Magnificent Macau
Converting NZD to MOP unlocks the wonders of Macau, from its historic cobblestone streets to its glittering nightlife. Whether you’re feasting on egg tarts or strolling through UNESCO World Heritage sites, having Macanese Pataca in hand ensures your trip is smooth and stress-free.
At Travel Money NZ, we make converting NZD to MOP as easy as strolling through Macau’s charming streets. Visit one of our stores across New Zealand for all your foreign currency needs, we’ve got you covered. Secure your Macanese Pataca today and focus on planning your dream trip.
Let’s get you ready to say “Obrigado” in style.
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Holiday Budget Calculator
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How to save money while in Macau
Here are some simple ways to make the most of your MOP!
- Visit during the shoulder season (March to May or September to November) for better deals on accommodation and attractions.
- Savour local street food like pork chop buns and almond cookies for authentic flavours without the high price tag.
- Use public buses to get around efficiently and affordably.
All about Macanese currency
A quick guide to money in Macau
The Macanese Pataca (MOP) is the official currency of Macau, a unique destination blending Portuguese heritage with Chinese traditions - MOP was actually introduced in 1906 to replace the Portuguese Real, and now in modern times it's pegged to the Hong Kong Dollar!
Cash rate
Purchase in store
*Online rate not available in store
Card rate
Purchase in store
Code
MOP
Symbol
P
Coins
10, 20, 50 avos, MOP$1, MOP$2, MOP$5, MOP$10
Banknotes
MOP$10, MOP$20, MOP$50, MOP$100, MOP$500, MOP$1,000
Macanese notes and coins
Similar to dollars and cents, pataca can be divided by 100 into avos (and no, not the smashed on toast kind).
You’ll most likely find coins worth 10, 20 and 50 avos, then moving through 1, 2, 5 and 10 patacas.
The Macanese banknotes sit at 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 patacas each.
Fun facts about Macau cash
- Banknotes have been printed in both Portuguese and Chinese thanks to Macau’s unique history.
- A note worth 1,000 patacas was introduced on 8 August 1988 to celebrate China’s lucky number of – you guessed it – 8, which in its native tongue sounds close to “getting rich”. How appropriate is that?
Travel Money Trivia - Macau edition
- Unfortunately, you won’t get far if you don’t have any pataca with you. The local currency runs incredibly similarly to the Hong Kong dollar, so much so that locals will often accept either (except for the HKD $10 coin).
- If you’re lucky, some places in Macau may also accept the Chinese yuan.
- Something very satisfying to know, all MOP banknotes are the exact same size as the equivalent banknotes in Hong Kong dollars.
Good to know
- Best spend it all! There are no restrictions on bringing currency in or out of Macau, although you might find it tough to part ways with your pataca back home. Not just because it’s a souvenir of your best trip ever, but because it’s rarely traded back for NZD. So you might be better off spending all your pataca while you’re there.
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Get ready to swap your Kiwi dollars for Macanese Pataca and dive into the vibrant culture of Macau. Whether you’re planning to explore the stunning Senado Square or try your luck at the city’s world-famous casinos, converting NZD to MOP is your first step to an unforgettable adventure. Start your journey with the currency for Macau sorted and ready to go.
Converting your NZD to MOP is the first step to unlocking Macau’s unique experiences. Travel Money NZ makes it simple, secure, and convenient to get your Patacas. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, let us help you make every Pataca count. Exchange NZD to MOP today!