Macau Tips: 8 Ways to Make Payments in Macau
- Rick
- Dec 10, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Like its neighbouring Hong Kong, Macau is also a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Both SARs are part of China but maintain a high degree of autonomy, with their own separate legal and economic systems, as well as distinct governing bodies. As such, Macau has its own payment methods for use within its own borders as well as cross-border solutions influenced by mainland China and Hong Kong.
Be it travelling in Macau, or extending the trip to Hong Kong and/or mainland China, knowing applicable payment methods in Macau and their capabilities will make payment for goods and services easier in Greater China, excluding Taiwan. Aside from the two traditional methods (cash and international credit / debit cards) at opposing ends of the payment spectrum, this article will include modern solutions — 2 Singapore-based and 3 local — to bridge the "cashless" gap.
In the context of this article, "China" refers to the whole of China, including Hong Kong and Macau. "Mainland China" refers to the rest of China excluding Hong Kong and Macau. This article will focus more on payments at retailers and for public transports, which are more relevant to travellers.
1. Cash
The currency of Macau is the Macanese Patacas (code: MOP, symbol: MOP$). Unlike the Hong Kong Dollar (code: HKD, symbol: HK$) that can be exchanged globally, the MOP is mainly exchangeable in Macau and may be exchangeable at some overseas locations with unfavourable exchange rates or not possible at all. It will be better to exchange for cash on arrival at Macau International Airport or the ferry terminals / Macau Port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau-Bridge (HZMB) if arriving from Hong Kong.
For cash purchase of goods and services within Macau, other than using MOP, HKD is also widely acceptable on a 1-to-1 basis. China Renminbi / Yuan (code: RMB / CNY, symbol: CN¥) may be accepted at some establishments but at poor exchange rates, so it is better to use MOP, followed by HKD. Note that changes for cash payments may be in MOP, even if HKD is used.
As the Macanese Patacas is pegged to Hong Kong Dollar at 1 HKD : 1.03 MOP$ with no limit (since 1983), it will be better to pay for high-price purchases in cash MOP or charge to credit / debit cards in MOP, otherwise, there will be a loss of about 3% if paid using HKD on a 1-to-1 basis. For small-price purchases, sacrifice the 3% for convenience.
Note that the MOP may not be accepted in Macau casinos. It is also not accepted in Hong Kong and mainland China.
2. International Credit / Debit Cards
International credit / debit cards have been the de facto means to make cashless payments when travelling overseas and cards like Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, etc, are widely accepted in Macau. Amex may be accepted at some establishments but not as widely as the others.
Despite the convenience of using credit / debit cards, they are usually supported by larger or more established businesses due to high costs of implementation. Some merchants may require minimum purchase amounts before accepting such cards. Thus, credit / debit cards have limited use among smaller merchants, which form the majority in Macau. It also cannot be used to pay for fares onboard public buses and at ticket vending machines in Macau Light Rail Transit (MLRT) stations.
Key Points:
Cash withdrawals from local ATMs using credit cards are "cash advances" and subject to higher interest rates and applicable fees.
Cash withdrawals from local ATMs using debit cards deduct amounts from applicable accounts directly / via e-wallets and may subject to prevailing exchange rates (if conversions are required) and applicable fees.
Credit / debit card is susceptible to theft and misuse, so do enable PayWave for tap-to-pay and avoid letting the card out of sight.
For debit cards, top-up linked e-wallet with adequate amount for short-term use and avoid direct debits from bank accounts.
3. YouTrip (Debit Card)
YouTrip is a Singapore-based prepaid debit card service, tied to an e-wallet, that has became very popular. With a multi-currency e-wallet, and powered by Mastercard, YouTrip is useful for travel use and works like a credit card. As a debit-only service, the e-wallet needs to be topped up with funds before payments can be made. The key benefit of using YouTrip is its better exchange rates over banks, money changers and many other applications.
While YouTrip has a currency conversion facility for exchanging Hong Kong Dollar and storing the converted amount in the e-wallet for direct debits, there is no such support for MOP. Therefore, amounts paid in MOP will be converted to SGD, or any other currencies with available funds, at YouTrip's prevailing conversion rates at time of purchase.
