Handbook for
Incoming trainees
Version 2018/05_1
Contents
1. Macau 101
1.1 About Macau SAR
1.2 About University of Macau (UM)
1.3 About IAESTE China Macau SAR
2. How to get to Macau
2.1 Flights directly to Macau
2.2 Flight to Hong Kong, transit from Hong Kong to Macau
2.3 Travel to Zhuhai or nearby cities in China and transit by land
3. Arrival and Accommodation
(This section contains general outlines. More details can be found in the attached
“Arrival and Dormitory Check-in Instructions)
3.1 Registration
3.2 Arrival
3.3 Accommodation
3.4 Reception and Activities
3.5 Map of UM
4. Visa and Medical Insurance
4.1 Macau Visas
4.2 Hong Kong Visas
4.3 China Visas
4.4 Medical Insurance
5. Life in Macau
5.1 Weather
5.2 Language
5.3 Currency
5.4 Transportation
5.5 Time
5.6 Office Hours
5.7 Voltage
5.8 Consulates in Hong Kong and Macau
5.9 Emergency and Useful Phone Numbers
5.10 Useful Websites
5.11 Useful Apps for Getting around in Macau
1.1 About Macau SAR
Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) is located in the south of China on the
western bank of the Pearl River Delta. It borders the city of Zhuhai of the Guangdong by
the Border Gate (Portas do Cerco) isthmus to the north. Before the arrival of
Portuguese merchant-explorers in the early 1550s, the first settlers in Macau were
fishermen and farmers from various regions of China. Macau used to be a strategic
trading post due to its location. Macau was colonized by the Portuguese and remained
under their control until 20 December 1999 when People’s Republic of China resumed
exercise of sovereignty of Macau and established the Macau Special Administrative
Region.
Macau is small but populous city with an estimated population of 630,000 among
which 95% are ethnic Chinese from different provinces, and the remaining 5% is
composed of Portuguese, other Europeans and people from other regions. Macau SAR is
divided into four main areas: Macau Peninsula, Taipa, Cotai and Coloane.
Macau has gradually developed into a metropolitan city with cultures of both the East
and the West. Thanks to its rich history, cultural diversity and booming gaming industry,
Macau has become one of the major tourist destinations with its World Heritage Centre,
unique food cultures and entertainment attractions.
Macau Government Tourist Office:
http://www.macautourism.gov.mo
Image Source: https://www.mapsland.com/asia/macau/large-districts-map-of-macau
1. Macau 101
1.2 About University of Macau (UM)
University of Macau (UM), being the successor of University of East Asia founded in
1981, is the only public, comprehensive University in Macau SAR. It is also the largest
university in Macau both in terms of the number of full-time students and the number
of academic programs offered. The university offers academic programmes at
bachelor, master and doctoral levels encompassing fields of social sciences, arts and
humanities, business administration science and technology, health sciences,
education, and law. English is the main teaching medium while Portuguese and
Chinese are also the teaching media for several specific academic programmes.
As is a young and dynamic university, UM has been progressively increasing its
research activities. Apart from internal research projects, the university has entered
research co-operations with universities and research institutions in China, Europe
and the U.S. The cooperation includes projects supported by the National Science
Foundation of China and Eureka projects of the EU.
University of Macau advocates international exchanges and maintains very good
academic links with over 100 sister universities worldwide. The university is a member
of several international and regional university associations: including International
Association of Universities (IAU), International Association of University Presidents
(IAUP), Association of Universities of Portuguese Language (AULP), Association of
Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), International Association for the Exchange
of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) and University Mobility in the Asia and
Pacific (UMAP), etc.
University of Macau:
http://www.umac.mo
1.3 About IAESTE China Macau SAR
University of Macau joined IAESTE as an Associate Member 2007.
IAESTE China Macau SAR (loosely known as “IAESTE Macau”) was officially established
in February 2004 at University of Macau to launch IAESTE activities in University of
Macau, and gradually, within Macau SAR. Currently, IAESTE Macau is
cross-departmentally administered by full-time staff of University of Macau.
IAESTE Macau aims to provide international internship opportunities for students with
strong technical knowledge as a means to gain technical and cultural experience
abroad.
IAESTE Macau also raises internship opportunities in Macau SAR and facilitates inbound
students from other countries to realize their practical training in our supporting
companies and our respective on-campus units or departments.
