Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
driver will probably expect a tip at the end, assuming all went well. ¥30 to ¥40 per day for
the guide and ¥20 per day for the driver is considered usual.
Basic bargaining skills are essential for travel in Tibet. You can bargain in shops, hotels,
street stalls and travel agencies, and with pedicab drivers and most people - but not every-
where. In small shops and street stalls, bargaining is expected, but there is one important
rule to follow: be polite.
Tibetans are no less adept at driving a hard deal than the Chinese and, like when dealing
with the Chinese, aggressive bargaining will usually only serve to firm their conviction that
the original asking price is the one they want. Try to keep smiling and firmly whittle away at
the price. If this does not work, try walking away. They might call you back, and if they don't
there is always somewhere else.
Travellers Cheques
Besides the advantage of safety, travellers cheques are useful to carry in Tibet because the
exchange rate is higher than it is for cash. Cheques from the major companies such as
Thomas Cook, Visa and American Express are accepted. US dollar denomination cheques
are best.
Opening Hours
Standard opening hours for banks, government offices and PSB offices are 9.30am to 1pm
and 3pm to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, and sometimes 10am to 1pm Saturday.
Hours for shops and restaurants vary considerably, but generally shops open from 10am
to 9pm and restaurants 10.30am to 11pm. Bars may close at 8pm or 2am, depending on
their location and clientele.
Opening hours listed in this guide are for summer; winter hours generally start half an
hour later and finish half an hour earlier.
Many smaller monasteries have no set opening hours and will open up chapels once
you've tracked down the right monk. Others, such as Samye, are notorious for only opening
certain rooms at certain times. In general it's best to try to tag along with pilgrims or a tour
group.
