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Bloodnose posted:I think the best thing is that you can very easily do a day trip to Macau. Do a lot of those, make some connections and try to work in Macau instead. It's a fantastic place. That'd be something I'm interested in but, you know, baby steps. All of my paperwork is predicated upon me working for this company, so I'm not sure how easy it would be to switch jobs off the bat (doesn't Macau have separate Visa stuff?). I kinda like the idea of living/working in one of Hong Kong and Macau's bust down sister cities, with the option of weekend trips. For the real China experience! MeramJert posted:Haha, I wonder how they're determining the price of "local cheese" in Zhuhai Whatever it is, it's 84% cheaper than Chicago's "local cheese". Must be a cheese paradise.
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Aug 14, 2013 11:02
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Has anyone seen the little "cheese" that has a picture of a strawberry on the packaging for some reason? I got really angry when I saw that. I bit the nose off of a small child that happened to be next to me.
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Aug 14, 2013 11:17
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Hong Kong is good...maybe great. Macau is incredible.
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Aug 14, 2013 11:45
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MeramJert posted:Haha, I wonder how they're determining the price of "local cheese" in Zhuhai That comparison is less bullshit than most, but international cost of living comparisons are almost invariably written for rich xenophobes who would die if they stepped one foot outside of their Western comfort zone.
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Aug 14, 2013 11:47
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I want to go gamble in Macau. Who of you have been there - is it really just (Las Vegas)x(China)?
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Aug 14, 2013 11:59
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BadAstronaut posted:Just FYI, I've been using this site and Numbeo to do some cost of living comparisons. Just go there, select the cities to compare, and you should get most of the info you need. I much prefer Numbeo's whole layout, though. Lookin' over it... take it with a grain of salt. As it's an expat site, and most expats are bubble-living fucktards, those are the insane prices they pay. Food is far cheaper in reality. Here's the prices as monitored today: http://www.shjjcd.gov.cn/jgjc/jgsj/userobject1ai1150.jsp code:Domestic milk should be around 7.7~8 per liter Imported around 10 Beef around 25~27 per 500g More prices for Shanghai here: http://www.zhujiage.com.cn/special/shanghai.html
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Aug 14, 2013 12:00
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BadAstronaut posted:I want to go gamble in Macau. Who of you have been there - is it really just (Las Vegas)x(China)? I was there in 2011. I loved it. I loved Hong Kong and then went to Macau and realized I just liked Hong Kong and I LOVED Macau. I highly recommend it. Though my hostel mates were ridiculous and made the stay a bit more...er, crazy than I would have preferred.
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Aug 14, 2013 12:01
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I've been to Vegas twice, played some small poker tournaments, loved the hell out of it. A trip to Macau is definitely on the cards, as long as they don't only cater to high rollers (I was playing like $100 max), which I can't see being the case.
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Aug 14, 2013 12:06
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Pro-PRC Laowai posted:Lookin' over it... take it with a grain of salt. As it's an expat site, and most expats are bubble-living fucktards, those are the insane prices they pay. Food is far cheaper in reality. wtf is "Winter Melon"? Just sell me crusty bread, cheese, and tbone steaks please.
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Aug 14, 2013 13:36
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MeramJert posted:wtf is "Winter Melon"? 冬瓜, surely you have eaten 冬瓜.
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Aug 14, 2013 13:45
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MeramJert posted:wtf is "Winter Melon"? Looks like a cucumber, but easily the size of a 2 year old child
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Aug 14, 2013 14:25
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Pro-PRC Laowai posted:冬瓜, surely you have eaten 冬瓜. Yeah of course, I knew what you meant I was just trying to say that the list of food you just posted is a list of food Chinese people eat. The list on those expat websites is a list of food White people eat; they're not really that comparable.
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Aug 14, 2013 14:42
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BadAstronaut posted:I've been to Vegas twice, played some small poker tournaments, loved the hell out of it. A trip to Macau is definitely on the cards, as long as they don't only cater to high rollers (I was playing like $100 max), which I can't see being the case. There's no poker in macau. Hope you like baccarat!
