Here's the survey from my three days in Cape Town. I hope it will help you out, if you go there, or motivate you to visit, you like cheap prices and danger. My survey took hours over two days--I like doing this.
There are a ton of possibilities, some safe and many pretty sketchy to downright scary. And, it's hard to research and hard to determine what's legit and safe. Except for the upscale brothels, I don't think you can know what you're really going to get (in many ways than one ...).
OPTION 1:
There are all the ton of ads for indy providers:
http://www.wegotads.co.za/bluefin.cm...&page=3&sfid=1 . There is a really poor version of ECCIE there:
http://escortsouthafrica.com/members...r.php?uid=7022 . Or,
http://sexycape.com/index.php?option...=362&Itemid=82 .
I would *not* do this. (See option 2.)
OPTION 2:
OK. So, good luck if you try the backpages--this is scary. I hope you live. You're going to a section of town you don't know in a place you don't know and without any real reviews or recommendations. You're probably not telling anyone where you are and what you're doing. Doesn't this sound stupid? Furthermore, they're often more expensive than other options, and you'd need/pay for transport.
OPTION 3:
You can try streetwalkers. I hear that on the outskirts, esp. in poorer areas, you can get great deals--scary sounding again. (There are some really bad areas of town -- shanty towns with rival gangs (I visited them with a former gang member to check it out, and he said non-chilantly that he saw 30+ murdered in front of him by the time he was a teenager and that only about 2 friends of his are still alive--he was not kidding nor exaggerating.))
The indy street walkers I met downtown were for the most part sweet girls and seem like could be safe and good. They aren't particularly skilled, like the professionals who have been in the business. Many are just regular people who are making some extra money.
Well, the streetwalkers in city center are all over the place and sufficient, if you like that. No reason to go beyond a few blocks into danger. Much safer area until after about 3AM on weekends and much earlier on weekdays. They do have a reputation for ripping customers off or worse. I don't think this is so true with the ones that strike out on the streets alone or in gaggles of girls. Some look very healthy and of various shades and shapes. A few look rather sick. Most are young mothers simply providing for their children. You wouldn't know that a lot of the time--they're so young. Rates ranged from 150 RAND ($20) to 500 RAND ($70) for an hour; most on the cheaper side. Most will do overnights for as little as $500 ($70). Some will not: One girl said she had to go back to help her grandmother out. (You see, just a regular girl.)
Yes, most seem like nice girls, but who knows what they might do when they stay overnight at your place? Maybe sweet or maybe steal your stuff? In any case, There are actually a ton of girls available. If you see some hanging out, even in groups like friends or even hanging out with guys (unless it's obviously a couple in love), just get in a taxi and have the taxi driver drive around and flag them down for you. Very few will not respond. Only one flagged down actually ignored the taxi driver. Just ask them their rates for the time you want. You won't know really whether you want them until you see them up close anyways. Many get into the front seat of the taxi cab, so you can talk and make a decision. They seem gracious when you deny them.
BUT, the streetwalkers with the pimps. This is different. Most pimps have the worse options--drugged out girls, people really down on their luck, and living in one-room slums in a few "project" looking buildings. Many didn't speak Afrikaans nor English, and were running away from terrible situations in other countries--very dependent on this guy who often spoke their languages. Lots of drugs involved with the pimps--often offered "anything" you want, even on the main drag with security people all over the place. And, this guy at least called the girls down one-by-one from their hovels. Takes forever, because they're never ready. I had a pimp do this for an hour, because I was curious (I had better plans in mind) and just decided I, first, didn't like any of the options; second, didn't trust the options; third, I don't want to catch something; fourth, I didn't trust the pimp; and, fifth, I was just scared and thought the pimp was a sick human being and also had little regard for the women. Visiting these girls in their places is where people get ripped off, I think. Thus, the bad reputation for the girls downtown. Remember you also want very squeeky clean -- almost highest HIV rate in the world here. You don't know what's up with these girls. A lot of them are clearly out of it. I think the police give these guys and girls some trouble, from what the pimp was saying. Yes, you can save $10. Don't do it.
With either street walker option, if there is a police man standing next to one of them or pursuing, obviously don't start trying to pick up someone right there. Go around the block and come back a little later on. I don't have the sense the security people do anything of value, other than keep a presence to discourage more serious crimes. I saw a woman beaten on the street at about 3AM, and there was little to do about it.
OPTION 4:
Then, there are the upscale so-called "escort services", which are just brothels, really. These have actually names, locations, phone numbers, managers, nice bedrooms, etc. Much nicer than those in the states--and cheaper. So, it seems safer inside. You can follow up if something goes wrong; they care about their reputation as a business.
The area many of them are located in are somewhat scary after nightfall on quiet nights (weekdays). A few are a little sketchy even during the day. Some streets are patrolled by security people, but there are clearly a lot of people with nothing to do wandering around in these lonely areas. In any case, I think these brothels try to keep quality girls who are checked out to be clean. I think it's worth the extra money to be safe and go to these.
