Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China on the Pearl River Delta, about 60 km west of Hong Kong. Its compact peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane combine a UNESCO-listed Portuguese colonial old town, Cantonese temples and street food, and the glittering casino resorts of the Cotai Strip.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Macau blends Cantonese and Portuguese traditions; greet shopkeepers politely and expect a mixture of Cantonese, Portuguese signs and English
Food is central to local identity; share dishes at the table and try Macanese specialities like minchi and African chicken
Respect temple customs: do not step on thresholds, and do not point your feet at altars
Visit during Chinese festivals such as Lunar New Year and the A-Ma Festival to see lion dances and processions
Dress modestly in churches and temples, covering shoulders and knees
Casino etiquette: photography is often banned on the gaming floor and minors under 21 may not enter
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet with 'Nei hou' (hello) or 'Bom dia' (good morning) when entering shops
- Receive and give business cards and gifts with both hands
- Queue patiently for buses, taxis and bakeries
- Remove shoes when entering a private home if asked
- Carry cash in MOP or HKD for small restaurants and temples
- Try the afternoon tea set (ca chaan teng style) in a local cafe
Don't
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice; it resembles funeral incense
- Do not give clocks, white flowers or sets of four as gifts, which are unlucky in Chinese tradition
- Do not photograph worshippers praying or the gaming floor without permission
- Do not touch the head of a child or point with a finger at people
- Do not litter or smoke in banned indoor areas; fines apply
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- A light handshake is normal in business; locals greet friends with a nod or 'Nei hou'. Use titles and surnames until invited otherwise.
- Dining
- Share dishes family-style, wait for elders to start, and use serving chopsticks or spoons. Tea is poured for others before oneself; tap two fingers on the table to say thanks.
- Dress
- Smart casual in most places; modest dress in temples and churches. Casinos usually ban flip-flops and sleeveless tops in VIP areas.
- Gifts
- Fruit, pastries or tea are suitable gifts. Wrap in red or gold and avoid white or black paper.
- Business
- Meetings are punctual and relationship-based; exchange cards with both hands and read them before putting them away.
- Tipping
- A 10% service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants and hotels; otherwise round up. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, though rounding up is welcome.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
你好 (Nei hou)
Hello
nay-HOH
唔該 (M goi)
Thank you (for a favour or please)
m-GOY
多謝 (Do ze)
Thank you (for a gift)
doh-JEH
幾多錢? (Gei do cin?)
How much is this?
gay-doh-CHIN
唔使 (M sai)
No, thank you
m-SAI
埋單 (Maai daan)
The bill, please
mai-DAAN
Bom dia
Good morning (Portuguese)
bom DEE-ah
Obrigado (m) / Obrigada (f)
Thank you (Portuguese)
oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah
Por favor
Please (Portuguese)
poor fah-VOR
廁所喺邊度? (Ci so hai bin dou?)
Where is the toilet?
chee-SO hai bin-DOH
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Macau.
Main: Buddhism and Chinese folk religion (Taoism, ancestor veneration) are practised by most residents; Catholicism has a historic presence from the Portuguese era, with small Protestant, Muslim and other communities.
Sites: A-Ma Temple, Kun Iam Temple, Lin Fung Temple, Tin Hau temples in Coloane and Taipa, St. Dominic's Church, Macau Cathedral and the Ruins of St. Paul's
Holy Days: Lunar New Year, Ching Ming, the A-Ma Festival (23rd day of the 3rd lunar month), Buddha's Birthday, Easter and Christmas are public holidays
Conversations: Religion is generally a private matter; ask permission before photographing worshippers and avoid criticising beliefs.