[SEAJ]

Originally Posted by mutantchicken

...ps if u were to merely point me in the right direction without u personally going with me its would be a moot point as i will still most likely get chopped even if.... personally if i was to use a local it would be based on a fee, or at least covering all the expenses for my guide....my time is valueable and i treat others likewise, and id rather give that money to a reputable guide than to give it to ur so called stealth agents or to some WL who will chop me regardless after all the haggling back and forth

I'd like to think that mongering in Hong Kong, Macau and even most of Southern China is generally not as "cowboy" as I see it being in places like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos etc. Prices are pretty well standardized and easily known by anybody who bothers to first do a tiny bit of research; in fact, websites actually post prices up. I think this is the case also for most Northern Far East countries.

You ain't gonna get "chopped" in Hong Kong if I point you in the right direction and outline what to expect etc. And in fact, IMHO, one really don't need an agent just about anywhere in the world if one would just do a bit of prior research, not be shy or afraid to bargain and take the regular precautions.

And yes, I agree that if one really needed to use an agent, then I'd suggest that one engage somebody who are up-front that he is doing this as a job - allowing one to bargain a price which one thinks reasonable for the use of the agent's services. These stealth agents - pretending to be just another good guy monger willing to help out a "bro" - are a menace as they lull too many unsuspecting guys into complacence.... and then really "chopping" them big-time.

Just IMHO

SEAJ