Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On This Spot - Lhasa,
published by the
International Campaign for Tibet
(ICT;
www.savetibet.org
)
in 2001, is a unique political map of the Lhasa region, pinpointing the loc-
ations of prisons, demonstrations, human-rights abuses and more. It's a really fascinating
read, but is too politically subversive to take into Tibet.
Money
The Chinese currency is known as Renminbi (RMB) or 'people's money'. The basic unit of
this currency is the yuán, and is designated by a '¥'. In spoken Chinese, the word 'kuài' is
almost always substituted for the yuán. Ten jiǎo (commonly known as máo) make up one
yuán.
A reserve of travellers cheques (and US dollars) are useful to carry with you in Tibet and
can be exchanged at the Bank of China in Lhasa, Shigaste and Ali.
ATMs
Several ATMs (
zìdòng qǔkuǎnjī
) in Lhasa and Shigatse and even as far afield as Ali accept
foreign cards. The Bank of China accepts Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Ex-
press, Maestro, Cirrus and Plus. Check before trying your card as many ATMs can only be
used by domestic account holders.
In Lhasa, the Bank of China also has currency exchange ATMs that will change the cur-
rency of the US, UK, Eurozone, Hong Kong and Japan.
The maximum amount you can withdraw per transaction is around ¥2400 with the Bank
of China. ATMs at the Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank also sometimes take for-
eign cards; the former is usually more reliable these days. Cards are occasionally eaten by
machines, so try to make your transaction during bank hours.
Credit Cards
You'll get very few opportunities to splurge on the plastic in Tibet, unless you spend a few
nights in a top-end hotel. Most local tours, train tickets and even flights out of Lhasa still
can't be paid for using a credit card (unless purchased online). The few shops that do ac-
cept credit cards often have a 4% surcharge.
The Lhasa central branch of the Bank of China is the only place in Tibet that provides
cash advances on a credit card. A 3% commission is deducted.
