Macau Currency & Money
Macau's official currency is the Pataca, but you can spend Hong Kong Dollars almost everywhere without converting — here's how money actually works day to day.
Macau's currency is the Macanese Pataca (MOP), pegged closely to the Hong Kong Dollar. In practice, most visitors barely need to think about currency at all — Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are accepted virtually everywhere in Macau at roughly par value, from taxis to casino cashiers to convenience stores.
Pataca vs Hong Kong Dollar
| Pataca (MOP) | Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it's used | Everywhere in Macau | Everywhere in Macau (widely accepted, not official) |
| Exchange rate | Pegged to HKD at a fixed, near-1:1 rate | — |
| Change given in | Usually Pataca, sometimes a mix | — |
Because the two currencies are pegged and both widely accepted, most visitors don't bother exchanging money specifically into Pataca — HKD works fine for the length of a typical trip. If you're coming from mainland China, note that Chinese Yuan (RMB) is not usually accepted directly in Macau shops, though some larger resorts may take it at a poor rate.
Cards vs cash
- Casino resorts, malls, chain restaurants: credit and debit cards widely accepted.
- Small local restaurants, street food, markets: cash is often preferred or required — carry some Pataca or HKD in smaller notes.
- Contactless/mobile payment: increasingly common in shops and taxis, but don't rely on it everywhere.
Getting cash
ATMs are widely available at the airport, ferry terminals, casino resorts and around the old town, and generally dispense Pataca. Using a fee-free or low-fee travel card (rather than your regular home bank card) for ATM withdrawals and purchases is the easiest way to avoid poor exchange rates and foreign transaction fees while travelling.
Our take
Don't stress about currency exchange before you arrive — HKD works everywhere, ATMs are everywhere, and the Pataca/HKD peg means you're not losing much either way. Focus your planning energy elsewhere.
FAQ
Can I use Hong Kong Dollars in Macau?
Yes — HKD is widely accepted throughout Macau at roughly par value, even though Pataca is the official currency.
Do I need to exchange money before visiting Macau?
Not necessarily — ATMs are widely available on arrival, and HKD (which many travellers already have if arriving via Hong Kong) is accepted almost everywhere.
Is Chinese Yuan accepted in Macau?
Not usually at small businesses; some larger resorts may accept it, generally at a less favourable rate than Pataca or HKD.