Travel value & Asian friendly places

[snow ninja]

Well, first off, any places where Asians are not liked so we know to avoid them?

In general, you'd avoid Iraq or any other dangerous place like that, but how about Egypt or Greece? I was told to avoid Dominican Republic..

I hope you all understand what i'm getting at. ..

Im cheap and don't want to spend more than i have to on stuff like good food and lodging although i would and do buy myself a nice set of rims for my ride. :rolleyes::wink:

anyways, thanks for the input and talk to you later...

[kimpossible]

I would think there are far more places that you could go than not go so it would be easier to know where you're interested in going.

Just to put it out there I've read on YW about how bad the racism against Asians is in Australia and New Zealand but our experience was nothing but positive. I'm going to slightly push my husband out in front here because he would be the representing Asian male of the two of us. The only places he's experienced issues is some back street of London he inadvertently wandered down one night and some of the more hillbilly areas here in Oregon. Any other issue came down to passport and nationality. He was a Taiwanese citizen until his early 20s. Oh, and Macau got a little hung up on his US passport listed place of birth as "China".

We've been chatting a bit about our next vacation plan for a few years down the road and actually, my race and nationality might be more of a limiting factor. He wants to go to the UAE and my white ass thinks it's a very bad idea to be white and obviously American there. As a Canadian and not white, I really think you don't have too many limits.

My one caution to you is to remember that by global standards, you're extremely rich and therefore a target. You'll be a target for pickpockets, street kids and military personnel looking for bribes. Don't ask how they can possibly know you're Canadian. They may at first wonder if you're American but you'll get pegged as North American quite easily.

I imagine Greece would be a great destination.

[SunWuKong]

is Indonesia bad for Chinese people?

[kimpossible]

I think that one is a toss up. Do you want to holiday there?

[Craig]

I used to work in Europe & I didn't stick out as North American (was mainly assumed to be some science/engineering grad student from Asia) ... When I've been to Asia, I didn't stick out as North American, I stuck out as not being a local, but typically assumed to be from another part of the country, or another Asian country.

As a generalization, I would say Europe is safer than the USA. Just don't stick out like a tourist. I've never been to Canada (or Greece or Egypt).

[snow ninja]

how about myanmar? i'm kidding.

when i went to cancun it seemed so last vegas and a tourist trap. nice beach in playa del carmen tho.

i have heard horror stories about south america tho.

such as costa rica and ecuador. However i heard they are nice places too. I also heard brazil isn't really worth visiting

anyone do any south american travelling?

[SunWuKong]

I think that one is a toss up. Do you want to holiday there?

just tossing out possible ideas for future vacations. girlfriend mentioned Indonesia one time and i told her they kill Chinese people there.

[snailpoo]

i have heard horror stories about south america tho.

such as costa rica and ecuador. However i heard they are nice places too. I also heard brazil isn't really worth visiting

anyone do any south american travelling?

Brazil is AWESOME. Rio during Carnival is quite amazing, and no party spectical quite compares to actually being in the Sambodromo (pay extra, grab a front row box seat with friends). Add in Ipamena and Copacabana, and what more can you ask for? Brazil also has Iguacu and the Amazon, toss in Sao Paolo, and it's worth the trip.

Everybody my wife and I met in Brazil were ultra-friendly, though we were cautioned to stay out of the favelas. Our guide and driver refused to even stop for red lights and stop signs near them, though we did have to go through them to reach places like Corcovado. In Rio we stayed mainly near the touristy spots, but being New Yorkers, my wife and I took the subway to places like the Sambrodromo, which isn't in that great a part of the city ...and witnessed a shooting after staying out all night.

Being Asian in Brazil isn't a big deal. In places like Sao Paolo, there's a decent minority of Asians, and in places like Rio and Iguacu, people are more curious and friendly than anything else. All in all, I'd go back to Brazil in a heartbeat.