IAESTE CHINA MACAU SAR:
http://www.umac.mo/gao/iaeste
There are three routes to get to Macau SAR:
2.1 Flights directly to Macau
2.2 Flight to Hong Kong, transit from Hong Kong to Macau:
a. Transit by SeaExpress (Hong Kong International Airport to Macau)
b. Transit by regular Hong Kong-Macau ferries (Hong Kong Downtown to Macau)
c. Transit by helicopter (Hong Kong Downtown to Macau)
2.3. Travel to Zhuhai or nearby cities in China and transit by land
Details of each arrival method is outlined below.
2.1 Flight directly to Macau
Macau has an international airport located in Taipa Island with direct flights
daily or several times per week to Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Osaka, Beijing
and other major cities in Asia.
Macau International Airport:
http://www.macau-airport.com
2.2 Flight to Hong Kong, transit to Macau
If flights to Macau is not desirable in your travel plan, Hong Kong International Airport
(HKIA) is another convenient hub for transit. There are three ways to transit to
Macau:
a. Transit by SeaExpress Ferries Hong Kong Airport to Macau
Sky Pier at HKIA offers ferry transit service from the airport to Macau or Taipa Ferry
Terminal without passing through customs/immigration in Hong Kong and you will
collect your languages after arrival in Macau.
However, SeaExpress ferries are somewhat limited (only 3 or 4 ferries per day). Also,
in most cases, you cannot sign up for a ferry that departs within 120 minutes of the
actual flight arrival time.
2. How to get to Macau
b. Transit by Regular Ferries Hong Kong Downtown to Macau
Besides Sea Express, there are the more frequent Hong Kong-Macau ferries in
downtown Hong Kong that are more frequent (15-30 minutes per departure for
07:00-23:59; 1-2 hours per departure for 00:00-06:59).
After passing immigration and collecting yout luggage at the airport, take taxi,
Airport Bus or Airport Express trains to get to Shun Tak Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan,
Hong Kong. Take the ferry to travel to either Macau or Taipa Ferry Terminal.
*this option is also viable for those who would like to spend time in Hong Kong
before arriving in Macau.
There are two ferry operators, Turbojey and Cotai Waterjet. Be sure to check out
both to find the most suitable time and port of arrival.
Hong Kong International Airport: http://www.hkairport.com.hk
Turbojet: https://www.turbojet.com.hk/en
Cotai Waterjet: https://www.cotaiwaterjet.com
MTR Airport Express Train:
http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/airport_express_index.html
c. Transit by helicopter (Hong Kong Downtown to Macau)
Helicopter transit is also available at Shun Tak Ferry Terminal (see Section 2.2a.
above on how to get to Shun Tak Ferry Terminal). Each flight takes approximately
16-20 minutes and takes you to Macau Ferry Terminal.
2.3 Travel to Zhuhai or nearby cities in China and transit by land
You may travel to Zhuhai or other nearby cities and enter Macau through the two
border gates in Zhuhai:
- Border Gate at Gongbei / Portas do Cercos Port
- Border Gate at Hengqing / Lotus Port
The Barrier Gate (Chinese border) in Zhuhai, Gongbei is opened daily from 0600 to
0100(+1); while the Hengqing Port operates 24 hours a day. Visitors from Zhuhai or
other regions in Mainland China must pass through the Customs at the Gate to enter
Macau.
Please check if you need a visa for transit through the mainland of China.
Portas do Cercos Port Hengqing Port
In Summary:
Here, we outline the basic information on your registration, arrival and accommodation.
For details, please read the attached “Arrival and Dormitory Check-in Instructions”.
3.1 Registration (IMPORTANT!)
All IAESTE trainees are required to register in University of Macau in order to begin the
training, use the dormitory and access the facilities. In order to complete the registration,
you need to return the original Application for Admission form, Medical Examination
Report and a copy of your vaccination record showing a valid tetanus vaccination at least
3 weeks before the beginning of training. The templates of these documents have been
sent to you together with the N/5 forms. Get in touch with us immediately if you have not
received them.
On the next working day after your arrival, you are asked to report to IAESTE Macau Office
in the campus and we will guide you through the second step of registration. After all the
steps have been completed, you will obtain a student card of University of Macau which
allows you to access the facilities (including the sports complex).
Bring the N/5-a (Acceptance note) with you when entering Macau and present it to the
immigration officers when required. Make sure that your passport has a validity until at
least six months after your training. Stay permit will be arranged by IAESTE Macau after
arriving at Macau if necessary.
