When was the last time you traveled without a phone or using a paper map? It’s nearly impossible to imagine our lives “disconnected”, we basically have created an application for every little thing possible, work or leisure. Thus, if you’re visiting Macau or even a local, these five must-have apps can make your life and time in Macau much easier!
Photo credit: Unsplash, Macau Photo Agency
Bus Traveling System
Created by the Transport Bureau of Macao SAR, this app is most likely used by every person who’s ever hopped on a bus in Macau. As a matter of fact, each and every expat asked, listed it among their essential Macau applications. Sure, we can check websites or read bus stops posters, but Bus Traveling System gives you all the information you need on routes and stops, the real-time traffic condition, and bus arrivals. It also shows how much time you need to cross a bridge between Macau and Taipa. You can be on a bus and see the number of stops to the destination and when to get off as well.
Available for free on iOS and Android.
Waygo
If you are unfamiliar with Chinese, try Waygo. It scans text and translates it into English. It’s great for shopping where the app can help translate labels or signs into whichever language you prefer. You might also find it helpful for notes and announcements posted by local establishments or promo deals in shops. No data connection is required for this app by the way.
Free trial with 10 translations a day is available on iOS.
Cotai Water Jet
Buy your ferry tickets to or from Hong Kong and Macau with this app. Additionally, check the schedule or learn about promotions and special discounts, some of them exclusive to app users. Not just that, it will also notify you when there is a promo or severe weather conditions.
Available for free on iOS and Android.
Michelin HKM
How many exceptional restaurants are there in Macau? This Hong Kong and Macau guide app will tell you all. It’s a great tool that will assist you in your culinary journey through the finest local spots. Filter by location, cuisine, service, or Michelin award, browse through the photos, and create a list of favorites. The only unfortunate side of this guide is that you’d want to cross all of those restaurants off your list tout suite!
Available for free on iOS with in-app purchases.
OpenRice
Clearly, high-end restaurants can’t offer a 100% perspective on the local culinary scene. If you consider yourself a foodie, Macau is the right destination to add new dishes and eateries to your gourmet list. But with the abundance the city offers, how do you find the best spots? As Tripadvisor is not that popular in Macau, turning to it for advice won’t always present a clear picture. For local eateries and searches like “best minchi”, try OpenRice. Originally from Hong Kong, it is widely used by Macau locals as well and features reviews, photos, and all the necessary information such as opening hours, menus, average check, and contacts.
Available for free on iOS and Android.
It is worth noting that in Macao SAR, Google, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and WhatsApp are available. So nothing can stop you from using them especially if you don’t have VPN apps. However, installing WeChat can give you some additional bonuses when in Macau. Many local eateries have WeChat accounts that you can access by scanning a QR code or browsing for them. Often, this is where they announce updates, special offers, and promos. If you have any questions, better hit the properties up on WeChat rather than Facebook. At times, this would result in quicker response.
Available for free on iOS and Android.
Also read: How to Make Your Life Easier: Trendy Apps in China