Argentia is more reserved that Brazil. In Buenos Aires, you may very well be the first Asian some residents have ever seen in person (at least that's what the Japanese-Brazilian I met on the flight out of Argentina told me, and I believe him), but Buenos Aires is a lot like New York or any big city --people are busy, and unless they're in the service or tourist industry where it's their job to be nice, they'll generally ignore you.


IMy one caution to you is to remember that by global standards, you're extremely rich and therefore a target. You'll be a target for pickpockets, street kids and military personnel looking for bribes. Don't ask how they can possibly know you're Canadian. They may at first wonder if you're American but you'll get pegged as North American quite easily.

Ya, the income disparity in some of these places is shocking. It's one thing to go an enjoy the exchange rate, but it's quite sobering to realize that you've just spent more on one night's hotel stay than what a lot of people bring home in a year. Thieves realize this too...

[snow ninja]

thanks for the personal experiences SP

anyone been to jamaica?

i heard from a friend that a friend of his got a gun put to his head and trigger pulled but the gun didn't go off. this was in Costa Rica. probably a poor part.

[snailpoo]

thanks for the personal experiences SP

anyone been to jamaica?

Anytime.

I've only been to Ocho Rios in Jamaica as a day stop during a cruise. Again, the massive income disparity means that you'll be mobbed by venders who won't take no for an answer and otherwise stand out as a target. Take a private tour or hire a guide that has a reputation for avoiding venders and staying off of the public beaches (seclusion and and not having to deal with vendors is well worth paying pocket change for access to a private beach).

The cruise ship gave me plenty of warnings about Jamaica, and this may be due more to the skill of the the tour guide, but I felt perfectly fine in Ocho Rios. There was a rumor that a group from another cruise ship that docked the same day was robbed by an armed gang, but that was another ship and another rumor. I will say that the sanctioned venders in the various attractions or even in the visitor's center are push enough, so...

[yoMAMA]

I used to work in Europe & I didn't stick out as North American (was mainly assumed to be some science/engineering grad student from Asia) ... When I've been to Asia, I didn't stick out as North American, I stuck out as not being a local, but typically assumed to be from another part of the country, or another Asian country.


I think everywhere, people just don't think Asians as "real americans".

They think americans=white and black people.

is Indonesia bad for Chinese people?

that depends on the economy....

[Yeahman]

Everybody my wife and I met in Brazil were ultra-friendly
You went to Brazil with your wife? What a waste!

[snow ninja]

Which is better for fun in the sun and nightlife?

Taiwan or Singapore?

Are there alot more english speakers in Taiwan? I assume so.

[snailpoo]

You went to Brazil with your wife? What a waste!

Can't complain. She's the one who suggested going.

[Arex]

anyone been to jamaica?Went to Jamaica a couple of years ago with my girlfriend at the time. We stayed at this budget all-inclusive resort in Negril (west coast). I've heard that region's good for couples but not so much for the single crowd.

As soon as we arrived, before our room was available, we had lunch and then went to the beach. Within 10 minutes, we were solicited by some guy selling drugs on the beach. But I guess he was encroaching on someone else's region because he eventually got into a shouting match with another, much better dressed dealer. Kinda funny.

I think my flip flops were stolen from the beach after the second day there. Most aggravating thing though was how everyone there greeted me "JAHpan!" "WHAT's up, Japan!" "Hey, JAHpan!" I recall at one point, some local kids at the beach started yelling out Japanese-sounding gibberish, so I told them to fuck off. They got a kick out of that.

Didn't encounter any problems on any of the organized activities off the resort, but we stuck with the touristy stuff. We didn't really experience the night life off the resort either.

[AngryABCGirl]

Which is better for fun in the sun and nightlife?

Taiwan or Singapore?

Are there alot more english speakers in Taiwan? I assume so.