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Aug 14, 2013 15:14
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If Macau casinos are anything like every other casino I've been to in Asia, then expect the atmosphere of a funeral home. Having fun is grounds for ejection.
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Aug 14, 2013 15:14
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Magna Kaser posted:There's no poker in macau. Hope you like baccarat!  Oh well, guess it'll be PokerStars via VPN then.
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Aug 14, 2013 15:23
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Atmosphere wise, Macau sucks compared to Vegas. It's got similar hard ware and all but the service sucks. Tips go straight to the house and everyone has a serious business look over any amount of money they gamble. You want to laugh or cheer other people just get grumpy But gently caress the haters, when we play craps we shout forum references and have a grand time. Shouting "PRO PRC LAO WAI" gives me extra luck  There is Poker in Macau. Omaha at the Wynn, and Texas Hold em at the others. In fact, my cousin use to do free lancing video work for Poker Stars. We got a suite at the old lisboa and we could call for drinks anytime we wanted! The suite also had free porn! Being a bunch of video geeks, we just left it running on all night and sometimes room service had to keep a straight face with the porn running in the back ground  Come to HK and give me a holler. If you like gambling, bring some cash and we can do a whirlwind HK/Macau tour. My best record is showing goons around Macau, partying/drinking until 4 am. Get a 45 min foot massage to doze off. Take the 5am ferry, drink some red bull and go to work the next day. Or rush into the airport express station and check someone in through the staff line! And bring Bilton, that would be awesome. Rental Sting posted:For the real China experience! Well welcome to China! Hope you have a great stay! I'm biased against the Zhuhai/Shenzhen. They are relatively expensive compared to the rest of China yet don't have much to offer. During the weekends they become flooded with people for a hooker/cheap item run/massage/etc run. Hong Kong/Macau also have horrible choices for the budget hostel option unlike China. I like my shoe box and better airport and being in the coastal city there is a lot more to do. Anyways, post your questions here! If you ever wanted to rant or see some crazy Chinese trolls check out the LAN thread on your peril. caberham fucked around with this message at 15:52 on Aug 14, 2013 |
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Aug 14, 2013 15:46
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MeramJert posted:Yeah of course, I knew what you meant I was just trying to say that the list of food you just posted is a list of food Chinese people eat. The list on those expat websites is a list of food White people eat; they're not really that comparable. It's almost as if.. when moving to another country or even distinct region, dietary habits should change to some degree? It would be fairly trivial to compile a list of basics here and then compare prices in whitemanland and gasp at the cost. If it's tbones and cheese and bread you're after... options: steaks - talk to your butcher and explain what you want, failing that, taobao. Shouldn't cost more than any other cut from the same chunk does. Get a cow's worth of porterhouse, should be doable for under 500, and freeze it. cheese - taobao or supermarket if it's cheaper (rarely) bread - find a bakery or make it yourself (srsly, people have been making bread for how many thousand years? it's not THAT hard)
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Aug 14, 2013 15:56
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Yeah my dietary habits are completely different than they were when I moved here. But I have coworkers that basically refuse to eat Chinese food and it really is expensive.
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Aug 14, 2013 15:59
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I'm heading to Macau in November for the Pacquiao fight. Looking at staying at the Venetian which is where it's being held, anyone know if it's worth it, or are there better options?
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Aug 14, 2013 16:00
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MeramJert posted:But I have coworkers that basically refuse to eat Chinese food and it really is expensive. Whyyyyy Chinese food is like the only legitimate quality of life perk here.
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Aug 14, 2013 16:05
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"Bones are gross, except in chicken wings and baby back ribs" "Ugh, what's that?" "This looks a bit... strange, doesn't it?" etc I've seen white guys in my office eat 3 hour old, cold McDonald's food because (and this is a direct quote) "anything's better than more Chinese food."
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Aug 14, 2013 16:07
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What healthy, non-drowned-in-oil staples can you pick up cheaply?
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Aug 14, 2013 16:23
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caberham posted:And bring Bilton, that would be awesome.  It's "biltong" How is customs when you arrive?  "Hey you good looking, intelligent and articulate white man, what is that in your carry-on?" "Oh, just two pounds of dried, uncooked meat!" "No problem, bring it into my glorious middle kingdom. Keep that rear end tight!"