4. Changi Pay
Integrated into Singapore's Changi App, Changi Pay is a digital wallet that facilitates cashless payment at Changi Airport and Jewel Changi, as well as globally via the Alipay+ payment network. The e-wallet allows Singapore residents to top-up funds via PayNow for seamless QR code payments in participating countries.
Riding on the Alipay+ network, Changi Pay can be used to make payment at retailers and for fares onboard public buses by scanning Alipay+ QR codes displayed on the buses. But, it cannot be used at ticket vending machines in Macau LRT stations. Using Changi Pay to pay for purchases above CN¥200 (or equivalent) will not incur transaction fees thus there is no need to split bills.
5. Alipay & WeChat Pay
Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付) are mobile payment applications and ride on the Alipay+ mobile payment solution for cross-border payments. Alipay is a dedicated mobile payment app whereas WeChat Pay is a sub-feature in the WeChat app more for social interactions. Making payment using the international versions of Alipay and WeChat Pay — via the Alipay+ network — are accepted in Macau.
While Changi Pay is available mainly to Singapore residents, including foreign residents, travellers from other regions can use the international versions of Alipay and WeChat Pay to make payments in Macau. Those with WeChat accounts can make use of WeChat Pay as a seamless payment option. Those without any of the two apps should get the Alipay app, which included a series of in-app mini-programs for booking hotels, flights, trains, Didi Travel, cross-border transportation, etc, in mainland China.
Riding on the Alipay+ network, both Alipay and WeChat Pay can be used to pay for fares onboard public buses by scanning Alipay+ QR codes displayed on the buses. However, they are not accepted at ticket vending machines in Macau LRT (MLRT) stations.
Note that "Alipay Macau" app is tailored for use by Macau residents and has wider acceptance than Alipay in Macau. "Alipay Macau" can be used at fare gates in LRT stations but not Alipay for non-residents.
Key Points:
Download "Alipay" from authorised app stores. Search for "Alipay international" to find the correct app. There are also "Alipay HK" and "Alipay Macau" tailored for local residents.
Setup account with a mobile number, upload identification documents and make sure to verify identity — don't wait until the first payment and have to perform verification with a queue behind.
For users without China-issued cards, link an international credit / debit card to start making payment. All payments will be charged to the linked card. There is no need to top-up the e-wallet.
Scan Alipay+ QR codes for payment in Macau or other supported countries. Be sure to inform the merchant that you are paying via Alipay+ (with a "plus"), otherwise, they will use the default "Alipay Macau", which will cause most transactions to fail.
A transaction fee of 3% may be charged for purchases above CN¥200 (or equivalent) using a linked international card in China.
More: Alipay+
6. Macau Pass mCard
Macau Pass (澳门通) is an electronic payment system, using contactless smart cards and a mobile app (MPay) with e-wallet, that supports various payments in Macau and mainland China. It serves as a transport card for public transports in Macau and over 300 mainland Chinese cities, and can also be used for retail purchases, dining, and government services in Macau. By using a single card or mobile app, Macau residents and visitors can avoid the hassle of carrying cash and manage payment needs across different locations.
There are 2 types of Macau Pass mCards: the standard Macau Pass mCard for use in Macau only and the other is the Macau Pass - China T-Union mCard (with a China T-Union logo) for use in Macau, mainland China and also Hong Kong (effective March 2025).
The Macau Pass - China T-Union mCard features two separate e-wallets, one for Macanese Patacas (MOP) and the other for Chinese Yuan (RMB), enabling convenient payment for local consumption in Macau and public transports in Hong Kong and mainland China. When used in Hong Kong, HKD will be converted to RMB and the amount deducted from the RMB e-wallet.
Key Points:
Purchase mCards at designated outlets, such as Macau Pass's self-service vending machines (preferred), Macau Pass Customer Service Centres, or convenience stores (like 7-Eleven, etc) in cash only.
The standard mCard costs MOP$130, which includes a MOP$30 non-refundable card fee and MOP$100 initial balance.
The Macau Pass - China T-Union mCard costs MOP$68 for the card itself with no initial balance — top-up is required before first-use. Macau Pass MPay app is required to convert MOP fund to RMB for use on public transports in mainland China and Hong Kong. Topping-up the card with RMB directly is NOT supported.
Top-up the card at designated outlets using cash only, or use Macau Pass MPay app.