English is actually official language in Singapore (of instruction etc.), most young people speak it as a first language. It's about 100x more developed than Taiwan too. People can't really speak English in Taiwan for shit, especially compared to Hong Kong and Vietnam, which in turn can't compare to Singapore. I'd suggest Singapore if you want beaches and nightlife, it'll be really hard for you to get around in Taiwan unless you speak mandarin relatively well, especially to a decent beach. Singapore is a much better vacation.

[deez nuts]

anyone do any south american travelling?

I hear from quite a few friends I know that are in the army that have been stationed all over the world that say South American whores are the best in the world.



anyone been to jamaica?



As for Jamaica, I know a few friends that did the whole Hedonism thing and gotten mixed reviews from them. Drugs are pretty easy to score down there from what I've been told, just hop in a cab.

[snow ninja]

English is actually official language in Singapore (of instruction etc.), most young people speak it as a first language. It's about 100x more developed than Taiwan too. People can't really speak English in Taiwan for shit, especially compared to Hong Kong and Vietnam, which in turn can't compare to Singapore. I'd suggest Singapore if you want beaches and nightlife, it'll be really hard for you to get around in Taiwan unless you speak mandarin relatively well, especially to a decent beach. Singapore is a much better vacation.

really? i met a girl named Ning from Taiwan at Mui Ne beach in Vietnam.

She spoke really good english with barely any accent.

I figured that the anti China sentiment there coupled with relations with the US they would have made english an official language like HK. I guess she was one of the ones who learned early on.

[J Honcanese]

really? i met a girl named Ning from Taiwan at Mui Ne beach in Vietnam.

She spoke really good english with barely any accent.

I figured that the anti China sentiment there coupled with relations with the US they would have made english an official language like HK. I guess she was one of the ones who learned early on.Well, from my experience I'd say that she was an exception. I was in Taiwan a couple years back and I don't recall any English being spoken anywhere. It was all Mandarin. Also the only reason English is an official language in HK is because it used to be a British Crown Colony.

Regarding the OP, Italy is beautiful but I've found that people there are generally less tolerant than in the US/UK/Canada/Aus. I was in Venice with some school friends and this group of Italian guys was all like "KONNICHIWA" and everything when they saw us. Although to be fair we were part of a big group at the time. Having said that, I wouldn't not go just because it isn't nearly as Asian-friendly as the places we're used to.

Anyhow I've heard that people in Northern Ireland are pretty racist against Asians in general, especially if you're Chinese. But it's not a big destination anyway so it doesn't really matter.

Egypt and Greece are fine. I know people who traveled to both countries and they didn't encounter any problems for being Asian. To be honest I think being Asian may have its advantages when you're travelling to the Middle East or North Africa. But what do I know, I've never been to that part of the world so I may be wrong.

[Broomer]

is Indonesia bad for Chinese people?

In the past, yes. Now, no. BTW, with Australia, by and large the people here are quite nice, it's just the odd wanker (or drunken idiot) that ruins the image. I've started noticing a change during the last few months: it's like people here are starting to realise the image problem and public drunkeness has died down a bit. However, this might be more due to a slow down in the economy or their just saving it for the Olympics.

Anyway, as a Chinese we've got a strong spirit as far as travelling is concerned. So in short: no fear.

Don't be afraid to see the world. Before getting hitched, I was planning to head to Eastern Europe and go cave exploring.

Ka

[kimpossible]

really? i met a girl named Ning from Taiwan at Mui Ne beach in Vietnam.

She spoke really good english with barely any accent.


That's not indicative of Taiwan in general. It's okay to trust AngryABC, you know. She's not trying to lead you astray.

I won't tell you anything different. You do need Mandarin to get around efficiently. As for nightlife I think Singapore is a better bet. It's not that there isn't any nightlife in Taipei but your activity and your destination is highly dependent on what you and your friends want to do and it's almost always based on a place that someone knows. I can't imagine what it's like to go to Taiwan as a vacation destination and not know anyone.

