China 2015 Crime and Safety Report: Macau

Product of the Research & Information Support Center (RISC)

The following is based on open-source reporting.

February 12, 2015

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

Macau has a low crime rate, and the Consulate is not aware of any specific threats against American citizens. Petty street crime, including pickpocketing, occasionally occurs in tourist areas, including in/around casinos and the airport. Macau has many of the same petty crime problems as other major cities. Pickpockets operate in areas of high congestion.

The threat to Americans in Macau from organized crime is low.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Traffic moves on the left, and roads are narrow and winding. Traffic is generally congested throughout the day.

Public Transportation Conditions

Most visitors choose not to drive. Taxis are inexpensive at the airport, ferry terminal, and gaming venues. Public buses are also inexpensive and frequent, but you may have difficulty finding them outside major tourist areas.

Other Travel Conditions

Occasional ferry accidents do occur.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

The threat facing Americans from terrorism, war, or civil unrest is low and has been for decades. The threat to Americans in Macau from regional terrorism is low. The Consulate is not aware of any indigenous terrorist groups operating in Macau.

Civil Unrest

Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes occur but are seldom violent.

Post-specific Concerns The contents of this (U) presentation in no way represent the policies, views, or attitudes of the United States Department of State, or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). The presentation was compiled from various open sources and (U) embassy reporting. Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. Publishing or otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support.

Environmental Hazards

In the late summer/early fall, there is an increase in typhoons. Public notification of weather conditions is good.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

There have been no problems involving nuclear power plants; however, there is a nuclear power plant just across the border in mainland China.

Privacy Concerns

Macau has very strict privacy laws.

Police Response

The general police support and response to foreign victims of crime is good. The Macau Police Force is good in terms of professionalism and service.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

If you are arrested, authorities are required to alert the U.S. Consulate General. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police to notify the U.S. Consulate General of your arrest. Incidents of police corruption, bribery or harassment are rare. However, if it does occur, you can contact the Commission Against Corruption at (853) 2832 6300 or [email protected].

American Citizen Services: Email: [email protected] Tel: +852 2841-2211, +852 2841-2323, +852 2841-2225 (M-F 0830-1730) Consulate Duty Officer: +852 2523-9011

Crime Victim Assistance

There are numerous police stations strategically located throughout the various districts and communities of Macau. Their response time to emergencies varies but is satisfactory. The local police emergency number is 999, and operators speak Portuguese, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Police/Security Agencies

The Macau Police have distinct units responsible for all crime/security issues.

Medical Emergencies

Emergency Ambulance: 999

Highly developed medical facilities and trained personnel are available in Hong Kong, which is about an hour by jetfoil and 10 minutes by helicopter.

Contact Information for Recommended Hospitals/Clinics

Kiang Wu (24-hour Acute Care) Est. Repouso No.35, R/C Macau Telephone: +853 2837-1333

Centro Hospitalar Conde S. Januario (24-hour Urgent Care) Estrada do Visconde de S. Januario Macau Telephone: +853 2831-3731

Hope Medical Clinic (Private) 1F Fu Wah Court 1-D, 26 Ave de Sidonia Pais Macau Telephone: +853 2858-9000

Recommended Air Ambulance Services

International SOS (HK) Limited 16/F World Trade Centre 280 Gloucester Road Causeway Bay Hong Kong (SAR), P.R China Tel: +852 2528 9998 Fax: +852 2528 9933 http://www.internationalsos.com/en/asia-pacific_china.htm

CDC Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

In addition to routine childhood and adult immunizations, the following vaccines are also recommended:

Hepatitis A: for all travelers. Typhoid: for risk-averse travelers desiring maximum pre-travel preparation. Hepatitis B: for prolonged stays; frequent short stays in this or other high risk countries; adventure travelers; the possibility of acupuncture, dental work, or tattooing; all health care workers; the possibility of a new sexual partner during stay; and travelers with high potential to seek medical care in local facilities. Consider for short stays in travelers desiring maximum pre-travel preparation. Increased awareness is recommended regarding safe sex and body fluid/blood precautions. Japanese encephalitis: Sporadic, limited risk exists in rural areas of the New Territories of Hong Kong. Transmission season is from April to October. Consider for risk-averse travelers desiring maximum pre-travel protection and traveling for prolonged stays or frequent short stays in risk areas. Not recommended for urban areas or short visits to usual rural tourist sites. Evening and nighttime insect precautions are recommended.

The contents of this (U) presentation in no way represent the policies, views, or attitudes of the United States Department of State, or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). The presentation was compiled from various open sources and (U) embassy reporting. Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. Publishing or otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support. Rabies: for travelers likely to have contact with bats, which are presumed to exist throughout the country. Bat bites should be taken seriously and post-exposure prophylaxis sought even in those already immunized. Influenza Flu (including 2009 H1N1): for all travelers. It is transmitted throughout the year in the tropics, and all travelers are at increased risk. Consider a standby treatment course of oseltamivir for unvaccinated travelers, especially those who are at high risk for complications from influenza.

For vaccine and health guidance in Macau, please visit the CDC at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/macau-sar.htm.

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Situational Awareness Best Practices

Travelers should exercise the same caution they would in any large city and pay particular attention to personal belongings while in crowded areas and while traveling on public transportation. Basic security practices (awareness of your surroundings and safeguarding of your valuables) are your best protection. Be especially cautious in (or avoid) areas where you may be more easily victimized.

U.S. Consulate Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong

Hours: M-F 0830-1730

Consulate Contact Numbers

Tel: +852 2523-9011 Fax: +852 2845-1598 Regional Security Officer: +852 2841-2355 Consulate General Hong Kong: +852 2523-9011 ACS: +852 2523-9011 Marine Post One: +852 2841-2230 Email: [email protected] Website: htttp://hongkong.usconsulate.gov

Consular coverage for multi-post countries

The Consulate General in Hong Kong is also responsible for Macau.

Nearby Posts

Embassy Beijing: http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/ Consulate Chengdu: http://chengdu.usembassy-china.org.cn/

The contents of this (U) presentation in no way represent the policies, views, or attitudes of the United States Department of State, or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). The presentation was compiled from various open sources and (U) embassy reporting. Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. Publishing or otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support. Consulate Guangzhou: http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/ Consulate Shanghai: http://shanghai.usconsulate.gov/ Consulate Shengyan: http://shenyang.usembassy-china.org.cn/ Consulate Wuhan: http://wuhan.usembassy-china.org.cn/

OSAC Country Council Information

The Hong Kong/Macau OSAC Country Council was established in 2000. The Hong Kong/ Macau Country Council meets several times a year. Individuals interested in participating should contact the Regional Security Office at the number below or visit the Hong Kong Consulate General’s OSAC website at hongkong.usconsulate.gov/osac.html.

OSAC Hong Kong phone number: +852 2841-2355 OSAC Hong Kong e-mail address: [email protected]

To contact OSAC’s East Asia Pacific team, please email [email protected].