Here’s information I’ve found to book flights and hotels within Southeast Asia for Macau, Hong Kong, Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi), Indonesia (Jakarta, Bali, Saraboya), Singapore, Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia, Phillippines and all around Southeast Asia.
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.
Coca Cola to buy Chinese juice company
HONG KONG (AP) — The Coca-Cola Co., the world’s biggest beverage company, moved to expand its operations in the fast-growing Chinese market Wednesday with a $2.5 billion bid for major juicemaker China Huiyuan Juice Group.
Fruit juices for sale at the Huiyuan Beverage and Food Group center in Beijing.
Zaia – Chinese Promo
Info on the Cirque show ZAIA from the Venetian (Macao SAR China) in Chinese.
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Second Earthquake in Sichuan China
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck China’s Sichuan province on Tuesday, killing at least one person and seriously injuring five others. Sichuan province is still recovering from the devastating 7.9 earthquake on May 12, 2008.
The quake’s epicenter was located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) north-northwest of Guangyuan, near Sichuan’s border with neighboring Gansu province.
Hours before the quakes struck, the Olympic torch relay made its way through parts of Sichuan, on its way to the Summer Games, which get under way Friday in Beijing, some 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) away.
 Full Article:
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/08/05/china.earthquake/index.htmlÂ
My First Trip to Hong Kong
I finally ventured out of my new home in Macau, China and into the big city of Hong Kong. It was just a day trip so we hit the shopping stalls in Mong Kok (Called the “Ladies Market”) and then onto the clubs in Wan Chai at night (the Ghylo party district).
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!
Hong Kong Annie
Meet Hong Kong Annie – our favorite Mamasan at the Waikiki Club in Hong Kong. You can find the Waikiki club in the Wan Chai party district – with plenty of other clubs on the same street. We finally got smart and only went into the clubs with about $20 in our wallet – otherwise they will clean you out (and they’re very good at it!).
Leaky toilet exposes corrupt China official
You’ve received over a million dollars in bribes which you keep in your apartment in boxes. Everything’s cool – then your toilet leaks and you lose it all. True story! Read about it here:
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/08/03/china.toilet/index.htmlÂ