That's not to say that I've never seen tourists in Taipei, I have but I've never understood why they pick Taiwan over mainland China or HK. Well, foreigner tourists. There's quite a few Japanese tourists but I think there's certain aspects of Taiwan they want to see and the passport entry requirements may make it more accessible.

If you do go to Taiwan the girls in the glass booths are NOT hookers, FYI. And don't eat what they sell. Please.

[Craig]

Before getting hitched, I was planning to head to Eastern Europe and go cave exploring.How many Eastern European orifices were you planning on checking out ?

[AngryABCGirl]

That's not indicative of Taiwan in general. It's okay to trust AngryABC, you know. She's not trying to lead you astray.

I won't tell you anything different. You do need Mandarin to get around efficiently. As for nightlife I think Singapore is a better bet. It's not that there isn't any nightlife in Taipei but your activity and your destination is highly dependent on what you and your friends want to do and it's almost always based on a place that someone knows. I can't imagine what it's like to go to Taiwan as a vacation destination and not know anyone.

That's not to say that I've never seen tourists in Taipei, I have but I've never understood why they pick Taiwan over mainland China or HK. Well, foreigner tourists. There's quite a few Japanese tourists but I think there's certain aspects of Taiwan they want to see and the passport entry requirements may make it more accessible.

If you do go to Taiwan the girls in the glass booths are NOT hookers, FYI. And don't eat what they sell. Please.

As a seasoned-clubber, I would have to say Singapore nightlife wins over Taipei in my opinion. Clubs and people are much more high class in that aspect, although Taiwan's night markets and food are a better, although it might just be my taste preference.

Taiwan's tourism sector simply isn't built for Western travelers. I actually see it as a waste and speaks a lot on poor entrepeneurship considering all the great beaches and natural beauty Taiwan has.

There's tons of Japanese tourists because a lot of the tourist infrastructure caters to them (a lot of people learn Japanese as a second language and work in shops that cater to Japanese people) because of a long-relationship, but I've never see any outside of Taipei. More Korean tourists lately, perhaps following Japanese tourists. Unless you're a Chinese speaker or can read Chinese, you're gonna miss out on a lot in Taiwan, especially if you choose to travel out of Taipei. The "real Taiwan" so to speak is out of Taipei.

Also- traveling to Vietnam from Taiwan isn't cheap as someone who has done it before. I'm sure the girl you talked to is from a privileged class- in that case someone able to have the resources or schools to learn English or spent time overseas herself.

[snow ninja]

come to think of it she must have been privileged because she did mention something about schooling abroad. and she's on facebook? isn't facebook a north american thing?

[SunWuKong]

come to think of it she must have been privileged because she did mention something about schooling abroad. and she's on facebook? isn't facebook a north american thing?

a lot of people i know back in HK are on facebook.

[AngryABCGirl]

^Facebook isn't as popular in Taiwan I've noticed, I think because there's always been: http://www.wretch.cc/.

Anyway, I'd also recommend Malaysia as a great destination, lot of bang for your buck.

[AngryABCGirl]

^Facebook isn't as popular in Taiwan I've noticed, I think because there's always been: http://www.wretch.cc/.

Anyway, I'd also recommend Malaysia as a great destination, lot of bang for your buck.

[Player 0]

I've to Thailand recently, Bangkok, it's quite an excellent place, people speak fluent english and Chinese, much of the tourists there were white and Chinese, some Koreans and Japanese too, and things there are much cheaper compared to either Singpore or Malaysia, both of which i have visited.

It has more culture and an equal amount of high quality stores to shop in.

[Broomer]

How many Eastern European orifices were you planning on checking out ?


Not that sort of cave. :)
I had an old interest about werewolves so I was thinking about heading to Romania (for a start).
That didn't happen though cuz I got hitched.

Ka.

[Craig]

Not that sort of cave. :)
I had an old interest about werewolves so I was thinking about heading to Romania (for a start).
That didn't happen though cuz I got hitched.

