Is Macao cashless?
Mostly cashless#61 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #9 of 32 in Asia
Short answer: Pay by card in hotels and malls, and carry some patacas or Hong Kong dollars for small eateries and buses.
Casinos, hotels, malls and chains take cards, and the international versions of Alipay and WeChat Pay work widely. Hong Kong dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Small eateries, bakeries and buses often want cash.
Will my card work?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Macao, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Macao, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Macanese pataca (MOP)
How does tipping work?
Hotels and restaurants usually add a 10% service charge. Anything beyond that is optional.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Getting cash: ATMs
Fee-free ATMs are easy to find
Most bank ATMs do not charge foreign cards; independent ATMs can charge MOP 15-30. Most pay out up to MOP 5,000 per withdrawal, and some dispense Hong Kong dollars.
Fee-free options
- Bank of China, BNU and ICBC (reported free)
Your own bank may charge extra. When an ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.
Good to know
- Change is usually given in patacas, which are hard to spend or exchange outside Macao.
Frequently asked questions
Is Macao cashless?
Macao scores 66/100 on Cashlessy (mostly cashless), ranking #61 of 197 countries. Casinos, hotels, malls and chains take cards, and the international versions of Alipay and WeChat Pay work widely. Hong Kong dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Small eateries, bakeries and buses often want cash.
Do I need cash in Macao?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Macao, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Macao?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Macao, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do you tip in Macao?
Hotels and restaurants usually add a 10% service charge. Anything beyond that is optional.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Macao?
Yes. Phone wallets work at most terminals that accept contactless cards in Macao.
Which ATMs are free in Macao?
Most bank ATMs do not charge foreign cards; independent ATMs can charge MOP 15-30. Most pay out up to MOP 5,000 per withdrawal, and some dispense Hong Kong dollars. Best options: Bank of China, BNU and ICBC (reported free).
Compare with Asia
Sources
Checked against sources in September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.