Are you planning to go on a trip to Macau soon? Whether you’re flying as a solo traveler, ticking off a new destination with your travel buddies, or going out with the family, this vibrant city has so much to offer! Known for its Instagram-worthy attractions and rich cultural spots, as well as its mouthwatering food scene and world-class entertainment, you are guaranteed to enjoy your jam-packed itinerary!
Photo: WhenInManila.com
While traveling to a foreign destination as a first-timer can be overwhelming at first, there are things you can do to truly maximize your experience and stretch every peso.
Here are some practical travel and budget-friendly tips based on our recent Macau trip:
1. Take note of the Free Casino Shuttle Hack:
Seriously, getting around Macau can be super cheap! Most of the time, it’s FREE.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
Your number one money-saving move is taking advantage of the free casino shuttles. This allows budget travelers to wander around the city in a much more convenient and comfortable manner.
How to do it: Just pin your destination on your map, find the nearest major casino that offers a shuttle to that general area, and walk the rest of the way. It’s an easy, cost-effective way to hop between the Peninsula and Cotai.
2. Looking for affordable commute hacks? Ride the public bus
While walking around the city can be fun (and a great way to burn a few calories while sightseeing), it can get pretty tiring, too.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
If your feet are begging for a break, hopping on a public bus is your next best move. A ride usually costs around 6 MOP (that’s roughly ₱42), so it’s still a budget-friendly option for getting around.
Crucial Tipid Tip: When you board, you pay your cash upfront, but they do not give change! Make sure that you have exact coins or small bills ready to go.
3. The Best Navigation Tool? Ditch Google Maps
Trust us on this one: based on many Pinoy travelers’ experiences, Google Maps isn’t always accurate or up-to-date in Macau.
For more reliable directions, it’s better to use the Maps app (if you’re on iPhone) or try a local navigation app instead. This saves you time from getting lost or wandering in circles. Moreover, it also saves you money from paying for a taxi ride you didn’t plan on taking.
4. Strategic Accommodation for Savings
If you’re staying for a few days, book a hotel near the Ruins of St. Paul’s. The proximity is super worth it (sulit!) because so many restaurants, shops, and cafes are walkable. This minimizes the need to commute frequently, saving you bus or taxi fares.
5. Use GCash for Easy, Low-Cost Payments
Here’s the modern travel hack: GCash works surprisingly well in Macau through the Alipay+ network! It’s a brilliant backup to cash and cards. (Especially handy if, like us, you ran out of cash cheering at the recent NBA China Games! Shoutout to the Suns and Nets!)
Photo: WhenInManila.com
By using GCash Scan-to-Pay (just look for the Alipay+ sign), you can enjoy ZERO service fees and LOW Foreign Exchange Fees compared to swiping traditional bank cards. You also see the exchange rate instantly and get a receipt in both Pesos and MOP, making budget-tracking super simple.
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Macau is an incredible destination that offers luxury and history without demanding a luxurious budget. By mastering these tips and leveraging the convenience and savings of GCash, you can focus on making memories. The recent NBA event proved that even during major international happenings, our Pinoy ingenuity (and apps!) keeps us traveling smoothly.