Ka.Fond of those bipolar, long haired, long finger-nailed, long tongued, bloodthirsty night howlers ?

[snow ninja]

Anyway, as a Chinese we've got a strong spirit as far as travelling is concerned. So in short: no fear.
Don't be afraid to see the world.
Ka

not afraid, i just don't want to waste my dough or spend on something i may regret.

I think i got this reasoning once because a old acqantance of mine told me he went to ibiza and said Asians weren't liked there??? i dunno if he just met sh*tty people or if it's true.

not that i wanted to go to ibiza anyways

[AngryABCGirl]

not afraid, i just don't want to waste my dough or spend on something i may regret.

I think i got this reasoning once because a old acqantance of mine told me he went to ibiza and said Asians weren't liked there??? i dunno if he just met sh*tty people or if it's true.

not that i wanted to go to ibiza anyways

Asians in Europe in general are regarded as immigrants in a place that doesn't exactly have a "give us your poor huddled" masses culture.

Being an Asian with a North American accent gets you out of most trouble though.

[Broomer]

Fond of those bipolar, long haired, long finger-nailed, long tongued, bloodthirsty night howlers ?

Now be fair, they're just misunderstood.

Ka.

not afraid, i just don't want to waste my dough or spend on something i may regret.

I think i got this reasoning once because a old acqantance of mine told me he went to ibiza and said Asians weren't liked there??? i dunno if he just met sh*tty people or if it's true.

not that i wanted to go to ibiza anyways

Ibiza is over rated (from what I've heard).
I agree on the point about not wanting to waste my dough. I'm off the same mind, no one goes on holiday to cop crap (normally from the local version of redneck).

Anyway, the same bud said that if he has to pick between Ibiza and Thailand, he'd pick Thailand.

Ka.

[Chooky]

not afraid, i just don't want to waste my dough or spend on something i may regret.

I think i got this reasoning once because a old acqantance of mine told me he went to ibiza and said Asians weren't liked there??? i dunno if he just met sh*tty people or if it's true.

not that i wanted to go to ibiza anyways

I've never been to Ibiza but I have heard from several people that it is basically a British ex-pat drink, drug and puke fest, which is fine if that's what people are looking for, but if it's sunny Mediterranean beaches and sea then there are plenty of places to go that will have that without the rowdies.

I've had friends that have gone to Morrocco and Tunisia and had a great time. I live in Istanbul and have made short weekend trips to Central Anatolia as well as to the West Coast of Turkey and these are great places to have a vacation - lot's of great scenery, beaches, historical sights (going back thousands of years) as well as great bars and restaurants. I've seen tons of East Asians vacationing there. I've yet to visit the Black Sea coast but I'm told that it's one of the most beautiful places in Turkey.

I've never worried that the locals would be ignorant toward Asians, and wouldn't let that stop me anyways.

[snow ninja]

I've never been to Ibiza but I have heard from several people that it is basically a British ex-pat drink, drug and puke fest, which is fine if that's what people are looking for, but if it's sunny Mediterranean beaches and sea then there are plenty of places to go that will have that without the rowdies.

I've had friends that have gone to Morrocco and Tunisia and had a great time. I live in Istanbul and have made short weekend trips to Central Anatolia as well as to the West Coast of Turkey and these are great places to have a vacation - lot's of great scenery, beaches, historical sights (going back thousands of years) as well as great bars and restaurants. I've seen tons of East Asians vacationing there. I've yet to visit the Black Sea coast but I'm told that it's one of the most beautiful places in Turkey.

I've never worried that the locals would be ignorant toward Asians, and wouldn't let that stop me anyways.

i've heard Turkey is really nice. And i wouldn't mind some moroccan food mixed with belly dancing:smile:

[tommyhtown]

A girl I know just invited me to visit her in Dubai. What to do over there? I know it's safe in Dubai, but she suggests we should go to Jordan, Egypt etc. Is it safe in Jordan and Egypt?