They can charge credit cards, if you wish to leave a paper trail and pay something like an extra 10% for the honor of using a CC. The only one that won't be suspicious to anyone intelligent looking at your statement is the Embassy (listed below) because it's part of a multi-national company with legit stuff, like hotels, from what the person at the desk said.
Many of these brothels will charge you an extra fee, if they see you dropped off by taxi, a cut for the taxi guy. So, I always had the taxi drop me off around the corner, esp. at Embassy. The brothels range from about 600 to 800 RAND per hour ($80 to $110). Overnight is often very expensive (for S. Africa) at 3750+ RAND ($500).
These businesses work differently than in the US. You pay an entrance fee between 50 and 100 RAND, and then sit in a room drinking along with other guys. The girls are around for you to talk with. Some approach, other sit. They don't usually do a line up. So, somewhat like our strip clubs, but with an obvious goal in mind from the outset. Take your time and then when you've made your decision, you just tell them. Pay the person at the counter.
Remember that there are two shifts: day shift (less good) until about 7 or 8PM. Then night shift (better) after that until about 4AM. When they close, they really close and *nobody* except hoodlums are in the street and alleys. It is scary and you want a taxi waiting for you when you step out.
The galleries on their webpages aren't particularly useful. Supposedly police are cracking down on them--I saw no evidence of that.
There are some very skanky brothel places, I hear, where all sorts of people lost from other African countries sell their bodies for cheap. Didn't sound too appealing from what I was hearing. Why go to a place like this to save $10. I didn't take drives to these places because of a lack of time and safety, although I'm always curious. Maybe my gang taxi driver could have showed me. Supposed to be somewhat cheaper than the quality ones, but I didn't get the sense that it's a lot cheaper. Street walkers are probably better option than these.
THINGS TO KNOW:
With either option above--brothels or walkers--think about your surroundings, even in the middle of downtown. There should be security people on each block. If there aren't, start thinking "oh, crap". But, more important, if it's an isolated place, don't do it, except in a taxi. Have the guy drive you close to the drop off point. I don't know why you're any more safe in a taxi, but it seems so. Be where there are lots of people. This happens on weekends until about 1-2AM. Much earlier on weekdays, with some places just desolate all the time ... even 5 min. walking distance from the main drag to be on (Long Street). Then, you can scan a street or two off from there. Strangely enough, tourists, students, and rich people all flock to party on Long Street and somehow seem totally unaware of what's going on all around them. It's a popular place for regular people on certain nights and hours.
A ton of opportunity, somewhat like but still not as much as some of the great hobby cities in US before 9/11, but virtually no Asians and few Caucasians. Although on the street you might think S. Africans won't compare to US girls, but just see the right places. Mostly dark-skinned with some whites, I'm told (didn't see many at all, except at the pricey places below). There were some really hot ones of all shades in nearly all venues.
Not that this matters at all, nearly all the girls are mothers. But, you mostly can't tell.
Have protection with you. Use it. Highest AIDS rate in the world. Totally unregulated. Lax attitude about safety amongst many.
Once again, scary place compared to my many experiences in US cities. Take a legit taxi to/from after dark, if during weekdays. The exchange rate is great and you can afford a lot with just a little American $$ (700 RAND = $100, so that's the price of some hot girls). Prices do not always correspond with quality, looks, etc.
On a side note, there are lots of B&B at decent prices. You can hang out with the rich tourists. Great, but not the hosting site you want for this. Hotels are very expensive. But, there are some cheap options. This one is very nice for the price:
www.backpackers.co.za/ . I used it. Not a comfortable place to sneak in an obvious type of company & activity. Then, there is their place--I didn't trust that. Also, having the right taxi driver for this is really a good idea--hire the guy for the night--and having a cell phone is a must for some of the above. Get a cheap cell--you'll be glad. You need it to scan the streets, make arrangements, and to call for help or get your taxi friend (who you should have waiting for you, in my opinion).
Not as good as Bangkok. And, certainly not as safe. But, few places are.
All prices below in RAND, not dollars. (Cheaper for hobbiest.)
NM
P.S. On a side note, I'm also very sad that I had so many surveys of cities (and reviews) like this on ASPD, forever lost. All the places, numbers, etc. I don't keep this stuff on my personal computer.
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THE PLACES TO VISIT (OR NOT):
Bedazzled
http://www.bedazz.co.za/index.htm
021 424 6016
Directions: Number 207 Bree Street. Blue Light Outside. Bree Street is between and runs parallel to Buitengracht Street and Loop Street, in the City Centre, They say, "the positioning of Bedazzeled is a discreet location" ... "with safe and easy parking". Yeah, right. Tel: 021 424 6016
Hard to find w/o any sign. In a terrible location. Girls are not attractive, although one busty blonde. Very few girls. Not really much cheaper. 1/2 hr 500 RAND, 1 hr 700, 2 hr 1400, a little more for visiting outcall. Rooms not stellar. Hot as hell inside--no A/C nor air circulation. Bar looks crappy. Very uncomfortable.
