Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Exchanging Money
In Tibet, the main place to change foreign currency is the Bank of China or at the new cur-
rency exchange ATMs. Top-end hotels in Lhasa have exchange services, but only for
guests. Outside of Lhasa the only other locations to change money are in Shigatse, Zhang-
mu, Purang (cash only), Ali, and at the airport. If you are travelling upcountry, try to get your
cash in small denominations: ¥100 and ¥50 bills are sometimes difficult to get rid of in rural
Tibet.
The currencies of Australia, Canada, the US, the UK, Hong Kong, Japan, and the Euro-
zone are acceptable at the Lhasa Bank of China. ATM currency exchange machines accept
the currency of the US, UK, Eurozone, Hong Kong and Japan. There is a ¥2400 transaction
limit but no daily limit.
The official rate is given at all banks and most hotels, so there is little need to shop
around for the best deal. There's generally no commission to change cash.
The only place in Tibet to officially change yuán back into foreign currency is the central
Lhasa branch of the Bank of China. You will need your original exchange receipts.
Moneychangers at Zhangmu (by the Nepal border) will change yuán into Nepali rupees
and vice versa. Yuán can also easily be reconverted in Hong Kong and, increasingly, in
many Southeast Asian countries.
China has a problem with counterfeit notes. Very few Tibetans or Chinese will accept a
¥100 or ¥50 note without first subjecting it to intense scrutiny, and many will not accept old,
tattered notes or coins. Check the watermark when receiving any ¥100 note.
International Transfers
Getting money sent to you in Lhasa is possible, but it can be a drag. One option is to use
the Bank of China's central office in Lhasa.
to one of several Postal Savings Bank of China outlets in Lhasa.
Taxes
Although big hotels may add a tax or 'service charge' of 10% to 15%, all other taxes are in-
cluded in prices, including airline departure tax.
Tipping & Bargaining
Tibet is one of those wonderful places where tipping is generally not done or asked for. If
you go on a long organised trip out to eastern or western Tibet, however, your guide and
