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 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 and the minimum advance is normally RMB1200.

Traveller's Cheques

Traveller's cheques are now acceptable at the Bank of China. It is recommended that you cash your them in Lhasa.

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