Convert AUD to MOP Exchange Rate

Best Place to Buy Macanese Pataca in Australia

Planning a trip to Macau? Whether you're trying your luck at the famous casinos of the Venetian Macao or City of Dreams, exploring the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre with its Portuguese colonial architecture, sampling legendary Portuguese egg tarts, or taking a day trip from Hong Kong, you'll want Macanese Patacas in your wallet. Travel Money Oz makes it easy — visit one of our 90+ stores across Australia to buy MOP cash in person with same-day service. Thanks to our Price Beat Guarantee, you'll always get a competitive rate on your Macanese currency for your visit to the "Las Vegas of Asia."

How to Get the Best AUD to MOP Exchange Rate

Whether you're heading to Macau for world-class casino gaming, exploring centuries-old Portuguese fortresses and churches, indulging in luxury shopping, or enjoying the unique Macanese fusion cuisine, getting the most out of your Australian dollars starts with a strong AUD to MOP exchange rate. At Travel Money Oz, we make it easy — visit any of our 90+ stores for competitive rates, no hidden fees, and expert advice on Macau's currency and dual currency system with Hong Kong Dollars.

Lock In More Macanese Patacas with Our Price Beat Guarantee

Found a better published AUD to MOP rate in Australia? Show it to us, and we'll beat it — that's our Price Beat Guarantee. Available on cash purchases, it's the easiest way to maximise your Macanese Patacas before you fly. Whether you're gaming at the Venetian, climbing the Ruins of St. Paul's, or savoring pastéis de nata at Lord Stow's Bakery, more MOP in your wallet means less stress and better value for your Macau experience.

Price Beat Guarantee applies to MOP cash purchases. Terms and conditions apply.

Cash rate

Purchase in store

Card rate

Purchase in store

Code

MOP

Symbol

Coins

10, 20, 50 avos, MOP$1, MOP$2, MOP$5, MOP$10

Banknotes

MOP$10, MOP$20, MOP$50, MOP$100, MOP$500, MOP$1,000

Pick Up Macanese Pataca Cash in Store

Visit one of over 90 Travel Money Oz stores across Australia to buy your Macanese Patacas. Lock in your rate and collect your cash the same day — perfect if you need MOP quickly for your upcoming trip. Whether you're exploring Macau's compact historic center, enjoying luxury hotel amenities, or trying your fortune at the gaming tables, getting your Macanese currency sorted means one less thing to worry about. Enjoy a smooth, reliable exchange experience with no airport markups or surprise fees.

Convert Macanese Pataca to AUD – Sell Back After Your Trip

Just returned from Macau with leftover Patacas? Travel Money Oz makes it easy to convert MOP back to AUD at competitive rates. Visit any of our 90+ stores across Australia to sell your MOP cash quickly and without hidden fees. Whether you had a lucky casino run or simply didn't spend all your Patacas, it's the smart, stress-free way to turn your Macanese Patacas back to Australian dollars after your trip.

How to save money while in Macau

Here are some simple ways to make the most of your MOP!

Visit during the shoulder season (March to May or September to November) for better deals on accommodation and attractions.
Savour local street food like pork chop buns and almond cookies for authentic flavours without the high price tag.
Use public buses to get around efficiently and affordably.

All about Macanese currency

A quick guide to money in Macau

The Macanese Pataca (MOP) is the official currency of Macau, a unique destination blending Portuguese heritage with Chinese traditions - MOP was actually introduced in 1906 to replace the Portuguese Real, and now in modern times it's pegged to the Hong Kong Dollar!

Macanese notes and coins

Similar to dollars and cents, pataca can be divided by 100 into avos (and no, not the smashed on toast kind).

You’ll most likely find coins worth 10, 20 and 50 avos, then moving through 1, 2, 5 and 10 patacas.

The Macanese banknotes sit at 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 patacas each.

Fun facts about Macau cash

Banknotes have been printed in both Portuguese and Chinese thanks to Macau’s unique history.
A note worth 1,000 patacas was introduced on 8 August 1988 to celebrate China’s lucky number of – you guessed it – 8, which in its native tongue sounds close to “getting rich”. How appropriate is that?

Travel Money Trivia - Macau edition

Unfortunately, you won’t get far if you don’t have any pataca with you. The local currency runs incredibly similarly to the Hong Kong dollar, so much so that locals will often accept either (except for the HKD $10 coin).
If you’re lucky, some places in Macau may also accept the Chinese yuan.
Something very satisfying to know, all MOP banknotes are the exact same size as the equivalent banknotes in Hong Kong dollars.

Good to know

Best spend it all! There are no restrictions on bringing currency in or out of Macau, although you might find it tough to part ways with your pataca back home. Not just because it’s a souvenir of your best trip ever, but because it’s rarely traded back for AUD. So you might be better off spending all your pataca while you’re there.

