How to Call Macao
Complete guide to dialing Macao (country code +853)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Macao? Knowing how to call Macao correctly can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you're calling Macao from abroad or trying to reach local numbers, understanding the proper dialing procedures is essential for successful communication. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need for calling Macao, including step-by-step dialing instructions for international and domestic calls, common mistakes that could prevent your call from connecting, important phone etiquette to observe when speaking with Macao residents, and a helpful list of essential numbers you might need during your visit or while conducting business. By following these straightforward tips, you'll be confidently making calls to this vibrant Special Administrative Region in no time.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Macao from anywhere in the world, follow this structure:
[Your Country's Exit Code] + 853 + [Local Number]
Macao uses country code +853 and does not have area codes. Phone numbers are typically 8 digits long. Unlike many countries, Macao numbers do not have leading zeros to drop.
How to Dial from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Exit code: 011
- Format: 011-853-[8-digit number]
From the UK:
- Exit code: 00
- Format: 00-853-[8-digit number]
From Australia:
- Exit code: 0011
- Format: 0011-853-[8-digit number]
From other countries:
Replace the exit code above with your country's international dialing prefix (commonly 00 or 011).
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Macao landline from USA:
To call +853 2833 3000 from the United States:
Dial 011-853-2833-3000
Example 2 - Calling a Macao mobile from UK:
To call +853 6688 1234 from the United Kingdom:
Dial 00-853-6688-1234
Macao mobile numbers typically start with 6.
Example 3 - Calling a Macao landline from Australia:
To call +853 2872 5678 from Australia:
Dial 0011-853-2872-5678
Example 4 - Using mobile phones:
Most smartphones allow you to dial +853-XXXX-XXXX directly. Press and hold the "0" key to insert the "+" symbol, then enter 853 followed by the 8-digit local number.
Important Notes
- Macao local numbers do NOT have leading zeros to remove
- All Macao numbers are 8 digits after the country code
- No area codes exist within Macao
- Save international numbers with "+" format for seamless dialing across countries
Following these instructions ensures successful connections to Macao contacts every time.
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Common Mistakes
1. Forgetting to Drop the Leading Zero
When dialing a Macao number that starts with zero domestically, many callers mistakenly include it in international calls. Always remove any leading zero from the local number before adding the country code. Dial +853 followed by the number without the zero.
2. Using the Wrong Exit Code
Different countries have different exit codes (011 for the US, 00 for most of Europe). Some people use their home country's exit code incorrectly or forget it entirely. Check your country's international dialing prefix, or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing Macao with Mainland China
Macao has its own country code (+853), separate from mainland China (+86). Using +86 will connect you to China, not Macao. Always verify you're dialing +853 for Macao specifically.
4. Adding Unnecessary Spaces or Dashes
While formatting with spaces helps readability, some phone systems reject calls with improper spacing. Enter the complete number continuously: +853XXXXXXXX without breaks to ensure successful connection.
5. Not Accounting for Time Differences
Calling during inconvenient hours happens when forgetting Macao operates on China Standard Time (UTC+8). Check the local time before dialing.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Macao, understanding local customs helps create positive connections. The blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences shapes communication styles here.
Greetings and Formality
Begin calls with polite greetings in Cantonese ("Wei" 喂) or Portuguese ("Olá"). For business calls, use formal titles and surnames until invited to be more casual. Personal calls among friends allow for relaxed conversation, but initial politeness is always appreciated.
Business vs Personal Calls
Business calls should be professional and concise. State your purpose clearly and respect the other person's time. Personal calls can be longer and more conversational, especially among close friends and family who value maintaining relationships through regular contact.
Timing Matters
Avoid calling before 9 AM or after 9 PM unless it's urgent or pre-arranged. Lunch hours (1-2 PM) are generally fine for personal calls but avoid for business matters. Weekend business calls are uncommon unless necessary.
Voice Messages
Leaving clear, brief voice messages is standard practice. State your name, reason for calling, and callback number. Don't be offended if someone prefers texting over calling back—messaging apps are extremely popular in Macao.
Cultural Considerations
Respect both Chinese and Portuguese holidays when scheduling calls. Speaking loudly is considered rude, so maintain a moderate tone. If someone doesn't answer, one follow-up call is acceptable, but excessive calling may seem pushy or disrespectful of boundaries.
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Emergency Numbers
In Macao, all emergency services can be reached through a single universal number:
999 - Police, Ambulance, and Fire Department (unified emergency hotline)
Alternatively, you can dial:
- 110 - Police only
- 112 - International emergency number (redirects to 999)
- 853-2857-3333 - Tourist assistance hotline (Macao Government Tourism Office)
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from any phone, including mobile devices and public payphones. The 999 hotline operates 24/7 with multilingual operators available, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, and English. Response times are generally quick due to Macao's compact size. When calling, clearly state your emergency type, location, and contact number. For non-urgent police matters, contact the Public Security Police Force at 853-2857-3333 during business hours.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance: Dial 181 for local directory inquiries and general information services within Macao.
International Operator: Contact 101 for assistance with international calls, operator services, and overseas directory inquiries.
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO): Call +853 2833 3000 for tourist information, attraction details, and travel assistance during business hours.
Consumer Council Hotline: Reach 8988 9315 for consumer protection issues, disputes, or complaints about services and products.
Weather Information: Dial 1311 for the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau's recorded weather forecasts and typhoon updates.
Non-Emergency Police Line: Contact 2857 3333 for general police inquiries that don't require immediate emergency response.
Consular Assistance: Visitors should contact their respective embassies or consulates in Hong Kong, as most nations don't maintain diplomatic missions in Macao. The MGTO can provide guidance on reaching appropriate consular services.
Tips for Calling Macao
When calling Macao (UTC+8), timing is crucial for successful connections. The territory operates eight hours ahead of UTC, with no daylight saving time changes.
Best calling times: For business calls from North America, dial during your evening hours (8 PM-midnight EST reaches Macao's 9 AM-1 PM). European callers should connect in early morning hours.
Business considerations: Standard business hours run Monday-Friday, 9 AM-6 PM, with lunch breaks between 1-2 PM. Always schedule important business calls in advance, confirming appointments via email. Avoid calling during lunch hours or after 6 PM for professional matters.
Days to avoid: Don't call during Chinese New Year (late January/February), when businesses close for several days. Other significant holidays include Labour Day (May 1) and National Day (October 1-2).
Communication tips: Speak clearly and slightly slower than normal, as English proficiency varies. Confirm details via follow-up email. Consider using video calls for important discussions to aid understanding. If possible, have written agendas prepared beforehand. Off-peak calling (late evening Macao time) typically offers better connection rates and lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Macao is +853. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Macao from anywhere in the world.
To dial Macao from your cell phone, first dial your country's international exit code (or use the + symbol), then dial 853 (Macao's country code), followed by the 8-digit local phone number. For example: +853 XXXX XXXX.
Macao phone numbers do not use a leading zero, so there's nothing to drop. Simply dial +853 followed by the 8-digit local number. All Macao numbers are 8 digits long without any prefix zeros.
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In Macao, dial 999 for police emergencies, 119 or 120 for fire and ambulance services. These are toll-free emergency numbers that can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones and public payphones.
Yes, you can call Macao directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, and start making calls without downloading any software or apps—it's that simple.
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