Macau is basically the Las Vegas of Asia. It is the only place that legalized gambling and shares a border with China. Every year the country is flooded by a whopping 15 million tourists making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This ex Portuguese delivers the influences of the western world and boasts old Portuguese forts, the biggest casino in the world and much more.

Travelling info

All visitors traveling to Macau are required to have a valid passport. Citizens of 66 nations are exempt from the requirement of a visa however there are 6 countries of which citizens must obtain a visa before their trip to Macau. Periods of visa-free entries vary on nationality and range from 2 weeks up to a year. (List in sources). Tourists who wish to drive in Macau must have their national driving permit and an international driving permit. The international driving permit can only be issued in the tourists country of origin. Beware that an IDP does not substitute for the original document and is only a translation of it. Both documents must be carried by the driver at all times.

Travelling hazards

Traffic moves on the left in Macau, and roads are narrow and winding. Traffic is generally congested throughout the day. Most visitors to Macau choose not to drive. Taxis are inexpensive and plentiful at the airport, ferry terminal, and gaming venues. Public buses are also inexpensive and frequent, but you may have difficulty finding them outside major tourist areas.

Environmental hazards

There are no large land animals which could pose a threat to people in Macau. There is however a possibility of encountering venomous snakes in the green areas. This, however, is very unlikely as a vast portion of Macau is highly urbanized. It is more likely to come across a dangerous marine creature than a dangerous animal on land.
Although there are few beaches, the warm waters of the South China Sea hold many different dangers such as the lionfish, sea urchins, stonefish, sea snakes and many different animals which may badly injure or even kill people. Although most of these are venomous, fatalities are rare due to the efficiency of local healthcare services. Shark attacks did occur in the past however these are rare. It is still advised to avoid swimming in deep water as it is a real possibility. Tiger sharks or even great whites have been seen off the coast of Macau.
Macau is generally threatened by storms and tsunamis. Earthquakes happen however last serious earthquakes happened over half a century ago.

Health hazards

There are currently no outbreaks of any diseases nor are there any requirements as to vaccinations in order to enter Macau. There are however several vaccines which are recommended for safe travel. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies vaccines. There are only three large hospitals in Macau. One is public and the remaining two are private. There are however many more small private clinics which provide a very high standard of care, just like the hospitals do. The staff of these hospitals will generally speak English which allows for easy communication. It is recommended to purchase medical insurance as prices for private and public services for the expats can be quite expensive.
In case of an emergency dial 999/110 (Mainland Tourists) / 112 (International Tourists).

Crime

Macau is mostly a safe city. Crime does exist however violent crime is almost unheard of. Petty crime, however, does exist and there is a lot of opportunity for it as Macau happens to be one of the most densely populated places on earth. First-time travelers should not let their guard down. Especially on the weekends when Macau is flooded by tourists from the mainland with literally every street of the city being cramped. Tourists should wear money belts in order to ensure maximum safety from pickpockets. Most vulnerable places for pickpockets are popular tourist spots, public transportation, and generally crowded places. There is no terrorism risk in Macau. Narcotics of any sort are illegal and highly punishable.

Summary

Apart from being known as the gambling capital of Asia, there are many more attractions. There are many landmarks, museums, and forts leftover after the Portuguese. Those who prefer to stay away from the city rush may enjoy beaches and parks of Macau. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.chinahighlights.com/macau/visa.htm
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/macau-sar