Though Macau has a very well-developed transportation system, if you plan to stay in the region for long, you may want to have the freedom of driving on your own. If you want to drive in Macau, you will need to get a permission from the local police station, convert your licence into a local one or get a driver’s licence by passing a written and driving test.
Get a driver's licence
What document you need to be able to legally drive in Macau depends on the length of your stay and, of course, whether you do or do not have a valid driver's licence from your home country.
If you plan to stay in Macau for less than one year, you will need to go to the police station and get an official paper that will legalise your foreign licence for six months.
However, if you want to stay in Macau for more than one year, you will need to get a local licence. It may also be possible to have your foreign licence directly converted into Macau licence. To do so, you will need to present the following documents:
- Application Mod No. 3A (which you can get at the Transport Bureau or download from the Transport Bureau website);
- Application Mod. No 011/DLC (also accessible via the Transport Bureau);
- Original of your existing driver's licence;
- Two copies of the original licence;
- Copy of your Macao Resident Identity Card;
- Two recent photos, 1.5 inches, white background.
Alternatively, if your licence cannot be converted or if you do not have a valid driver's licence, you will need to pass a written and driving test. The written test must be completed in either Chinese or Portuguese ' so the help of a translator may be required.
Important:
You will need to have an International Driver's Licence if your original driver's licence is not issued in English, French, Chinese or Portuguese.
Driving in Macau
The first thing to note about driving in Macau is that you will need to drive on the left. The roads in the region are well-kept and the driving standards are notably high when compared to other big Asian cities. Due to Macau's small territory and large number of vehicles, parking may be a problem. The centre of Macau is known for its narrow winding roads, so extra caution should be exercised. Driving in other parts of the city like Coloane and Taipa is more laid back.
In the unfortunate case of an accident, note that you will need to move your car to the left side of the road as soon as possible. If you ever get a ticket in Macau, make sure to pay two-thirds of the fine within 15 days of being notified, and the full amount of the fine should be paid upon the expiration of the deadline.
If you do not have your own vehicle in Macau, consider renting a car. There are a lot of car rental services in the city and you should not have any trouble getting the right vehicle to match your needs.
Good to know:
You need to be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in Macau.
Useful links:
Macau Driver's Licence
Macau Traffic Law
Avis Car Rental Macau
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