Exchanging Money in Tibet

In Tibet, the main place to change foreign currency is the Bank of China. 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, Zhangmu, Purang (cash only), Ali and at the airport. If you are traveling upcountry, try to get your cash in small denominations: Y100 and Y50 bills are sometimes difficult to get rid of in rural Tibet.

Money Exchange in Tibet

The currencies of Australia, Canada, the US, the UK, Hong Kong, Japan, the euro zone and most of the rest of Western Europe are acceptable at the Lhasa Bank of China. The offical 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 yuan 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 yuan into Nepali-repuees and vice versa. Yuan can also easily be reconverted in Hong Kong and increasingly, in many Southeast Asian countries.