A Trip to Macau Without Quarantine Amid the Pandemic

Amid the pandemic, we can still go to Macau.

Under the skillful guidance of my boyfriend and photographer, we were eager to travel. Besides domestic trips within mainland China, we could also go to the special administrative region of Macau for a leisure vacation? Let me share some topics that everyone is concerned about.

The biggest concern for everyone is probably the quarantine policy upon return. The answer is: No! Quarantine is not required! So you can go and have fun without worry.

Here are a few key points to note for the Macau Special Administrative Region:

1. Be sure to get a nucleic acid test at a regular hospital or medical institution. You must print a paper copy with the hospital's red official seal. If the medical institution uses an electronic seal, a color printout is also acceptable. Ensure that the test result is valid within seven days and does not expire during your stay in Macau. When going through the manual immigration channel, present your Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit and the paper nucleic acid test report with the red official seal to the staff.

2. Regarding the Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit: New applications and renewals take 7 working days. First, apply through the mobile mini-program for exit and entry, then go to the designated exit and entry office on the specified date with your ID and photo. If you are in a different location, for example, in Beijing with non-Beijing household registration, you can apply with a residence permit, which seems to be getting more convenient.

3. Entry process: Basically, you walk through either the Gongbei Port or Hengqin Port in Zhuhai. First, upon entering Guangdong Province, you need to download the Guangdong Health Code (Yuekang Code) on your phone, ensuring it is green, before you can exit smoothly at the Zhuhai port. When exiting, you need to show the QR code for scanning. You also need to convert the code within the mobile system, meaning switch from the Guangdong Health Code to the Macau-specific QR code. Then, in the mini-program, select "From Yue (Guangdong) to Macau." When entering Macau, present the paper nucleic acid test report with the red official seal, your Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit, and the converted QR code to pass smoothly.

4. Local requirements: I personally recommend exchanging some Hong Kong dollars in advance. Most places accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but cash is more convenient for places like taxis and small shops. Good hotels usually have 220V voltage and mainland-style power outlets, so charging your phone or using a curling iron is fine. However, shared power banks are not as common as on the mainland, so plan ahead.

I personally recommend a three-day, two-night itinerary. Macau currently has extremely few people—this is rare for Macau, so be sure to enjoy it while you can.

On our first day, we stayed at Wynn Palace. The quality was still excellent, and the service at the luxury stores was also great. The streets were almost empty, giving us a rare opportunity for a private getaway. We could freely take street photos, strike poses, or even livestream. I felt very relaxed and at ease. This time, I could really show off my boyfriend's photography skills and let him take plenty of pictures. I highly recommend Macau's water crab congee, paired with Blue Girl beer—a lingering aftertaste.

On the second day, The Venetian was still lively and bustling. Shopping, gondola rides, egg tarts, and the food court were all great. The French restaurant at The Parisian was very popular, and you may need to wait during peak hours.

Finally, let's talk about Chanel, which everyone is interested in. The styles and colors available are much more abundant than on the mainland. Currently, there are three stores in Macau: Wynn Macau, Wynn Palace, and the Four Seasons Shops. I can't disclose which store has a fuller inventory or how much cheaper it is compared to the mainland here—feel free to private message me.

In summary, during the pandemic when overseas travel is restricted, I absolutely recommend visiting Macau for relaxation, leisure, celebrating a birthday, enjoying Western and Cantonese cuisine, and shopping for luxury goods and imports. If you like travel photography, street photography, or check-ins, this is the place for you.