Do you need a travel adapter for Macau?

Yes, always.

Macau mainly uses type G sockets. This British plug has three rectangular pins in a triangular arrangement: two horizontal pins at the bottom and one vertical earth pin at the top. This type is completely different from the Dutch type C and F plugs and therefore does not fit without an adapter.

Although Macau was a Portuguese colony until 1999, the British type G was adopted due to close trade relations with neighbouring Hong Kong and England. In older buildings you may occasionally also come across type D (three round pins) or type M (larger round pins). In modern casinos, hotels and shops on the Macau peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane, type G is the standard everywhere.

A travel adapter for Macau is necessary when you:

• bring Dutch chargers or electrical appliances
• stay in casino resorts, hotels or guesthouses
• make a day trip from Hong Kong or mainland China
• explore the historic centre or visit casinos

Which type of socket does Macau have?

Macau predominantly uses plug type G:

• Type G: three rectangular pins in a triangular arrangement. The same type as in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Singapore
• Type D: three round pins in a triangular arrangement. Occasionally in older buildings
• Type M: larger variant of type D, sometimes in older colonial buildings

You can recognise the type G socket by:

• three rectangular pins in a triangular arrangement
• two horizontal pins at the bottom for live and neutral
• one vertical earth pin at the top
• built-in safety shutters that only open once the earth pin is inserted
• usually an on/off switch next to the socket
• often a built-in fuse for extra safety

Due to its geographical proximity and trade connection with Hong Kong (British until 1997), Macau adopted the British type G system as standard, despite its Portuguese colonial history (until 1999). This did not change even after the handover to China.

Which travel adapter for Macau is best?

The best choice depends on how often you travel and what you bring.

For a one-off trip to Macau, a simple type G adapter is sufficient. With it you convert your Dutch plug to the right format.

For travellers who combine Macau with other Asian destinations, a universal travel adapter is the smarter choice. If you travel onwards to mainland China (type A, C and I), Hong Kong (type G), Taiwan (type A and B) or the Philippines (type A, B and C), you will encounter partly different plug types there. The Remodius Universal Travel Adapter works in Macau and in 220+ other countries, with multiple USB ports so you can charge your phone, laptop and camera at the same time.

When choosing a travel adapter for Macau, pay attention to:

• support for type G sockets
• possibly also type D or M for older buildings
• a sturdy and earthed housing
• built-in USB and USB-C ports
• compact size for hand luggage
• sufficient power for laptops and larger appliances

Power and voltage in Macau

The power supply in Macau differs slightly from the Netherlands.

• Voltage: 220 volts
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Compatible with Dutch appliances: yes

The voltage in Macau is 10 volts lower than in the Netherlands (230V), but this difference is negligible. Modern Dutch appliances and chargers work without problems on 220 volts. So you do not need a voltage converter. A travel adapter for Macau is sufficient.

When is a travel adapter for Macau essential?

An adapter is essential in Macau when using:

• phone and laptop chargers
• camera and GoPro chargers
• electric toothbrushes
• power banks and portable batteries
• hairdryers and straighteners
• portable monitors for remote work

Especially if you visit the spectacular casinos of Cotai, explore the historic Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul's, take a day trip from Hong Kong via the ferry or the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, or discover the unique Portuguese-Chinese fusion cuisine, a reliable travel adapter is handy to keep all your equipment and cameras charged at all times.

Buying a travel adapter for Macau

Do you want to travel carefree and not depend on adapters on location? Then choose a reliable travel adapter or universal adapter suitable for Macau.

With the right adapter you avoid loose connections, non-working appliances and unnecessary stress during your trip. Are you travelling onwards after Macau, for example to Hong Kong (type G), China (type A, C and I) or Taiwan (type A and B)? Then a universal adapter covers all these types at once. The Remodius Universal Travel Adapter works in 220+ countries.