Here's a experience I made last Friday. A dumb beginner's one, I know.
Was heading from the Hilton towards Tongren Rd., when I got approached by a guy whispering "Sex Bar, Girls"...
Waved him away and continued my way, but somehow found it too tiresome to walk all the way to Tongren, so I gave in to his offers.
He called "Mama-san" and handed the phone to me so I could also talk to her.
She spoke good English, said the girls can speak English as well, etc.
Gained some confidence by this and continued.
We walked 10 minutes away from the Hilton, went to a building that was brightly illuminated and outside ads that said "MT Club".
Many guys queueing in front of the main elevator, so the guy took me to a side entrance and employee elevator up to 5th floor.
Nice bar interior in the bar, Mama-san cute and soon after, 6 girls came in to choose from. Made my choice and asked about the price for all this.
Reply "Don't worry, room charge 100 and lady drinks"
So I wanted more details on the Lady Drinks ("Pink Lady") and they handed over a pricelist that had acceptable prices on it.
Spent some talkking and touching time with the girl, English so so.
Mama-san came in frequently to report about the progress of the room preparation (for the action). "Wait a moment".
Every time she brought a drink with her.
So I got unpatient and demanded continuation, and was led to another room where another girl was already waiting. An ugly one for that, so I left that room and asked for the girl I had choosen before.
They said that she will come with me to the Hotel only, no action in here.
So I agreed and asked for the wrap-up bill.
Here it starts:
First they asked to tip the girl (200), Mama-san (200) and the guy who was around with Mama-san (100).
Then the girl was asked to leave and they put the bill on the table : 5400.-RMB (incl. taking the girl to the Hotel)
So I realised what I should have realised long before, a "scam".
Started "discussion" about the bill, opened my cell phone, etc. it went on for a while, with several men coming into the room.
They argued that this was a Club, I came on my own, these were the prices.
I referred to the pricelist they showed before, but here's the trick: The price for a "Pink Lady" was given 80.-RMB, but PER OUNCE !
Of course I did not read that small part of the list before.
So each Pink Lady came down to 450.-RMB.
Finally settled on a "Discount" and paid 1000.-RMB then they let me leave.
(of course without girl)
They said many business men and rich Shanghai guys came to this Club - and these would pay those prices just for showing off to their business partners and friends.
I felt lucky to get out at all, but I've learned my lesson here.
Thinking about it afterwards, it may not even have been scam but normal Club culture in Shanghai ?