3.2 Arrival
Incoming trainees are asked to arrive at University of Macau dormitory by themselves.
No pick-up will be arranged.
In normal situation, you will be able to arrive at University of Macau by following the
instructions and should take less than an hour regardless of your point of entry in Macau
SAR. Make sure you have sent us your confirmed itinerary before departing from your
country and specify if you need any special arrangement. IAESTE Macau will be in touch
with IAESTE offices of your country or you directly prior to your arrival.
3.3 Accommodation
IAESTE Macau will host you in student dormitory (on-campus) of University of Macau. You
are bound to follow rules and regulations that govern all students living in the same hostel.
In some offers, the rent is waived. You are asked to respect the general conditions and
cleanliness of the rooms offered as well as the cultural differences among students in the
same area. Refer to attached “Instructions” for more details.
3.4 Reception and Activities
In order to make your stay in Macau more memorable and culturally fruitful, IAESTE Macau
will, within its financial capacity, organize orientation activities and regular gatherings
for you to know more about Macau and China and to establish a sense of belonging here.
Please note that not all activities are free of charge. IAESTE trainees are requested to
closely informed IAESTE Macau of any activities they organize for themselves, especially
when such will take place outside of Macau.
3. Registration, Arrival and Accommodation
S2-S4
Dormitory
(Postgraduate House)
N6-G018
IAESTE Macau Office
(Administration Building)
3.5 Map of University of Macau
北區 North
N1
UM Guest House
澳大賓館
N2
University Hall
大學會堂
N6
Administration Building
行政樓
N8
UM Sports Complex
澳大綜合體育館
N9
UM Stadium
澳大運動場
N21-24
Research Building N21 - N24
科研大樓 北二十一座至北二十四座
N25
Animal House
動物實驗樓
N26
Dangerous Goods Store
危險品倉庫
東區 East
E1
University Gallery
大學展館
E2
UM Wu Yee Sun Library
澳門大學伍宜孫圖書館
E3
BOC Centennial Building
中銀百年紀念大樓
E4
Anthony Lau Building
劉少榮樓
E5-E7
Central Teaching Building E5 - E7
中央教學樓 東五座至東七座
E11
Faculty of Science and Technology
科技學院
E12
Faculty of Health Sciences
健康科學學院
E21
Humanities and Social Sciences Building
人文社科樓
E22
Faculty of Business Administration
工商管理學院
E31
Student Activity Centre
學生活動中心
E32
Faculty of Law
法學院
E33
Faculty of Education
教育學院
E34
(Under Development)
(建設中)
西區 West
W11
Moon Chun Memorial College
滿珍紀念書院
W12
Choi Kai Yau College
蔡繼有書院
W13
Stanley Ho East Asia College
何鴻燊東亞書院
W14
Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College
霍英東珍禧書院
W21
Chao Kuang Piu College
曹光彪書院
W22
Lui Che Woo College
呂志和書院
W23
Cheng Yu Tung College
鄭裕彤書院
W33
Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College
馬萬祺羅柏心書院
W34
Cheong Kun Lun College
張崑崙書院
南區 South
S1
Hostel (for visitors and guests)
聚賢閣 (訪客專用)
S2-4
Postgraduate House S2 - S4
研究生宿舍 南二座至南四座
S8
University Mall
薈萃坊
S9
Shiu Pong College
紹邦書院
S21-35
Staff Quarters S21 - S35 (Partly Under Development)
教職員宿舍 南二十一座至南三十五座〈部份興建中〉
4.1 Macao Visas
Passport holders from the following countries are exempt from Macau entry visas and
are permitted to stay 30-90 days:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South
Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, Uruguay, USA.
(The list is subject to change without prior notice.)
If a visa is required, it can be obtained upon arrival in Macau, issued by the
Immigration Department for a period of 30 days.
Immigration Section, Macau Public Security Force:
http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/eng/Service_Imm.html
4.2 Hong Kong Visas
If you need a visa to transit Hong Kong, information on Hong Kong visa requirements
can be obtained from the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Most passport-holders
do not require a visa for stays of less than 14 days.
Hong Kong Immigration Department:
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng
4.3 China Visas
Visas are required for most foreigners entering Mainland China. A standard tourist visa
is valid for a 30-day visit. They can usually be obtained from Chinese embassies or
consulates. Landing visa application is available at some entry ports, except
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Cameroon, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel,
Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
(The list is subject to change without prior notice.)
If you would like to visit nearby cities in China for a short time during or after your
training, you can apply for a short-term tourist visa easily in designated travel
agencies in Macau.
