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DRESS CODE
When conducting business in Macau, people tend to always dress smartly.
Men are required to wear suits, and a suit or a tailored dress is
appropriate for women. Many of the more expensive Macau restaurants will
stipulate certain attire.
Hand Shake
Handshaking is the most common form of greeting, with a slight bow or
nod, which is a sign of respect. Business cards are considered very
important in China, especially for those conducting business in Macau.
It is a good idea to have a Chinese translation printed upon the back of
your card. There is a set way that business cards are presented; they
should be exchanged upon first meeting somebody, using both hands
(Chinese translation uppermost), with a slight bow or forward nod of the
head.
BUSINESS HOURS AND BANKING
In Macau , banks, offices and government departments are open Monday to
Saturday. Most will open for business at around 08:30, close for lunch
from 12:00 to 14:00, and reopen until around 17:30. Many branches of the
Bank of China open Sunday morning, but some will close on Wednesday
afternoon.
SMOKING:
Macau restaurants offer areas that cater to those who smoke and those
who don't, with some operating complete No-Smoking policies. There is a
ban on smoking on public transportation and the visitor should observe
this, even if the locals often do not. In business, it is advisable to
refrain and take cues from the host.
TIPPING ADVICE:
Tipping in Macau hotels and businesses is very important. Waiters and
waitresses will expect around ten percent of the bill. Even when there
is a service charge already included, it is still customary to leave a
small amount. Macau taxi drivers tend to mark up the fare to the nearest
pataca, and if not, will appreciate a little extra. Bellboys, porters
and toilet attendants will also expect a small tip.
CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS
Macau's major meeting venues include the Conference Center at the
University of Macau (with seating for up to 764), the Forum (a
multipurpose complex with seating for up to 4035), the Macau Tourist
Activities and Conference Center (with seating for up to 600) and Macau
Landmark (featuring a unique ‘skyroof'). The majority of hotels have
facilities, with additional support services provided by the World Trade
Centre. At the Mandarin Oriental Macau's Learning Center , for example,
meetings staff specialize in recreational and team building activities,
including rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, Tyrolean, chasm - and even
a full size flying trapeze.
A new cultural center was inaugurated in March 1999 on the Outer Harbor
waterfront. It includes two auditoria, one seating 1200 people and the
other 500 people. The territory's newest convention venue is the
conference center in the Macau Tower, the world's 10th tallest building.
The tower also features a revolving restaurant, an entertainment area
and shopping facilities.
Steve Adelson, who isthe mastermind of the Las Vegas Sands, who is
developing The Venetian Macau and the Cotai Strip, is specifically
focused on catering to the group and business travel sector. His
Venetian Macau resort will do exactly that, at a time when economic and
travel restrictions from mainland China are lifting. Macau, which is
within a 6-hour airline flight for half the world's population, is the
only place gambling is legal in China.
For business opportunities continue to expand in the area, the MICE
market (Meetings Incentives Conventions and Exhibits) is expected to
come along for the ride. According to Adelson, "It's like a firecracker.
They've lit the fuse, and it is ready to explode." Services designed for
Macau business travelers are set to expand and improve rapidly as these
remarkable economic developments continue.
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