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Aug 14, 2013 16:27
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They probably won't check anything
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Aug 14, 2013 16:39
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BadAstronaut posted:I've been to Vegas twice, played some small poker tournaments, loved the hell out of it. A trip to Macau is definitely on the cards, as long as they don't only cater to high rollers (I was playing like $100 max), which I can't see being the case. They only cater to high rollers. Macau casinos have ridiculous minimums. It's impossible to find a blackjack table for less than HK$300 a hand. But don't worry because you probably won't find any game that isn't baccarat or sic bo. Casinos in Macau are literally 60% baccarat, 30% sic bo, 10% empty tables. Poker minimums I don't remember because I don't play, but I do remember when a poker-playing friend from America visited, we couldn't find a table he could afford. He certainly could've afforded US$100.
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Aug 14, 2013 18:40
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BadAstronaut posted:
Only 2 pounds? You're going to learn something nice about China. China, generally doesn't care. As long as you're not bringing in drugs or guns, China doesn't care. Basically, bring in what you want, go right through that green channel. If, for whatever 1 in a million chance they want to check your stuff, and they find things you should have declared... in your most non-intelligible english, explain that you didn't know. Declaring anything just means possibly paying some tax... or losing it if you manage to bring in poo poo you shouldn't have.
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Aug 14, 2013 19:19
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What are the main draws of Macau for you guys other than the gambling? The Macau episode of No Reservations made Baccarat seem like the fun, quirky Asian equivalent of Black Jack, but I'm not much of a gambler as it is. Does it really have a pleasant, laid back Euro-colonial vibe? Or is that just one small section of the city? Is Portuguese spoken to any considerable degree?
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Aug 14, 2013 21:35
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I personally hate Baccarat cause it's basically a 100% chance game, though the odds are actually not bad at all. I think they're slightly more in your favor than roulette.
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Aug 15, 2013 00:08
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Rental Sting posted:What are the main draws of Macau for you guys other than the gambling? The Macau episode of No Reservations made Baccarat seem like the fun, quirky Asian equivalent of Black Jack, but I'm not much of a gambler as it is. Rental Sting posted:Does it really have a pleasant, laid back Euro-colonial vibe? Rental Sting posted:Is Portuguese spoken to any considerable degree?
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Aug 15, 2013 00:16
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Pro-PRC Laowai posted:cheese - taobao or supermarket if it's cheaper (rarely) If you're looking for extra sharp cheddar, it's always cheaper in the supermarket...if they have it.
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Aug 15, 2013 03:07
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Man I'm too lazy to write the Macau guide.Big Alf posted:I'm heading to Macau in November for the Pacquiao fight. Looking at staying at the Venetian which is where it's being held, anyone know if it's worth it, or are there better options? Really depends on how much you are paying. Transportation is free and easy, casino buses and shuttles take you everywhere. When are your dates? I need an excuse to hop a ferry over. Caberham's pick is the Wynn(best mattress) or Hard Rock (free inroom wifi!) But Venetian is a decent place to stay. Base line quality of all the 5 star hotels are great. It's just a matter of finishing touches/preferences/budget. Have you booked for the rooms or is it some sort of package deal? I can ask around for a discounted rate at the Wynn, it should be around 1000-1200 HKD/night. During the soft opening the Venetian was so bad that they had a stack of forms at the front desk to issue refunds. Really slow shower drainage, long check in times, guest services connecting random calls to your rooms, etc. But nowadays it's good. It's got this gigantic artificial canal on the 2nd floor with professional trained opera singers rowing a gondola (HKD 120). With a large food court (FATBURGER) and large mall, toddler playground, the Ventian is pretty family friendly compared to the rest of the Macau. Just beware of hookers prowling the slot machines after midnight and whispering you. Okura/Four Seasons are low key with the best toiletry sets ever. If you like to see the meandering streets of colonialism mixed with Cantonese culture then stay on old Macau and go. All of Macau also have better tasting Cha Chan Teng Chinese diner food compared to Hong Kong so you can't go wrong. Except for "Portugese egg tarts" which is just a total scam and nothing more than a HK egg tart topped with cinnamon. Even the name panders to colonialism, and it's the inferior European country 
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Aug 15, 2013 03:09
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quote:Caberham's pick is the Wynn(best mattress) I read this and think, "I thought this was Caberham posting..." I then look up to see who it is instead. O, it's Caberham.
