httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBkpeDjKZGY
Middle section includes interview with Sheldon Adelson – posted on YouTube August 27, 2007. Mr. Adelson talks about Macau and the new Cotai Strip developments.
11,000 To Lose Casino Jobs in Macau
Thoughts from Macau (SAR) China:
“11,000 To Lose Casino Jobs in Macau” – front page featured news at CNN.com today. They are referring specifically to the Sands Venetian.
Well now, not the best news for us working at the Venetian in Macau – but insiders have known it was coming. The dream to make Macau the Vegas of Asia does not come without an element of risk. Granted, Macau IS currently the largest gambling destination in the world, having already surpassed Las Vegas. But a 12 billion or so development project (just to START) by the Sands is monstrous.
How to call Hong Kong from Macau
Here’s how to call Hong Kong from Macau (and vice-versa)
Area Code – The international telephone country code for Macau is 853. From Hong Kong, dial 001/853 before the number. When dialing an international number from Macau, you must first dial 00, followed by the country code. However, when calling Hong Kong from Macau, you need only dial the prefix 01.
Macau Patacas and Hong Kong Dollars
Thought I’d share a little practical info on the usage of Macau Patacas (MOP) and Hong Kong Dollars (HKD).
Both rates fluctuate a bit – but currently in 09/08 the Macau Pataca (MOP) is about 774 to 100 US dollars. Most of us just figure 8 to 1 and leave it at that. 100 HKD is worth 103 MOP.
Businesses in Macau will accept Hong Kong Dollars, but Hong Kong will not accept Macau Patacas (MOP). Unless you are making a large purchase many businesses do not give an exchange rate for HKD – so when shopping in Macau you will save some money by purchasing in Patacas instead of HKD. Most businesses have signs that say: 1 HKD = 1 MOP . In other words, no exchange.
Macau Patacas only have value in Macau – my understanding is you cannot change the money outside of the general area of Macau. So if you’re going to stock up on cash, better to do it in HKD for when you travel.
When going into China I have heard that they do not accept either MOP or HKD – so you have to exchange for Chinese currency.
I’ve made the mistake of trying to give Macau coinage in Hong Kong – and the retailers really scoff at it – as if you’ve presented them with bottlecaps or seashells.
Zaia – Chinese Promo
Info on the Cirque show ZAIA from the Venetian (Macao SAR China) in Chinese.
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The Zaia Taxi
Check out the Zaia Taxi – one of the great marketing ideas for the Cirque show ZAIA in Macau (Venetian Casino). For a month up to the soft opening and up to the grand opening of the show – I would say that one out of every four taxis in Macau have the ZAIA advertisement. It’s EVERYWHERE. And yes, it’s very fun to be in the show and then ride a Zaia taxi around town!
Basketball 2008 at Venetian Macau
 
Kobe Bryant of the U.S. looks on during their friendly basketball game against Lithuania as part of their training for the Beijing Olympics, at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel in Macau August 1, 2008.
We’ve got some crazy crowds here at the Venetian in Macau for the USA Basketball International Challenge. I’ve never seen so many Chinese wearing in Lakers jerseys!
Construction by the Venetian in Macau
Just to give you an idea of the amount of construction going on near the Venetian Casino on the Cotai Strip by Macau, China. This pic only shows part of the construction on the Cotai Strip. Also more construction further to the left off the picture and an entire casino off to the right of the photo.
Hac Sa Beach – Coloane Island (SAR) China
If you visit Macau be sure to check out Hac Sa Beach on Coloane. It’s a favorite with locals and tourists. Not quite as nice Huntington Beach, CA but it sure is relaxing. Many of my friends live on Coloane Island and have great views with daily access to Hac Sa. I went there the other day when work was getting stressful and it really did the trick. Also check out the famous institution of Fernando’s Restaurant – great Portuguese food right off the beach.
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Purchase ZAIA Tickets Online
Here is info on purchasing tickets for Cirque Du Soleil’s show ZAIA at the Sands Venetian, Macau, China as of July 2008.
Tickets are available for ZAIA online – Click Here to Purchase ZAIA Tickets
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