Pros and Cons of Living in Macau

"Expats in Macau appreciate the city's unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, which is reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and language. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, clubs, and casinos. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people, as well as the city's excellent public transportation system. Finally, Macau's stunning natural beauty, with its beaches, mountains, and parks, is another draw for expats," said one expat in Macau.

"Most Macau people are very friendly and accomodating -- of course there are exceptions, but generally I have found that they like to laugh and are very excited to teach a foreigner about their home and about Chinese culture," said a person living in Macau.

"Expats in Macau often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Macau is a predominantly Cantonese-speaking region, and many locals do not speak English. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with them. Expats may also find it difficult to adjust to the slower pace of life in Macau, as well as the lack of public transportation options. Finally, the cost of living in Macau can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," explained one expat.

"Communication is difficult, even with skilled English speakers. This is because the unstated assumptions -- "common sense" -- for this culture are so very different from my own. A lot of misunderstandings result from these assumptions, and neither side knows what's going on! Also, I still have difficulty with the way locals and Mainlanders spit loudly in public, this makes me nauseous every time. Not sure I'll ever get over that one," said one person in Macau.