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Aug 15, 2013 03:11
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They still give you free drinks at the hard Rock even if you are playing low stakes digital roulette.
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Aug 15, 2013 03:12
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caberham posted:Okura/Four Seasons are low key with the best toiletry sets ever. Okura is in the Galaxy and it's awesome. My favorite feature there is that they have TVs built into goon-sized bathtubs. Baths rule.
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Aug 15, 2013 03:17
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The ridiculous thing is, it's starting at 8.00am on a Sunday morning (24th November) in order to Accommodate US TV. There are package deals here http://www.venetianmacao.com/manny/ What doesn't make sense is the advertised package price is a hell of a lot lower (about $4.5k) than booking two nights accommodation and tickets separately. Which leads me to think the package must only be for one night accommodation the night before I guess. In times gone by I would just arrive saturday night and drink through to the morning before checking in for one night after the fight, However I will have MY CHINESE WIFE and the baby in tow (unless I can get a miraculous pass out on my own...Not happening). If the package is for two nights then it looks to be a very good deal, but I doubt it. Will contact them when I am motivated enough to do so  Will have a gander on Ctrip too for alternatives and run them past you guys.
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Aug 15, 2013 05:43
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There are no good deals in Macau anymore. That's why I haven't been in forever. I used to go like every other week. Prices have been steadily increasing, especially in the nicest hotels, despite them massively expanding room supply. Just hope the money laundering junket stuff dries up so it can turn into something more like Vegas.
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Aug 15, 2013 06:42
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Big Alf posted:The ridiculous thing is, it's starting at 8.00am on a Sunday morning (24th November) in order to Accommodate US TV. I was curious about the hotel prices and called for the hot line. You can pay for 1 or 2 nights. It was really frustrating to request for all these different quote. The package prices are not much cheaper than booking separately. You can stay for 2 nights or 1 night. For 2 Class C tickets, and 2 nights at the Holiday Inn, it's 4900 HKD. Whereas staying for one night is 4600 HKD. Doing some math it would be （4900- 880 × 2） = 3140 / 2 = 1570/night at the Holiday Inn My Verdict: At this price, stick with this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_49l_IQP9c You can book a separate Venetian package at that price. Look elsewhere. For the Venetian Suite, are you really going to blow over 10K for some B reserve seats? Anyways, let me ask around and see if I get you the discount to the Wynn for ~~~ 1200 HKD a night.
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Aug 15, 2013 07:38
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That Holiday Inn is brand new though. It's at the new Sands Cotai. I've not stayed in the Holiday Inn there, but I spent two nights in the Conrad and that was really nice. I mean yeah it's the Conrad versus the Holiday Inn, but still. It's Cotai. And it's brand new. Should be a good call. If you can get friend price at the Wynn though, that's worth it. Those beds are amazing.
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Aug 15, 2013 07:47
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And they serve drinks as standard to anyone playing the floor?
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Aug 15, 2013 08:13
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I've looked about and the Westin Resort seems to be a good deal at around 1,000rmb a night and has a golf course which is a bonus  Another way of approaching it is to stay in HK and get the ferry across for the fight (I only gamble on sports and I'm a tourism atheist so seeing 'Historical Macau' doesn't float my boat. Looks like there are ferries running at 4.45 and 6.00 IN THE AM from HK. Is drinking allowed on them? Edit: I could stay for free at the Conrad at a push. My brother lives in the Conrad in Singapore so has a gazillion HHonours points, but I tapped him up for a long weekend in Dalian a few months back. He wouldn't mind but, meh, pride and stuff. Also the staff treat you pretty lovely if you are mooching off someone elses rewards. Big Alf fucked around with this message at 08:36 on Aug 15, 2013 |
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Aug 15, 2013 08:13
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