Remaining balance on any mCard can be refunded by returning the card to any Macau Pass Customer Service Centres, which are NOT located at the airport, ferry terminals or other border gates. Card fee is non-refundable.
Using mCard for LRT and bus fares within Macau enjoys subsidised fares (up to 50% discount) compared to paying with cash.
Many small vendors adopted Macau Pass with few supporting cross-border payment methods.
More: Macau Pass
7. Macau Pass MPay (eWallet)
Macau Pass's MPay is a mobile e-wallet that functions as a one-stop digital payment solution for its residents and tourists to make online and offline payments for services, such as dining, transportation, shopping, utility bills, etc, and also cross-border transactions. Users can link their bank accounts or UnionPay credit cards, issued in China, to their MPay accounts for seamless transactions.
MPay supports payments through QR codes and has integrated with major e-wallets via Alipay+ for global use, including China and Hong Kong.
Key Points:
Download "MPay 澳門錢包" from authorised app stores — be aware that there is another app by the name "MPay", don't download the wrong app.
Setup account with a registered mobile number in Macau, Hong Kong or mainland China.
For Macau residents and Chinese tourists, top-up of e-wallet can be done via fund transfers through linked bank account or UnionPay card. For tourists, top-up with cash (MOP or HKD) at convenience stores, Macau Pass Service Centres or other cash-loading points.
Tap-to-pay at Macau Pass payment terminals, via NFC, and use it like a mCard.
Scan Alipay / Alipay+ QR codes for payments in Macau and Alipay+ QR codes in other supported countries.
Exchange rate is determined by Alipay+ at time of purchase and both the rate and converted amount in MOP will be indicated on the app before confirming payment.
More: Macau Pass MPay
8. Others
Notwithstanding the above methods, other e-wallet apps that ride on the Alipay+ network can also be used for payment in Macau — such as Malaysia's Touch-n-Go eWallet. For these payment apps, look for Alipay+ logo and scan the corresponding QR codes at participating merchants. As mentioned, exchange rate is determined by Alipay+ and transaction fees (if any) is determined by the applications.
DBS Paylah! can also be used in Macau at participating merchants that support China UnionPay with QR code-enabled. Launch the app to scan UnionPay's QR code to pay or select the "SG & Others" region to generate a QR code and let the merchant scans it. There are no transaction fees and exchange rate is determined by DBS Bank.
Contactless payment apps, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc, can also be used for payment after linking a bank / credit / debit card and pay by presenting the NFC-enabled mobile device to contactless card readers. They work like credit / debit cards. Payments will be charged to the linked card or deducted from stored value in e-wallet (if applicable). Exchange rate and transaction fees (if any) varies depending on the applications.
For Singapore residents, both YouTrip and Changi Pay, with sufficient cash, should be adequate to meet most travelling needs in Macau. For non-Singapore residents or those without Changi Pay, use Alipay or any e-wallet apps that rides on the Alipay+ network for cross-border payments.
The Macau Pass mCard is the best option to save on public transport costs and avoid hassles in handling cash and changes, especially at retail outlets that do not support payments by credit / debit cards and Alipay+. It is widely accepted by many retailers.
For long stayers in Macau or frequent travellers to China, with a registered China mobile number, the Macau Pass - China T-Union mCard — with Macau Pass MPay app for cashless top-ups and conversions to RMB — may be a better alternative.
The better approach will be to withdraw MOP$ in cash, using YouTrip's physical card, from Mastercard-supported ATMs at Macau International Airport, or Ferry Terminal, on arrival. Then, use the cash to buy a Macau Pass mCard at its self-service vending machine in Airport LRT Station. After getting a mCard, with or without initial balance, top-up with additional amount as desired.
Be mindful that there are vendors who still accept cash only, so it is advisable to keep some cash for such situations or check the payment options available before making any purchase. When out of cash, withdraw more MOP$ from ATMs — note that some ATMs may charge a transaction fee per withdrawal.
However, don't return home with a handful of MOP$ in cash!
At a glance...
Large establishments (hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, supermarkets, etc) | Credit card / Debit card / YouTrip / Alipay+ / mCard / cash |
Medium-size merchants, public buses | Alipay+ / mCard / cash |
Small merchants, MLRT | mCard / cash |
* Alipay+ includes Alipay, WeChat Pay, Macau Pass MPay, Changi Pay, etc.