1/2 hr 500 RAND, 1 hr 700, 2 hr 1400, 900 outcall 1 hr, etc.
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Paradise Penthouse
157 Longmarket St.
021 422 5069
http://www.paradisepenthouse.co.za/index.htm
A little hard to find. On a top floor of a business bldg. Nice rooms, some with mirrors on the ceiling. Visited during day and had only two mediocre girls. Says it picks up after 8PM. Probably would be decent, actually.
1/2 hr 480 RAND, 1 hr 650, 700 to hotel, 3750 overnight
Didn't have to pay entrance fee when I was just making the survey during the day. Don't know the fee at night.
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The Embassy Gentleman's Club
101 Castle Street
Tel: (+27) 021 426 1564
http://www.embassyclub.co.za/Gallery.htm
More upscale and pricier--known for this by nearly anybody, it seems. Very confident about their success and superiority. 600 1/2 hr, 800 hr, 1200 VIP (not worth it), 4000 overnight outcall.
Visited during day again. A few cute ones. Looks like it'd be great at night. Visited one night, but really about 4 really attractive out of maybe 15-20. One Ukranian, several from Western african countries or at least north of South Africa. One really hot Thai girl. One thick other asian. A diversity of ages but not as young as you'd expect.
Before 7PM free entrance (day shift). After then, 50 RAND ($4) entrance. That seems like a lot of money once you're there: 50 is a big number. (Remember this cheap, guys.)
A place where almost all the girls really do want to provide your fantasy. I had spent time at the bar with one lady, who had a body I really dislike, and she convinced me she was the sexiest choice in the world. She might have been. She was good at exuding sexiness in every way, wanting to satisfy every desire, touching just the right was to be alluring. etc. Real professionals.
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Naughty 40
122 Breet Str Wale Str
021 422 0708
Rooms are sufficient. Before 8PM, just okay. One cute black girl. After 8PM, many girls, several cute. About 2-3 hot out of about 20. Local girls. Mostly young. My best time was here.
http://www.nauty40.com , Entrance 100 RAND, I think.
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Mavericks
Barracks St
This is a real strip club. Pricey, but some of the most beautiful girls you'll ever see in your life, including many Russians and eastern Europeans. Several Caucasians. Really expensive, up in the thousands for just minutes. Prohibitively expensive for anything more than a few lapdances, even to Americans with big wallets.
Entrance fee is 100 RAND, but I got a really good quality, fancy, seafood meal for it. SO, that's really a good deal. Girls, once again, so beautiful you can't stand it and money starts falling out of your wallet if you don't leave soon enough. Really will get you going. Stay a little while, gawk at them, flirt a little, and have a plan to handle yourself when you leave.
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Arabesque
Supposed to me much like Mavericks, with some Russians from what I hear. I decided to not pay cover and did other stuff. I love doing the survey, but I had to have some time to take advantage of it. I'm less interested in strip clubs anyways.
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A new club Hasrupin or something is supposed to be a new exciting option in town. Just say something like this and every taxi driver knows what you mean, corrects your pronunciation, and brings you there.
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Rossi or something along those lines. Supposed to be the escort side of Mavericks. I wanted to check that out. My informant guy flaked out on me and I didn't try really hard to figure out the name and place. Supposed to be next to Arabesque.
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There are more such as Castle in Belleville, but too far for me to visit and scope out. Hear it is amazing, and that, for some decent price, you can stay all day and party. I don't know. From all reports, this is the place to go. It is supposed to be like being in escort heaven.
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HOW DO YOU FIGURE OUT THINGS:
Use taxi drivers. Use common sense. The internet is nearly useless.
Although often very knowledgeable, be careful of locals who want to show you around. Despite my and everyone's advice, I chose a scammer guy to show me around--kind of a criminal who is well known by lots of (shady) people on the streets. Tall stories. He was a lot of fun. Knew all the street thugs, bars, criminal activity, strip places, brothels, and the underside of the city history. Which streets were safe/dangerous (right next to each other). It was worth buying him drinks, etc. Probably dangerous actually, but I'm reckless these days for various unrelated reasons. Crazy stories. Well, he really did help scope things out and speed up the process. He knew every pimp and establishment, taxi drivers, late-night money changers, etc. Strange how connected the underbelly is. So, however unbelievable his stories, a lot of his friends did seem to confirm there's quite a lot going on below the surface in this city. Probably best to not become too involved. I don't think I should give out his number.
It is nice to have a knowledgeable local, and I suspect there are many.
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The rest of the detail will be in BCD of reviews now. It will give you a feeling for what to expect. Also, one at least is shocking. So, you should read them.
A Survey "Guide" of Cape Town, South Africa
