Insight Nepal | TIBET - Roof of the World

Search for :

NEPAL :

US$ hard currency/Traveler's cheques is the most common form of foreign currency recognized all over Nepal and quite easily accepted as well. All foreign currencies can be exchanged to Nepalese currency at the hotel counters, government approved money exchange counters located all over the city or from local banks.

Visa Card and Master Card are the common credit cards accepted in many major hotels and business firms, but all payments by credit cards are normally subject to 3 to 4 % service charge. Credit cards may not be accepted in small business shops or restaurants so it is also a good idea to carry sufficient cash/T.C.

TIBET :

Money would be of no use during a trek in Tibet, but at other places, foreign currency has to be converted to RMB. Credit cards and Travelers cheque are normally not accepted so it is a good idea to carry sufficient hard cash to cover your small expenses.

Currency :

In Tibet, you still use Chinese Yuan 'RMB'. But in Tibet people don't use coins as other big cities in China.

Exchanging Money

In Tibet, the only place to change foreign currency and travellers cheques is the Bank of China. The top end hotels in Lhasa have exchenge 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 out of Lhasa can not be paid using a credit card. The Lhasa branch of the Bank of China is the only bank in Tibet which provides credit card advances. Most of time you couldn't get cash by ATM from small branches, usually you need to go to the Main one nearby Potala Palace. A 3% commission is usually deducted and the minimum advance is normally RMB2000

Travel Information