Can I use HKD in Macau?
Yes, you can use HKD in Macau. Although the Macanese Pataca (MOP) is Macau's official currency, the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is widely accepted across the city. From hotels, restaurants, and taxis to many shops and casinos, most visitors from Hong Kong can pay with HKD without needing to exchange money before they arrive. That said, there are a few situations where carrying MOP—or knowing how exchange rates are applied—can help you avoid unnecessary costs.
If you're travelling from Hong Kong to Macau and need to send money internationally before or during your trip, Wise offers a simple way to transfer funds abroad with transparent fees and competitive exchange rates. You can see exactly how much your recipient will receive before you confirm your transfer, making it easier to plan your travel or cross-border expenses.
| Table of Contents |
|---|
HKD to MOP exchange rate: what you need to know
The official rate between the two currencies is fixed: 1 HKD = 1.03 MOP.1 This exchange rate has been in place since 1983 and is maintained by the Monetary Authority of Macau, which holds HKD as the reserve currency backing MOP.3
You might encounter some shops, restaurants, and taxis treating the two currencies as equal, meaning they will exchange HKD at a flat 1:1 rate. It is good to be aware that convenience comes with a cost. Because MOP is worth slightly less than HKD, paying at 1:1 means you effectively overpay by around 3% compared to paying in MOP.
Let’s look at an example: an item priced at MOP 100 would cost you HKD 97 at the true exchange rate, but you might actually pay HKD 100 if you hand over a HKD note. On a day trip spending HKD 500, the difference is roughly HKD 15. For a short visit, this is unlikely to matter much. However, for longer stays or larger purchases, paying in the local currency (MOP) or using a card can help you save a little extra. For a clear explanation of how exchange rates work and where to find the mid-market rate, the HKD exchange rate guide has you covered.
One thing worth knowing: getting MOP before you arrive is not necessary for most visitors from Hong Kong. ATMs in Macau dispense both HKD and MOP, and are available at ferry terminals and casino complexes around the clock.
Where can you pay with HKD in Macau?
HKD is accepted in almost every place you are likely to visit. Let’s explore some examples where HKD is accepted in Macau.
Hotels and restaurants
Hotels in Macau routinely list prices in HKD, and tourist-facing restaurants accept both currencies. Staff are accustomed to HKD payments and you will rarely be turned away.
It is still worth noting that you might receive a change in MOP. But in general, both currencies are valid throughout your trip, so this is no cause for concern.
Casinos
This might surprise many visitors: casino gaming in Macau is primarily denominated in HKD, not MOP. Tables and gaming machines are priced in HKD, and many venues in Macau actively prefer HKD over MOP for gambling. In fact, some casino floors do not accept MOP for bets at all. Cash cages accept both currencies. If you're visiting a casino, your HKD will be accepted directly.
Taxis, buses, and the LRT
Taxis: HKD is commonly accepted at 1:1, but change may be returned in MOP.
Public buses: The flat fare on all city routes is MOP 64. HKD notes are sometimes accepted at 1:1, but no change is given, so make sure to have exact change ready or be prepared to slightly overpay.
LRT (Light Rapid Transit): This is where you need to pay attention. Ticket vending machines at LRT stations accept MOP cash only — HKD is not accepted at the machines. If you buy your ticket at an LRT Customer Service Center instead (located inside each station), HKD cash is accepted, though the HKD $10 coin is specifically excluded. Change is given in MOP only2. If you plan to use the LRT, carry some MOP cash, or use the Macau Pass prepaid transit card for a smoother experience.
HKD notes and coins: exceptions to watch for
The vast majority of your HKD cash will work without issue in Macau. But of course, there are a few exceptions that vendors may decline.
The HKD $10 coin
The HKD 10 coin is commonly rejected by Macau vendors. The reason is practical: MOP has no equivalent $10 coin, so a vendor accepting a HKD $10 coin cannot give you a coin change in kind. You can use HKD $10 banknotes instead.
Old QEII coins
Coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II (issued before 1997) are sometimes declined. So that’s why you should just stick to modern HKD coins to avoid any friction at the till.
