Macau is a free port and imported goods are generally taxed at low rates, so prices are cheaper in comparison with other cities in the region.

Popular buys remain jewellery, gold and precious stones. Most of the jewellery shops concentrate at the Avenida do Infante D. Henrique and Avenida Almeida Ribeiro. Major credit cards are accepted by all these retailers.

Knitted wear and locally made clothes can be purchased at knock down prices, and the many street stalls at St. Domingos Market (near Leal Senado Square), and in Rua de Palha, will provide good bargains.

Other popular buys are Chinese herbs and medicines, dried seafood such as sharks fins, abalone, as well as Chinese and Macanese pastries. In addition, tourists from Hong Kong like to purchase salted fish along Avenida Almeida Ribeiro and Rua da Praia do Manduco. Barbecued beef slices are also much appreciated.

Tobacco and alcohol are cheaper in Macau than in Hong Kong. Portuguese wines in particular are of excellent value, as the top table wines, which can be outstandingly good, can be had for the price of a French vin ordinaire.

The main shopping area is located in Central, more specifically in the Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, Sao Domingos Market, Rua da Palha, Avenida do Infante D. Henrique, Rua do Campo and Rua Pedro Nolasco da Silva.