General Info

[Gladiator69]

Unfortunately I don't think this will help Smapti very much but this might be useful for others. I have been to macao maybe 15-20 times in the last 5 years. I am american and still reside there, until I can make a move to SEA, so my banking is primarily based in the USA.

Macau is the top destination for money laundering for the Chinese. The government does not want money to flow out of Mainland to Macau for that reason and also their economy is struggling. I think it's more of a Chinese problem since my American credit card were accepted everywhere in Macau.

[MichaelSamuel]

Unfortunately I don't think this will help Smapti very much but this might be useful for others. I have been to macao maybe 15-20 times in the last 5 years. I am american and still reside there, until I can make a move to SEA, so my banking is primarily based in the USA.

ATM Card Access.

If you are traveling overseas one the good bank accounts that doesn't charge exchange fees and refunds ATM access charges is a must. Schwab is my preferred account, but I also have state farm as my backup and I know fidelty has a product as well. On the 1st of the month schwab refunds all the ATM charges from the foriegn machine without fail. I also cross check the exchange rate received and its always consistent at the bank rate. The ATM card networks are fairly universal but even with a network match some banks, particular in Macau, will still not work. Some of this is due to FACTA which is US law regarding foreign banks which rightfully many banks won't follow. The machines on the gaming floor inside the cotai sands have never worked for me, but the machines in the non-gaming areas have, so it pays to continue trying different machines.

Credit Cards.

I find US based credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in asia. I can't recall anyplace that they didn't work. In macau they certainly work in the saunas, hotels, and restaurants. I always back into the exchange rate when I get my statement and find it to be fair and close to bank rate as well, but every card is different so make sure you check and continue to check. A few years ago one of my cards started taking a cut in some processing fee and claiming it was a network charge but without any notice so make sure you check consistently. Also in many places at the point of charge the machine will read it's a foreign card and ask if I want to charge in local currency or USD. I don't know if USD is default due to my card location or due to it being a universal currency? However in dozens of checks this has never been as good an exchange rate as my card issuer was giving me so I don't even bother checking any more and just always due the local currency. I do enjoy paying for my sauna sessions this way as I earn miles to return the next time on every purchase. However know that some places like darling charge a fee for credit card use. They fully disclose this before the charge but be aware that it will cost you a bit more.

Credit Card as ATM Card.

Most US credit cards will also allow you to withdrawal cash from an ATM up to a certain amount. The catch though is always the possible fees and interest. As a last resort though this can be a good backup option for financing. A couple of things to consider. 1. Make sure you set your pin for this before you leave on your trip. 2. If possible do this on a separate card and then immediately log into your account and pay off the balance. This will eliminate any special interest charges.

I'm surprised that I haven't found more information about this yet. But this is just a warning that if you are working in China Mainland and coming to have a good time, you CAN'T take money out in Macau using your China Mainland debit card. All ATM's require you to scan your ID in order to take money out. And of course: you must have a Chinese ID. No passports are accepted.

So I would advise you to change your money to HKD before you enter the region. I have never experienced this problem in any other countries I've been to before. In addition, the banks will not help you either. Some smaller jewelry shops might be willing to help you by allowing you to transfer money to them through we-chat, but the problem is that (1) the exchange rate is very high, and (2) your phone number will probably not work in Macau in order to receive the verification number, since you're not in the mainland.

This really messed up my birthday, and made me feel really angry. I hate surprises like this. The only thing I can tell you is that if you have an American credit card, it seems to work very well at most places in Macau. Including the saunas. I was lucky enough to have one when I was there. So I could still enjoy some good food and sauna services.

[Smapti]

I'm surprised that I haven't found more information about this yet. But this is just a warning that if you are working in China Mainland and coming to have a good time, you CAN'T take money out in Macau using your China Mainland debit card. All ATM's require you to scan your ID in order to take money out. And of course: you must have a Chinese ID. No passports are accepted.

So I would advise you to change your money to HKD before you enter the region. I have never experienced this problem in any other countries I've been to before. In addition, the banks will not help you either. Some smaller jewelry shops might be willing to help you by allowing you to transfer money to them through we-chat, but the problem is that (1) the exchange rate is very high, and (2) your phone number will probably not work in Macau in order to receive the verification number, since you're not in the mainland.

This really messed up my birthday, and made me feel really angry. I hate surprises like this. The only thing I can tell you is that if you have an American credit card, it seems to work very well at most places in Macau. Including the saunas. I was lucky enough to have one when I was there. So I could still enjoy some good food and sauna services.

[Fran123]

I am entering Macau Thur. Hengqin border instead of using Gongbei Port in Zhuhai to Macau. Can anyone tell me if there are free shutter buses from Hengqin to any of the casino like to Venetian Hotel. If you are crossing Gongbei port into Macau, there are free shuttles to casinos. My question is, are there free buses on Henggin crossing from Macau tooo
Thanks.

