My first excursion to HK/Macau is finally coming up.   Although I have been to Korea numerous times, I have never been to China, so I am excited but also worried because I don't speak a lick of Mandarin or Cantonese.

I have made a print friendly succinct version of chickenchoppa's guide to Macau so that I can be prepared for this adventure, but I still have a couple of questions for those who are experienced.

1. I live in the US and have a cell phone through Verizon. Do I take this phone on my trip if roaming is offered? I also have a cell phone that is Korean based, would this be a better phone to take?  Regardless, I should take a phone to make mongering more convenient, right?

2. If I am flying into HK, should I take the ferry from the airport or from Shun Tak Center?  Aren't the sauna packages only offered through the Shun Tak Center?  is the Shun Tak Center far from the airport  in HK?

3. The article by chickenchoppa states that the Russian WG's carry a base rate of $1000 MOP, but it does not mention a ballpark rate for the Chinese WG's behind Holiday Inn.  What is the going rate for these girls? (This will be convenient because I will be staying at the Holiday Inn during my stay in Macau.)

4. Some advise against tipping while others say it is optional, but then again others say that it is good to tip.  What is the verdict? And how much is reasonable?  I don't want to be a cheapass but then again I don't want to ruin it for the local mongerers.

5. How should I handle my finances? I prepaid for my rooms and I will be taking a CC. I dont know how much cash I need to actually take in hand and I don't have a feel for how I should exchange for  HKD and MOP.  Can I just get by, by using HKD in Macau?

6. Last question, What sauna has the best looking chicks? I would also like to get a decent traditional massage, where do i go for that and how much should I expect to pay?

I will be in HK on the 2nd of June, first visiting Macau for a couple of days staying at the Holiday Inn, then I will be in TST staying at the Royal Pacific for a couple of more nights.  If there is anything you guys would advise, feel free to share.  I will be doing my part at the end of this excursion by posting detailed reports! Thanks guys.

[ Last edited by  explorer23 at 30-5-2008 20:09 ]

I understand that I have alot of questions.  If you could atleast only answer one, that would be greatly helpful.

1. I live in the US too.  My advise is to buy a prepaid phone in Hongkong and throw it away after the trip.  Oh by the way you speak cantonese right?

2. Shun Tak Center is for package for short day trip.  If you stay in a hotel in Macau, don't need those.

3. Most of those small hotel is around the Holiday Inn vicinity is OK... Price is published.  Chinese expect to be a lot cheaper than 1000 MOP.  All publish and systematic no trick.

4. American pay tips... that is the bottom line.

5. Bring a debit card and you can use ATM... no hustle.

6. All of the sauna in the Macau section should be good.  I personally will prefer smaller establishment for better service compare to the larger one.  I prefer the Millionaire Sauna in Beverly Hotel to those like Darling1 and "18".

Hope this help.

Or btw, hotel in hongkong.  call the 141 hotel girl agent to arrange to enjoy them in you room much like outcall... you can ask for overnight as well as double session.  On subsequest visit (if you like the girl) you can buy her a bikini and have good time out to the pool and enjoy food before action...

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.  And I do not speak Cantonese, but I am trying to learn some basic phrases.

Try you best...

If you cannot understand cantonese then they will treat you like any non-chinese.  But Macau is very systematic and well organized, so it is fair price.

Some outcall agent in Hongkong could speak English.  So try your luck.