Macau

 Step 1 – Identifying Macau

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, so for country streaks purposes, it is counted as China.

Coverage in Macau is limited to Generation 2.

Generation 2 can be recognized by the lower camera quality and circular blur above and below the camera. Colours will also seem slightly off.

The coverage in Macau specifically is some of the oldest Generation 2 available, meaning that the colours look even more washed out and overexposed than usual. This can be a great way to identify the Macau coverage in the absence of other clues.

Macau uses black licence plates with white text. Licence plates can either be long or square.

Cylindrical grey lamp posts with a black painted bottom can be seen in Macau.

NOTE: Similar lamp posts can be seen in Hong Kong, however they do not have a black painted bottom.

Due to Macau’s history as a Portuguese colony, Portuguese language can commonly be seen, especially on storefronts, along with Chinese.

These white street signs with a blue border around the Chinese and Portuguese text are unique to Macau.

Gambling is legal in Macau and its biggest source of revenue (50% of its GDP). As a result, you will see a lot of casinos and advertisements for gambling. The casinos often have very extravagant, kitsch designs.

Due to how old the Generation 2 is, many newer casinos can be seen under construction.

 Step 2 – Regional clues

Dense apartment buildings with gridded, narrow streets and cars parked on both sides can be found in this region in the northern half of Macau.

A hilly, rural region of Macau can be found in the south. Roads are narrow, winding up hills with trees on both sides. A helpful clue are the lamp posts, which are commonly seen.

When this area appears in a world map, it can be confusing to newer players, as there are very few language or architecture clues available. The washed out early Generation 2 coverage can help with identifying it as being located in Macau.

 Step 3 – Spotlight

The Sai Van Bridge can be recognized by these unique cuboid towers with arches in them.

Red guardrails can be seen on the Amizade Bridge.