Macao is one of the Far East’s most enthralling destinations.

Only 40 miles (about 64 kilometers) from Hong Kong, it's accessible by a one-hour ferry crossing or via the record-breaking Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao bridge.

Alternatively, Macao International Airport has flight networks from multiple destinations around the region.

Macao's geographical location and safe harbor make it a key Far East trading post. And the fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cultures makes it totally unique.

Macao is a special administrative region of China, but the Portuguese influences are very evident in the culture through the street names and the architecture.

The historic center of Macao is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site containing dozens of important buildings and squares reflecting the merging of cultures. The history is fascinating, but Macao is also a dynamic, forward-looking destination.

Things to Do for Travelers in Macao

If you think of Macao, you probably think about casinos, and for good reason.

Macao has the world’s second-largest casino—The Venetian Macao—and 41 casinos total, and counting, as of 2019.

The region creates four times as much revenue as Las Vegas, making it one of the richest places in the world.

But there is more to Macao than slot machines and roulette wheels.

• Senado Square: Macao was once a Portuguese colony, and in the historic center, you will find interesting buildings with a mix of Chinese and Portuguese influence. In the heart of Old Macao, Senado Square is a delightful pedestrian area. Attractions include the impressive European-style old buildings, with black-and-white-patterned tile floors.
• Ruins of St. Paul’s: The site of ruins of St. Paul was once a 17th-century church and college. Destroyed by fire in the 19th century, all that's left now is a facade that has become a landmark.
• Guia Fortress: You'll find the first lighthouse built at Guia Fort in the Far East. From here, you'll get some of the best panoramic views of the city. The tunnels of Guia Fort are interesting places to learn about the military history of the fort.
• A-Ma Temple: The A-Ma Temple is the oldest temple in Macao, and is even the region’s namesake. It used to be called the A-Ma-Gau Temple. Part of Macao’s UNESCO historic center, this temple is one of the city's most important religious sites.
• Macao Tower: The Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center stands 338 meters (over 1,100 feet) high. Its observation deck offers panoramic views of Macao. Inside the tower, you will find restaurants, theaters, and shopping malls. It is easily one of the city's most recognizable landmarks—as well as one of its most popular tourist attractions. You can also skywalk or bungee jump.
• Macao Giant Panda Pavilion: The Pavilion is a nature park that houses various animals such as gorillas, red pandas, monkeys, and the famous giant pandas. There is a souvenir store for you to shop for anything panda-related.
• House of Dancing Water: The House of Dancing Water is a unique water-based show that is not to be missed. Experience visually stunning storytelling and stellar performances here.

Macao's walking routes are a great way to explore the key sites and different neighborhoods. Take time to wander down and explore the side streets and alleyways. However, practice common sense and basic safety precautions while doing so.

Macao really is one of those places that demands more time. It may be small, but there's a lot to appeal to all sorts of different interests.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Macao

You will be mesmerized by the glitz and glam of Macao, but don’t forget about the risks of being in a fairly unknown destination.

The best practices include:

• Avoid eating out at places where you’re not confident about food sanitation.
• Avoid remote roads and areas after dark.
• Pack anti-allergens and insect-repellant in your toiletries kit.

Macao Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs

Nobody wishes to get sick or injured on vacation. Medical care in Macao could leave you facing a huge medical bill.

Travel medical insurance can work to cover those costs and even cover expenses like emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, depending upon the plan you choose.

The most important thing to bring with you to Macao is travel medical insurance.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Macao?

Macao has only one public hospital, two private hospitals, and numerous private clinics throughout the city, and the cost of healthcare at private hospitals and clinics is expensive.

Medical evacuation services are also expensive if you become seriously injured or ill and need further treatment.

You should purchase a travel medical insurance plan before your trip to Macao to help cover medical bills for any unforeseen injuries or illnesses on your trip.

Why buy travel medical insurance for Macao?

You will want to see and experience everything in Macao without the risk of added expenses on account of a medical emergency.

A travel medical insurance plan offers benefits that allow coverage for unforeseen medical emergencies as soon as the plan takes effect.

Macao Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs

An unforeseen personal event—such as if you or a travelling companion falls sick, an immediate family member passes away, an unforeseen natural disaster occurs at home or in Macao, and others—that prevents you from embarking on your trip can not only ruin the promise of a good vacation, but leave you in a financial hole as well.

In such cases, under the right circumstances, trip cancellation insurance can help you recover the cost of your trip.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Macao?

Buying trip cancellation insurance helps you stay prepared for all contingencies.

If you have planned the trip and the expenses incurred are on the higher side, trip cancellation insurance can provide coverage against unexpected events and situations. You can receive reimbursement for your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel for a reason explicitly listed in the policy. Be sure to review the certificate wording before purchase so you understand what is (and isn’t) covered.

What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Macao?

Trip cancellation insurance generally covers costs associated with:

• Flight delays
• Airline cancellations
• Tour cancellations
• Lost luggage
• Cancelled hotel reservations

Again, be sure to check your specific policy before purchase to determine what costs are and are not covered. That way, you can be sure to choose the correct policy for you and your trip.

Before You Travel to Macao - Do This

Sometimes, despite planning everything in extreme detail, unexpected challenges can still crop up before you travel to Macao. Be sure to do this before you leave your home country:

• Get a medical check-up.
• Make photocopies or digital copies of all your important travel documents, and keep them either on your person or in a safe location.
• Buy a Macao travel insurance plan that matches your destination, your itinerary, and your budget.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.