Where can I buy Macanese Pataca in Australia?
You can buy Macanese Pataca at any of the 90+ Travel Money Oz stores across Australia. Visit your nearest location in person to purchase MOP cash with same-day service available. Use our store locator to find your nearest Travel Money Oz and get your AUD to MOP sorted before your trip to Macau. Our team can also advise on Macau's dual currency system with Hong Kong Dollars and help you prepare for your visit.
What currency is used in Macau?
Macau's official currency is the Pataca (Macanese Pataca or Macau Pataca), abbreviated as MOP and symbolized by MOP$. However, Macau operates with a dual currency reality — both Macanese Patacas (MOP) and Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are widely accepted throughout Macau. The Pataca is pegged to the Hong Kong Dollar at a fixed rate of approximately 1.03 MOP = 1 HKD. Many businesses, especially casinos, hotels, and restaurants, accept both currencies interchangeably. Change may be given in either MOP or HKD. While HKD is widely accepted, having Macanese Patacas ensures the best value and avoids any potential confusion.
What does Pataca mean?
"Pataca" derives from the Portuguese word for a silver coin (Spanish "patacón") that was historically used throughout Portuguese colonial territories. When Macau was a Portuguese colony (1557-1999), the Pataca was introduced in 1894, replacing the Portuguese real. The name reflects Macau's 400+ years of Portuguese colonial history. Today's Macanese Pataca continues this historical name while serving as the official currency of the Macau Special Administrative Region of China. The Pataca is subdivided into 100 avos (similar to cents), and the currency maintains distinct Portuguese colonial design elements on its notes and coins.
Is Macau a country?
No, Macau is not an independent country. Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. It was a Portuguese colony for over 400 years (1557-1999) before being handed back to China on December 20, 1999. Under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, Macau maintains significant autonomy — it has its own currency (the Pataca), separate legal and immigration systems, its own government, and a capitalist economy distinct from mainland China. This arrangement is guaranteed until 2049 (50 years after handover). While part of China, Macau operates as a separate destination with its own identity, blending Portuguese and Chinese cultures.
Can I use Hong Kong Dollars in Macau?
Yes! Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are widely accepted throughout Macau alongside the Macanese Pataca. The two currencies are pegged at a fixed rate of approximately 1.03 MOP = 1 HKD, making them nearly interchangeable. Casinos, hotels, restaurants, shops, and most businesses accept HKD without issue. However, you may receive change in Macanese Patacas when paying with HKD, and small vendors or public transport may prefer MOP. If you're traveling from Hong Kong to Macau for a day trip, you can use HKD throughout. For longer stays or better value, having Macanese Patacas ensures you always get the correct exchange rate without any ambiguity.
Should I take cash or card to Macau?
Both! Macau has excellent card infrastructure, especially in casinos (credit cards widely accepted for gaming chips), luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and shopping malls. However, you'll need cash (MOP or HKD) for public buses (6.4 MOP standard fare, cash-only), taxis (some accept cards but many prefer cash), smaller restaurants and street food vendors, local markets, temples and cultural sites, tips for service staff, and small shops in traditional neighborhoods. ATMs are plentiful throughout Macau (dispensing both MOP and HKD) and accept international cards. Bring a mix of Patacas cash and cards for maximum flexibility, especially if you plan to explore beyond the major casino resorts.
What are the famous casinos in Macau?
Macau is the "Las Vegas of Asia" and the world's largest gambling center (surpassing Las Vegas in revenue). Famous mega-casinos include: The Venetian Macao (world's largest casino, replica Venice canals and gondolas), City of Dreams (luxury resort with famous House of Dancing Water show), MGM Macau (luxury gaming and entertainment), Wynn Macau (opulent casino and luxury hotel), Galaxy Macau (mega-resort complex), Studio City (Hollywood-themed resort with Golden Reel ferris wheel), and Grand Lisboa (iconic lotus-shaped building, Macau's skyline landmark). Most casinos are on the Cotai Strip (reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane islands) — Macau's equivalent to the Las Vegas Strip. Casino entry requires ID (21+ age minimum), and dress codes apply in VIP areas. Most casinos operate 24/7.
Is it better to buy Macanese Pataca in Australia or in Macau?
It's generally better to buy at least some Macanese Patacas in Australia before your trip. You can lock in the exchange rate at Travel Money Oz with our Price Beat Guarantee and arrive in Macau ready to pay for taxis, tips, public transport, and initial expenses without searching for exchange services or queuing at the airport. While Macau does have currency exchange facilities at the airport, hotels, and licensed exchange booths throughout the territory, airport rates typically include higher markups, and you'll waste valuable vacation time searching for the best rates. Additionally, if you're arriving on a weekend or late at night, exchange options may be limited. Having Macanese Patacas organized before departure means you're prepared from the moment you land — especially important for paying taxi fares (many prefer cash) or bus fares (exact change required). While Hong Kong Dollars are widely accepted in Macau, paying in Patacas ensures you always get the correct value without confusion.