[AngryABCGirl]

A girl I know just invited me to visit her in Dubai. What to do over there? I know it's safe in Dubai, but she suggests we should go to Jordan, Egypt etc. Is it safe in Jordan and Egypt?

Just go fool.

[kimpossible]

A girl I know just invited me to visit her in Dubai. What to do over there? I know it's safe in Dubai, but she suggests we should go to Jordan, Egypt etc. Is it safe in Jordan and Egypt?

You say that as if you're ever going to leave the hotel room. One does not shave one's nethers unless one will be... wait a sec, here. Girlfriend from a month ago. Is this a side dish? Not that I care in a accusatory way. More of an assuming you have some serious horsepower under the hood way.

[SunWuKong]

One does not shave one's nethers unless one will be...

i don't shave because i worry it'll grow back hoarse like a beard, but to me it does feel very refreshing after i've trimmed down. doesn't matter if there's sexy time involved, i trim down nearly to the skin about once every couple of months.

[kimpossible]

I was worried you weren't going to tell me. And the internet.

[deez nuts]

A girl I know just invited me to visit her in Dubai. What to do over there? I know it's safe in Dubai, but she suggests we should go to Jordan, Egypt etc. Is it safe in Jordan and Egypt?

Is she rich? That's basically all that matters really if you think about it.

[AliBabaIncorporated]

Turkey's alright for east asians travelling. worst any of my actual asian-looking friends got was guys yelling "Konnichiwa!" when they try to sell stuff. I was there when I was 16, went around with a bunch of clueless high school classmates, we never had any serious hassles at all. I guess all the usual suspects will only try to start shit with you if they think you're a local, otherwise the hospitality instinct kicks in.

Had been planning to go to Tunisia last December but ended up not going, don't think I'll make it out this year either cuz I'm switching jobs and won't get enough vacation days thanks to the magic of prorating. Maybe in 2009 ...

[tommyhtown]

You say that as if you're ever going to leave the hotel room. One does not shave one's nethers unless one will be... wait a sec, here. Girlfriend from a month ago. Is this a side dish? Not that I care in a accusatory way. More of an assuming you have some serious horsepower under the hood way.

The girl in Dubai is someone I met while the girl I was seeing was out of town (country). The whole being in different zip code/area code/country code rule kicks in.

Really, I want to do sightseeing in Dubai but there ain't much but expensive stuffs I probably cannot afford. She invited me and volunteered to be my host and my guide for the trip so who can turn it down? I am just thinking about the safety issue. It's more about being an American more than Asian friendly issue. Then again, I don't require to put passport around my neck so who would know if that were even an issue. The trip will be in December so it's a long way off. Things can change.

Is she rich? That's basically all that matters really if you think about it.

Not really, she's a flight attendant for a Dubai-based airline. But she has been investing her money well.

[Chooky]

Turkey's alright for east asians travelling. worst any of my actual asian-looking friends got was guys yelling "Konnichiwa!" when they try to sell stuff. I was there when I was 16, went around with a bunch of clueless high school classmates, we never had any serious hassles at all. I guess all the usual suspects will only try to start shit with you if they think you're a local, otherwise the hospitality instinct kicks in.


I've had one store owner try to speak to me in Chinese once, but usually when I'm at one of the Bazaars the sellers have the uncanny ability to somehow peg me as an English speaker. But the hospitality here is unreal.

[kimpossible]

The girl in Dubai is someone I met while the girl I was seeing was out of town (country). The whole being in different zip code/area code/country code rule kicks in.


What is the secret of your potency? Asian Playboy better hand his moniker over to you. Any woman still thinking of you enough a continent away and offers to fly you out to show you a good time = you are the one, true alpha male of YW. Congratulations.

[tommyhtown]

What is the secret of your potency?

My clean, close shave.