High-denomination notes ($500 and $1,000)
HKD 100 notes are accepted essentially everywhere in Hong Kong. However, small local shops, market stalls, and taxi drivers may turn down HKD 500 or 1,000 notes — not out of policy, but simply because they cannot make change. An essential tip for you before travelling to Macau is to break larger notes down at any bank or exchange counter.
Paying with credit and debit cards in Macau
Cards are a practical choice because they are widely accepted across the city. Visa and Mastercard work at hotels, major restaurants, casino cages, and larger shops. ATMs are available 24/7 at the Macau Ferry Terminal, Taipa Ferry Terminal, the airport, and major casino resorts, with most accepting international cards.
When you pay by card in MOP, you may receive the true exchange rate rather than the 1:1 merchant rate — a small but real saving on larger transactions.
One thing to watch for: Dynamic Currency Conversion, or DCC. If a card terminal asks whether you want to pay in HKD or MOP, choose MOP. DCC converts the transaction into your home currency at the point of sale, typically at a poor rate that benefits the terminal provider. Paying in MOP and letting your own card handle the conversion gives you a better outcome.
Mobile payments are also well supported in Macau. WeChat Pay, Alipay, and other mobile wallets are widely accepted at shops and food outlets.
Can you use MOP in Hong Kong?
No. MOP is not accepted as payment at any merchants in Hong Kong. Unlike the HKD-in-Macau arrangement, this relationship does not work in reverse.
MOP is one of the world's least internationally convertible currencies. Only a small number of licensed money changers — mostly near the Sheung Wan ferry terminal area — will exchange leftover MOP back to HKD, and typically at poor rates.
The practical advice is straightforward: spend your MOP before you board your ferry home. If you still have some left, exchange it at a licensed money changer inside the Macau ferry terminal before departure. Once you are back in Hong Kong, it becomes difficult to convert.
FAQ
Do I need to exchange HKD for MOP before visiting Macau?
For a short trip, no. HKD is accepted at hotels, restaurants, taxis, casinos, and most shops. If you plan to use LRT ticket vending machines, or if you want to avoid the ~3% implicit cost from the 1:1 merchant rate, having a small amount of MOP is still handy. You can withdraw MOP at ATMs on arrival.
What is the HKD to MOP exchange rate?
The official exchange rate is approximately 1 HKD = 1.03 MOP, fixed by the Monetary Authority of Macau.1 Still, many merchants will apply a flat 1:1 rate when accepting HKD for everyday payments.
Do Macau casinos accept HKD?
Yes — HKD is usually the preferred currency on the casino floor. Tables and gaming machines are priced in HKD, and some venues do not accept MOP for bets at all. Cash cages at major casinos accept both currencies.
Will I get change in MOP when paying with HKD?
Often, yes. When you pay in HKD at restaurants, shops, or taxis, change is commonly returned in MOP. This is normal and expected. Your MOP change is fully usable throughout Macau during your trip.
You can exchange MOP at a licensed money changer inside the Macau ferry terminal before departing back to Hong Kong. Just as RMB is generally not accepted in Hong Kong, MOP is generally not accepted there either.
You can absolutely use HKD in Macau. While navigating the fixed exchange rate, potential 1:1 merchant markups, and minor cash exceptions like the $10 coin can feel a bit tricky, knowing what to expect allows you to plan the best way to spend your money. Just remember to break larger notes beforehand, pay in local MOP on card terminals when given the option, and make sure to spend or exchange your remaining MOP before heading back to Hong Kong.
If you also need to send money internationally or manage funds across different regions, Wise is here to make your cross-border transactions seamless. Send money with Wise at the mid-market rate. We'll show our conversion fees upfront.
Open your Wise account quickly and easily. All you'll need is your ID and a mobile device.
With Wise you can
- Send 40+ currencies to 160+ countries
- Use our Wise Rate Tracker to request exchange rate notifications directly to your email
- Have a supporting, English-speaking customer service
Sources used in this article:
- Currency in Circulation in Macao — Monetary Authority of Macau, checked on 2 June 2026.
- Tickets and Fares — Macao Light Rapid Transit Corporation, checked on 2 June 2026.
- AMCM: Monetary and Financial Stability Review
- Macao Government Tourism Office: Local Transportation
Sources last checked on 05-Jul-2026.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
