need to get visas before we go? I'm American and she's Thai. I seem to have heard that people from these countries don't need visas.

Also, does anyone have any experience with hotels there? We're not looking for the high class, 5-star places; just something comfortable and clean.

Would appreciate any help and suggestions.

[vinny]

To check whether a tourist need a visa you can search the IATA database which is publicly available on a number of websites. Click here or here to go to such websites.

[Florin]

I stayed at the Holiday Inn and the Metropole there...at 2000B, the Metropole is one of the cheaper options around, well-located and it even includes breakfast (largely inedible for me Chinese stuff, though).

Macau is a wonderful place and I'm sure you'll both enjoy it...be sure to check out some Portuguese food while you're there.

The visa (if required) is free and given on arrival in the airport for your period of stay. If it's not required, they just stamp it and you can be on your way

[alexjw]

I'm heading there with my wife in a few days, to go to Hong Kong and China as well. I think if you're American you don't need a visa but Thai's do, but you just pay for it when you get there. Also you need to show evidence of your next destination (i.e. return ticket) and evidence that you have enough funds to support you doing your trip. Basically no problems. Anyway I'll let you know if they turn me away .

[pnustedt]

There's not really a lot to see or do on Macau. The Chinese gaming tables are very seedie, I understand the new American ones are better but if you are into gambling I would have thought you'd be better off in Las Vegas.

Just get your pp stamped on arrival.

There's quite a good museum and one or two decent restaurants but a couple of days and you will have seen it all.

Maybe combine it with a visit to HK (do it by helicopter) and Disneyland there?

Avoid Summer, it's hot and humid, best time is Oct/Nov. Lower humidity and clear blue skies.

Edited February 27, 2006 by pnustedt