In Tibet, the only place to change foreign currency and travellers cheques is the Bank of China. The top end hotels in Lhasa have exchange services but they are only availbale for guests.

The sensible thing to do is to change as much money in Lhasa as you think you need. The only other places to change money are in Shigatse, Zhangmu and Purang(or perhaps Ali).

If you are travelling upcountry, try and get your cash in small denominations: RMB100 and RMB50 bills are sometimes difficult to get rid of in rural Tibet. If you don't like the idea of turning up at the border with no Chinese currency you can buy cash RMB from banks in Hong Kong and the Bank of China in large cities.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not recommended as a way of payment in Tibet. Flights and Lhasa can not be paid using a credit card. The Lhasa central branch of the Bank of China is the only place in Tibet which provides credit card advances. A 4% commission is usually deducted.

Remark : In Tibet, coins are not acceptable even for donations, and sometimes the new version of money are not recognized and accepted as well.

Money and Currency Exchange in Tibet

Lhasa

Currently, Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China have their branches in Lhasa, andyou can use your credit card in Bank of China and up market hotels. ATM machines have been hooked up but we suggestyou take some cash in case the network breaks down. US dollars can be accepted besides Chinese Yuan, but shops thataccept American currency are very limited and you might not be able to get a good deal for the exchange rate.Exchanging your money to Chinese currency will be the best option for you, which can be done at the Bank of China and some hotels. You can cash your travellor's checks in all Bank of China branches but cash advances of majorcredit cards can only be done in the main office of Bank of China.

Shigatse

In Shigatse, Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China have their branches there. AndATM is also available, but not functioning well at the moment. Exchange of currency can be done in some hotels andBank of China.

Lhoka

There is only Agricultural Bank of China in Lhoka, so we suggest you take some cash. But you can exchange money atTsedang hotel.

Nyingchi

You can only find China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China in Bayi Town, but without ATM. And you cannot exchange foreign currency there, so you’ll need to bring enough cash if you are going to the remote areas inthis region.

Chamdo

The only possible way for drawing money is the post office. So if you want to visit this region, you should takeenough cash that ensures your expenses there! Must remember, there is no way to exchange foreign currency

Nagri

Only cash is possible.