Money & duty free for Tibet
Exchange rates:
Renminbi YuanC$1 = ¥5.18
€1 = ¥7.28
£1 = ¥8.61
US$1 = ¥6.95
Currency & Money
1 Renminbi Yuan (CNY; symbol ¥) = 10 jiao/mao. Notes are in denominations of ¥100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1. Coins are in denominations of Y1, 0.5 and 1 jiao/mao. Counterfeit ¥100 notes are commonplace. The Yuan is often referred to as the ‘kuai’ in street slang.
Credit/debit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, American Express etc) are accepted in top-end hotels in Lhasa but are of very limited use elsewhere.
ATMs are available in many towns, though those in Lhasa and Shigatse are most reliable. Cash advances from a credit card are available in Lhasa.
Chinese banks give a slightly higher rate for travellers cheques compared to cash but charge a small commission (around 0.75%). US dollars and Euros are the easiest denominations to change. Cashing travellers cheques is difficult outside of Lhasa and Shigatse, so bring a combination of cheques, cash and a credit/debit card.
Tibet duty free
For duty-free allowances for Tibet, see the China section.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
See China section for a full list. Additionally, you may not import pictures of the Dalai Lama, political or other publications by either the Dalai Lama or the exiled government in Dharamsala or even travel guidebooks that obliquely refer to Tibetan independence.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
You know where