manchesterjen

Can a British citizen fly to Hong Kong and then visit Macau without going through customs a second time?

Same question for a Thai citizen.

hong_konger

Nope. Two completely separate border controls. Doesn't matter what citizenship you hold. When you enter Hong Kong you go through passport control at the airport. When you go to Macau you have to leave HK through HK passport control and then enter Macau through their own Passport control. However, both are pretty painless and efficient and no visa fees involved.

Whether or not you can arrive in HK and stay in transit and get the ferry to Macau without going through HK passport control at the airport I am not sure. But if you enter HK through passport control then you definitely still have to first exit HK and then go through Macau passport control.

manchesterjen

Thanks for the detailed answer - that takes care of that side of things then

I have been to HK before and loved it, but it's my first time going to Macau. Does a day trip from HK give you a good experience of Macau, or is it best to stay over for a night? (we don't gamble)

I'm wondering of we should book one night HK, one night Macau or keep it simple and book two nights in HK.

ex reg

For me it would be a night in Macau and at least 3 nights in HK to even start to see both places.
I suppose you are in transit to somewhere else so if you've seen HK then your timing will be OK.

Fernandos at Hac Sa beach on Coloane Island used to be a must for an enjoyable lunch with a few bottles of Vinho Verdi although I've heard Fernandos is not the same these days.
Then some egg tarts and coffee, a look at the cathedral and the furniture shops at the bottom of the cathedral steps and an evening meal in Lorcas??
If there is an opera on then get along to see it.

hong_konger

Day trips from Hong Kong can be fun but you really need to have a plan and know what you intend to do. If you have the time its best to stay overnight. I am also not a gambler but you really need to visit the casinos as they are a must see...fascinating, and so are the people gambling. I was at Fernandos late last year. I too had heard that it was not the same as it was but am pleased to report that I found it to be as good as it ever was.

penguinsix

If you want to do an overnight aim for a 'middle of the week' experience vs. a weekend (when the rates skyrocket). Macau is a day-trip, if well planned out, but staying a bit longer lets you see some of the sites at night time as well. The old colonial district at night is actually quite pretty, and the casinos have all sorts of shows and events (like the House of Dancing Water).

If you can get a deal at a decent casino, I'd stay the night if a tourist.

manchesterjen

Last time I was in HK I found the people to be very helpful. You guys have been helpful too. Thanks.