Well nobody replied to my question. I crossed the into Macau using the Henggin border crossing. It is a much smaller but much faster crossing than Gongbei border. There is a lot less people and less of a line queue. There a few money exchange place inside the Henggin border crossing but the rates were real bad. Don't use them. I noticed there is lot of housing development and construction in this area. Once you are done on the China side, you pay 10 rmb for a bus to take you over to Macau border. You cross a highway bridge. No pedestrians are allowed on the bridge, meaning you can't walk over.

Yes there are FREE casinos buses but only to the limited to major casinos.

[Fran123]

I am entering Macau Thur. Hengqin border instead of using Gongbei Port in Zhuhai to Macau. Can anyone tell me if there are free shutter buses from Hengqin to any.

Of the casino like to Venetian Hotel. After crossing Gongbei port into Macau, there are free shuttles to casinos. Are there free buses on Henggin crossing from Macau too.

Henggin crossing is closer to the airport.

Thanks.

[Fast Eddie 48]

Effective March 31, the hotel doesn't offer anymore the free shuttle bus to and from the ferry terminal.

Taxi is then the only option.

To Bionicman.

If you don't have any baggage take the Sands shuttle take the sky walk across or Babaylon hotel is next door, taxi if you have baggage is just a short ride or walk the other options.

Fast Eddie 48.

[BigCat13]

What's the best times to go to FN, d1, and other saunas? And what time they normally open or is it 24/7?

Since for me I prefer going like afternoon instead of starting fun at midnight. I heard rumors they give good deals for early customers?

All places should be open 24/7. But mornings should be quieter and less talent on staff.

It depends on the establishment. I know for sure Holiday Spa offers a cheaper rate before 5 pm. However the ladies on offer are usually either Chinese or Vietnamese. After 5 pm foreigners and model types start work.

I think D1 is the same price regardless of time.

Haven't been to FN for a long time. I think the prices are the same however the manager may offer a free misc. Service like shoulder massage when you choose full service.

If you like seeing how the shows go, then go at busiest times like 10pm but you will be shoulder to shoulder with lots of Chinese dudes. I think late afternoon to early evening is best as you are usually one of few.

All in all, the service from women has gone a bit downhill while prices remain the same or have increased. Still fun to play though!

[Dynolas]

What's the best times to go to FN, d1, and other saunas? And what time they normally open or is it 24/7?

Since for me I prefer going like afternoon instead of starting fun at midnight. I heard rumors they give good deals for early customers?

[BionicMan]

Effective March 31, the hotel doesn't offer anymore the free shuttle bus to and from the ferry terminal.

Taxi is then the only option.

[MichaelSamuel]

No spa / sauna with girls anywhere on Cotai, they are all on the older part of Macau.

Hi, is there a spa in Venetian? Or is it just freelancers inside and out?

[UKJazzMan]

Hi, is there a spa in Venetian? Or is it just freelancers inside and out?

[Member #4549]

Hi guys,

I may be here for a couple of months. I'm into swinging and exhibitionism. Is there much of a scene for that in Macau?

Always interested in MMF opportunities.

Thanks for any advice!

[BaboyDave]

Hi guys. I have been to Macau a few times and know the sauna, Cubic / Pacha / D2 scene. I am looking for a specific recommendation. I am a western guy so I speak zero Chinese. Looking for a club where can hire a room and do Karaoke or at least watch music on a big screen TV and I guess pay for the girls time. Somewhere where the girls dress to show their tits in the room. In these clubs do you have to bar fine the girls and take them outside or can you agree a price and have a BJ while singing karaoke!! I know the girls are unlikely to speak English but is their such a club where westerners are welcomed and accommodated?

Victoria sauna in Arc de Triumph hotel, just opposite of Wynn has a separate karaoke establishment. You can eat, drink, sing, then pick whichever girl amd take her to a sauna room for a session.

[Faceless78]

Hi guys. I have been to Macau a few times and know the sauna, Cubic / Pacha / D2 scene. I am looking for a specific recommendation. I am a western guy so I speak zero Chinese. Looking for a club where can hire a room and do Karaoke or at least watch music on a big screen TV and I guess pay for the girls time. Somewhere where the girls dress to show their tits in the room. In these clubs do you have to bar fine the girls and take them outside or can you agree a price and have a BJ while singing karaoke!! I know the girls are unlikely to speak English but is their such a club where westerners are welcomed and accommodated?

I only know that east castle spa in hotel casa real.

Has caraoke and you can pay girls by hour. I never tried that but I've seen several time group of men taking girls inside.

But the problem is you also pay for the room so better go with friends; and the overall price for girls is quite expensive. Better call them to confirm before go there.

[Tiger 888]

Dated but still accurate info here.

Not really sure about that, as I no longer live there and many things have happened. All the illegal room rentals were raided and exist no longer.