4.4 Medical Insurance
You must be insured against illness and accidents before leaving your country for
traineeship. Be sure to have your insurance policy number and insurance card with
you at all times in case of need or emergency.
In most cases, you will pay for the medical bill at consultation and claim the fees after
you have returned to your country. You may want to bring some spare money or load
some spare credits into your credit cards just in case.
University of Macau asks all their registered students to buy a UM insurance which
covers medical services at designated local clinics and hospitals. If you do not want to
pay for this extra insurance, we will provide a waiver form at registration.
4. Visa and Medical Insurance
5.1 Weather
Macau has a humid subtropical climate. The annual temperature ranges from 6ºC to
35ºC. The humidity level is high and with an average range between 75% and 90%.
Mostly during summer months, the annual rainfall is around 1.778mm. Summer is very
hot and humid while winter is cool with modest rainfall. Students should note that the
high humidity will intensify the heat or cold effect, making the weather much hotter
or colder than the temperature suggests.
***During summer time, beware of heat exhaustion on cloudless sunny days (even at
night). Sunscreen and drinking water are important when travelling outdoors.
Months
Humidity
Weather
Temp(approx.)
Clothing
Remarks
Jan Mar
(Winter)
Low
Cold and
cloudy
C 20ºC
Woolen
clothes,
thick
jackets or
overcoats
------
Mar May
(Spring)
Moderate to
High
Warm and
rainy
12ºC - 25ºC
Light cotton
clothes
------
June - Sept
(Summer)
Very high
Very hot,
very humid
and rainy
25ºC 35ºC
Light,
breathable
clothes in
Summer
Typhoon
season (see
below)
Oct Dec
(Autumn)
Moderate
Sunny and
warm
15ºC 25ºC
Light
jackets,
cardigans,
sweaters
Most
pleasant
season
Typhoon and Rainstorm
Situated at the coast of the South China Sea entering the Pacific Ocean, Macau SAR is
prone to threats of tropical cyclones (known commonly as “typhoons”). In extreme
cases, severe rainstorm may also affect Macau. Below is a list of typhoon and
rainstorm signal system used in Macau:
If a signal 8 or above is hoisted, bridge surfaces between Macau and Taipa are closed
(only limited access available at Sai Wan Bridge lower level crossway). As a preventive
measure, sea and air connections between Macau and Hong Kong as well as most
flights are cancelled. When rainstorm warning is issued, the public and private
entities should take adequate prevention measures. Students should pay attention to
reports from radio or TV (TDM) for any safety arrangements.
Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG):
http://www.smg.gov.mo/smg/e_index.htm
1
3
8NW
8SW
8NE
8SE
9
10
Rainstorm
5. Life in Macau
5.2 Languages
The official languages of Macau are Chinese and Portuguese.
Cantonese Chinese is the mother tongue of the local population. Mandarin Chinese
(Putonghua) as the national standard language is also widely spoken.
English is widely spoken and understood in tourist areas, public services and among
younger generations. You may encounter some difficulty, however, when trying to use
English in older sectors of Macau or when speaking to more senior members.
Portuguese is widely used in the written context (signage, company names, etc.) but
not spoken. Only a small number of Macau citizens uses Portuguese as their daily
language of communication.
5.3 Currency
The official currency in Macau is ‘Pataca’ (MOP). There are banknotes and coins in the
following denominations:
Coins: 10, 20 and 50 avos (cents); 1, 2, and 5 Patacas.
Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Patacas.
HK dollars (HKD) and Renminbi (RMB) are widely accepted in Macau. However, some
shops do not refund the exchange rate difference.
Money and traveller’s cheques can be changed in larger hotels and banks. Authorized
exchange dealers can be found all around the city.
5.4 Transportation
i. Bus
Buses are the main way of transportation (the other is taxi). All buses are
air-conditioned. There are buses circulating around the Macau peninsula, Taipa, Cotai
and Coloane. The general bus fee is MOP6.0, regardless of distance (there are some
exceptions). If you get a “Macau Pass” card the fee is halved to MOP3.0. Macau Pass
can be bought in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
Bus Information by Macao Transport Bureau:
www.dsat.gov.mo/bus/site/subpage.aspx
ii. Taxi
The flagfall charge is MOP$19.00. Apart from normal taxis (black with cream roof),
there is also radio-taxi-service.
