Tips That Work Universally
Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers almost always know what’s up. If you want to find a local brothel or massage parlor, you can ask almost any taxi driver. Just be aware that the driver is likely going to take you to the place that pays him the best finder’s fee. This is not always a bad thing but you need to be aware that his place is not the only game in town. Also, before you just burst into a brothel conversation, size the taxi guy up a bit. Can you trust him? I like to find one driver and get his cell phone number. Use him for awhile and when you’ve built up a relationship you can ask him anything. Lastly, if he takes you somewhere out of the way, ask him if he can wait and how much it will cost. If he can’t wait, ask him how to arrange a ride back and have him talk to the girl or guy at the place. Don’t be afraid to ask your spa or massage parlor to call you a cab so you’re not standing out on the street like a target.
Newspapers
Pick up a newspaper wherever you go. Make it a local one, not USA Today or the Wall Street Journal. The more local, the better; the Metro is better than the San Jose Mercury. Look in the classifieds, sports, and business sections for dubious advertisements. Classifieds will likely give you categories like “Fitness”, “Beauty”, and “Services”. Don’t expect to see “blow jobs here…$50!”. Look for key words like “massage”, “relaxation”, “four hands”, “tanning” etc. Every region will have its own key words to try and fool the law enforcement types.
Yellow Pages
This is what we did before the internet. The yellow pages will help you identify some (and I mean some) massage parlors. Again look for key words like “relaxation”, “Asian”, “duo massage”, etc. Then test the place using the AMP criteria in the Asian Massage Parlor chapter. If you’re looking for a cozy strip joint, you’ll rarely find them under “Strip Club” or “Naked Chicks”. Look for “gentleman’s club”, “nightclub”, or my favorites “pubs” and “taverns”. Don’t forget to check the old standards; “Massage”, “Escort”, and “Adult Entertainment”. You never know…
Phone Booths
In some cities, the girls advertise in the public phone booths. This is common in Tokyo, London, San Francisco, Vancouver B.C. and other places. Good luck figuring out which card to respond to in Tokyo! 
Valet/Bell Boy
Don’t bother to embarrass yourself asking the concierge at your hotel about where to find a good time. Half the time they’re women and most of the time there are people milling about listening in on your conversation. Find a valet or bell hop that looks like he might know a thing or two. This is an especially good strategy in places like Korea, Taiwan and China where your concierge is likely to be a very attractive but somewhat snooty young woman. You’d be better to put the moves on her and leave the mongering conversation for someone who you don’t care if you impress or not.
