I have been employed out of Macau for the last 3 years, but actually work in China.... but...labour laws mean I have to go set foot in the 'Special Autonomous Region' every 3 months.
Actually also went to Vegas this summer...so I can contrast the 2 for you... basically, the economy in both places is dominated by the casino industry.... Vegas, though, is a lot more about fun and shows and everything else around the casinos has value too...wheras in Macau it really is just about the gambling.....(well...and the prostitution - it is very sleazy.... but then Vegas is too....just in two different ways)
The Chinese do love a gamble (in general) so they are currently restricted to 2 visits every 3 months (I believe)...many MANY Hong Kongers come over for the weekends....
I heard 90% of teh revenue is from the high-stakes tables.... I also heard that these are mostly full of mainlanders gambling with government money (but this was all heresay)
Poker Allstars has a decent set up there if you are into Poker
Floating Casino no longer exists (sorry to above poster)
Newest big place is teh Galaxy 'Palace of Asia' which is next to the Venetian on the Cotai strip.
2 decent shows to see - Cirque du Solei at the Venetian and House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams
There are a couple of beaches to speak of...but nothing like S.E. Asian quality
There is a ferry direct from HK airport that means you don't have to go through HK immigration if you are coming in that way
What else?
Well I could tell you much much more..... but...probably better if I respond to specific questions...feel free to post here, or pm me
The floating casino has fallen victim to the surge in new western style casinos such as Sands, Wynn and Crown. It was towed away sometime in 2007 and has not been seen since. The pier where the floating casino used to dock is now empty with a sign telling pedestrians to keep clear.
maybe your friend was being polite and nodding at you
The floating casino has fallen victim to the surge in new western style casinos such as Sands, Wynn and Crown. It was towed away sometime in 2007 and has not been seen since. The pier where the floating casino used to dock is now empty with a sign telling pedestrians to keep clear.
maybe your friend was being polite and nodding at you
(seriously, no offence)
I'm seeing him next weekend - cheeky monkey - unless he was so ripped the casino he was in felt like it was moving!
Strange place. It's got plenty of casinos but doesnt have the buzz of Hong Kong. You can hop around some islands that are now conveniently linked by bridges. If you are gambler, I think you will enjoy yourself - if you like a beer and a good restaurant, HK is more fun IMHO. Prices are not too bad - cheaper than UK but not not as cheap as much of Asia.
Agreed with Thai. I just used to go to spend a weekend in the Hyatt and use their swim up pool bar. And eat lunch at the famous outdoor Portugese restaurant. Always found the nightlife to be rubbish for women. My men friends always seemed to enjoy it...
It's true that HK is MUCH better for nightlife...and restaurants, for sure
The outdoor Portuguese restaurant being mentioned is probably Fernandos down at Hac Sa beach in Coloane (Macau has three parts - peninsula Macao, Taipa (an island) and Coloane (an island that is pretty much joined to Taipa through landfill now)..... not a very veggie friendly place for my tastes, but great location)
Cost of living? Not THAT cheap.... I mean...compared to Thailand, China and other 'cheap' parts of Asia.... but money certainly goes further than in the UK....
You thinking of moving there AppyAddick, or just going for a holiday?
(btw, Air Asia - Asia's equivalent of Ryan Air/Easyjet - flies out of Macau. It goes to Bangkok, for example....so...you can include it as part of a holiday tour)
Comments
Superb restaurants the floating casino is so addictive.
Funny old place. Prob wouldn't recognise it now
How sad that there's none left.
The Russian prossies scared me.