✪ Save, spend and experience! These are some of the words adventurous people do believe in. But as to what others (or most) do know, traveling doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of money. One can always have an option to be thrifty but still enjoy. Just like what I did on this trip.
Continue reading, will tell you more things on how you can save on your trip to Macau.
Joining me in this trip was Rheena Villamor of UNTV 37 and Shiena Valdez
Here are some of the things you could do to save a little on your trip to the land also called as “Asia’s Las Vegas” – Macau.
Macau Skyscrapers are simply amazing!
We visited Macau last February 2014, along with friends Sheng and Rheena. I didn’t actually thought that the weather would be extremely cold. I wasn’t ready for it. It was my first time in Macau and was expecting something new to experience.
The weather was moist and windy when we arrived. It was hard to walk on the alleyways without wearing proper clothing. Tip: Remember to always check the Weather forecast before visiting a new place.
I’m actually looking forward of seeing the amazing skyscrapers of Macau as well as tasting a lot of good Chinese food! The iconic old Portuguese establishments as well as the ginormous buildings makes Macau a tourist destination not just from neighboring country but as well as to people as far as US and Australia.
On our 3 day stay in Macau, we were able to visit almost all the interesting places in this country. With a pocket money of only Php 5,000 and spending Php 15k in total (includes the airfare and hotel accommodation), I guess our Macau journey has been fruitful and indeed thrifty.
I listed down some tips you could do to lessen the cost you’ll be spending if you are planning to visit Macau in the future.
THINGS TO DO IN MACAU ON A LIMITED BUDGET
- Always be on the look out for air fare promos. You can check different “Piso-Fare” offerings or install the application called “Skyscanner,” which can help you pick the cheapest fare among the long list of airline companies. Also instead of booking a flight from NAIA, try booking at Clark Airport. It’s easier now to go to CLARK for the shuttle rides they installed in Trinoma Mall Terminal in Quezon City. From what I’ve heard traveling from Clark to Macau is less than a thousand pesos comparing it with the airfare coming from Manila.
- Check out promos on different Hotel Accommodation. Our hotel accommodation in Macau was provided by Macau Masters, we paid it through Credit Card, and because I’m sharing it with friends, the promo priced of Php 9,800 was divided into three, making my share estimably around Php 3, 266.66 only. Whats good about Macau Masters is its accessibility which is just walking distance from Senado, Market and other parks.
- When you arrive in Macau, ride the buses instead of the taxi. Taxi fare is a bit pricey.
- There are also Free shuttle services specially for people who are visiting Casinos.
- Remember to always keep coins in your pocket. Exact amount is needed when you ride the buses.
- When exchanging Peso to Pataca, remember that the bigger the value to exchange the higher the value you’ll be receiving. Do exchange money in money changers located in the markets, they give bigger value to your money. Also exchange just the right amount of money you’ll be spending, Macau Pataca doesn’t have a value here in the Philippines and is difficult to exchange. Most money changers here in the Philippines does not accept it. It is better to spend everything you have when you’re still in Macau.
- Thirsty? There’s Free water, milk tea, or coffee in almost all of the casinos! I love their Hot Milk Tea! It’s also unlimited. Some Casinos are also interconnected so you wouldn’t need to go out to hop to the other one.
- Casinos are restricted to 20 years old and below, so if you’re somehow younger looking, always bring an ID or passport to show the guards your real age if ever you’ve been questioned.
- On the long street of Rua das Estalagens going to the Ruins, is a flea market. Your hunger pangs will be satisfied with lots of free sampling from the stalls in the place. You actually wouldn’t need to buy one to taste a product. Feast on the ones they are giving as samples. I personally love the cookies and the meat products they are selling.
- When buying pasalubong, try visiting the not so crowded stalls which is mostly located in between lanes. In some establishments, you might find hidden gems where prices are even much cheaper than the rest.
- Eat on small eateries rather than those big restaurants. Check out food stops in some roads. Do not miss to try dimsum and ramen. Most of the servings are for sharing. Some eateries doesn’t serve rice thou.
- If you wanted to buy Macau T-Shirts, buy one at night time. There are stalls that are only open in the evening that sells well made shirts for a lesser price. Some even sold it 3 for 100 Pataca.
- Daiso is life! Just like here in Manila, Daiso offers cheaper items like shawls, gloves, or pasalubong items. One of their biggest store is located in Senado.
- Macau is just a small country that you can tour within a day. Having a map (or google map) would be very handy. Also, instead of commuting, try walking to get a better view of the city.
- If you want to visit Macau Tower, buy tickets at the Pier instead of buying it at Macau Tower. The pier is located between Macau and Taipa. There are locals who are selling tickets at a lower price. The only disadvantage of it is you can only use the ticket on the date assigned on it, which is usually on the day itself.
With old and new friends in Macau! Hope to see you again soon!
These are just some of the things you could do in Macau if you are on a limited budget. If you do have friends in Macau, better to tag them along to have a free Tour Guide. Some Filipinos do provide tours as their sidelines. The chances of spending more will also be lessen if you have a definite itinerary to follow.
If you do have other suggestions do fill in the comments box below. 🙂