Flagfall (first 1600m) ------------------------------------------------------ $19.00
Every 240m thereafter ----------------------------------------------------- $2.00
Luggage per piece in the boot -------------------------------------------- $3.00
Taipa to Coloane surcharge ------------------------------------------------ $2.00
Special surcharges when boarding at the following locations --------- $5.00
- Macau International Airport
- Taipa Ferry Terminal
- University of Macau campus
Cab calling fee (waived for 1-hour or above advance booking) -------- $5.00
Taxi Information by Macao Government Tourism Office:
http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/plan/local_transportation_detail.php?id=2
5.5 Time
Macau is eight hours ahead of GMT, there is no daylight saving time.
5.6 Office Hours (in general)
Banks: Monday Friday 0900-1730
Offices: Monday Friday 0900-1800, some on Saturdays
Shops & Restaurants: Monday Sunday, 1000-2200
Museums: closed on Monday (in general)
5.7 Voltage
220 volts AC. Electric equipment working with different specifications will need
transformers and adaptors.
5.8 Consulates in Hong Kong and Macau
Information and special assistance on liaising with consulates general of your country
can be requested at IAESTE Macau Office.
5.9 Emergency and Useful Phone Numbers
Regional Code of Macau: +853
Making International calls from Macau:
00 +(country code) + (area code) + (local subscriber number)
(When making international calls, remember to omit the first zero of the area code.)
Emergency Services
Emergency
999 / 110 / 112
Fire Brigade
2857 2222 / 119 / 120
Police
2857 3333
Ambulance services (Conde S. Januario Hospital)
2831 3731
Ambulance services (Kiang Wu Hospital)
2837 1333
Ambulance services (University Hospital)
2882 1838
Taipa Island (Health Center)
2881 3089
Coloane Island (Health Center)
2888 2176
University of Macau
University of Macau
8822 8833
UM Security Centre
8822 4000
UM Postgraduate House (Management Company Office)
8822 2518
UM Sports Complex
8822 4412 / 8822 2512
UM Medical Center (Mondays Saturdays)
8822 4123
Macau Government Departments and Services
Macau Immigration Department
2872 5488
Macau Customs
2855 9944
Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO)
2831 5566
MGTO Tourist Assistance Unit Hotline
2833 3000
Macau International Airport : a) Arrival hall
b) Flight Schedule
2886 1436
2886 1111
HKCLK International Airport
(852) 2769 7970
Macau Post Office
2857 4491
Telecommunications
Directory Enquiry (for local phone numbers)
181
International Directory Enquiry
101
Weather
Weather (SMG Hotline)
1311
5.10 Useful Websites
5.11 Useful Apps for Getting around in Macau
Experience Macao
Macao Taxi
Bus Information System
Macau International Airport
SMG (Macau Weather)
Macao Sailings HD
University of Macau and In-campus Services
University of Macau
http://www.umac.mo/
UM Postgraduate House (Dormitory)
http://www.umac.mo/sao/srs/sh/aboutus/en/
srs_management.php
UM Office of Sports Affairs
http://www.umac.mo/osa/en
UM Clinic (Mondays Saturdays)
https://hseo.umac.mo/health-and-hygiene-affairs
Macau Public Entities and Services
Macau SAR Government
http://www.gov.mo
Education and Youth Affair Bureau
http://www.dsej.gov.mo
City Guide of Macau
http://www.cityguide.gov.mo
Macau Department of Health
http://www.ssm.gov.mo
Macau Government Tourist Office
http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/index.php
Meteorological and Geophysical
Bureau (SMG)
http://www.smg.gov.mo/smg/c_index.htm
Transportation and Immigration
Macau International Airport
http://www.macau-airport.com
HKCLK International Airport
http://www.hkairport.com.hk
HK Immigration Department
https://www.immd.gov.hk
Macau Immigration Service
http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/eng/Service_Imm.html
HK Airport Express Train
http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/airport
_express_index.html
Turbojet
https://www.turbojet.com.hk/en
Cotai Waterjet
https://www.cotaiwaterjet.com
Macau Bus Information
http://www.dsat.gov.mo/bus/site/subpage.aspx
Contact Us
Ms. Kiran LEI, Senior Exchange Administrator
Mr. Patrick LOU, Exchange Administrator
E-mail: iaeste_enquiry@umac.mo | Tel: (853) 88224392
Address: Avenida da Universidade, University of Macau
Global Affairs Office, N6-G018, Taipa, Macau, China
We look forward to seeing you in Macao!