How to Pay in Tibet: A Guide to Money & Payments (Updated 2026)

How to pay in Tibet is one of the most common questions we hear from our travelers planning their trip to Tibet. The official currency in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), since Tibet is part of China. Tour fees are usually settled directly with your travel agency, for example, at WindhorseTour we accept payment via bank transfer, PayPal, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.

Once in Tibet, payments work a bit differently. Today, most hotels, restaurants, shops and even street vendors in Tibet accept mobile payments through WeChat Pay (the most popular) or Alipay (Might not available in remote places). Credit cards, on the other hand, are only accepted at large hotels and a few of high-end restaurants or shops in Lhasa and Shigatse. Carrying some cash is still essential when traveling to remote areas, and for tipping your guide and driver.

This guide covers everything you need to know about money and payments in Tibet, from currency exchange and ATMs to mobile apps, credit cards, daily costs, and tipping so you can be fully prepared for your Tibet trip.

Tibet Currency

The only currency in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also called the Renminbi (RMB). Foreign currencies cannot be used directly, they have to be converted into Chinese Yuan “CNY/RMB”, and people in Tibet do not use coins as the other major cities in China.
If you are traveling to the remote areas in Tibet, try to carry a mix of smaller bills (10, 20, 50 CNY) for local shops, where larger bills may be harder to use.

Where can I exchange money in Tibet?

In Tibet, the only place to change foreign currency and travelers’ checks are the Bank of China (BOC) in Lhasa. Prepare for long waits, as the process may take up to 1 hour. Bank of China’s working hours are from 08:30 am to 17:00 pm, and services usually stop about 30 minutes before closing. In addition, at noon, there is an hour of lunch break that will close the window to stop the business.

Some 5-stars hotels in Lhasa such as the St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Shangri-La, and InterContinental, etc. also provide exchange services, but only for their guests.

Outside of Lhasa, exchange money opportunities are very limited. Many small towns don’t have banks or exchange counters. But ATMs are available in other cities like Shigatse, Bayi etc where you can get cash.

Tip: Exchange your cash in Lhasa before heading to more remote areas and have the mobile payment be ready.

Can I use credit cards in Tibet?

The short answer is YES. However, credit cards are not recommended as a way of payment in Tibet. The debit and credit cards used in China are UnionPay. The MasterCard and Visa cards can only be used in luxury hotels like St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Shangri-La Hotel, etc. In addition, the number of shops/restaurants/hotels (only 5-star hotels) in Lhasa that can accept international credit cards is rather limited. Other Tibetan cities outside Lhasa are even more inconvenient to use credit cards, even UnionPay cards.

If you need cash while in Lhasa, the most reliable places are the Bank of China (BOC) and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). Both have ATMs that work with foreign cards, and ICBC even offers a 24-hour machine with an English menu. These usually accept major international networks such as Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro, and Plus.

Keep in mind, though, that ATMs in Tibet aren’t always reliable, machines can run out of cash or occasionally reject foreign cards. It’s best to withdraw money during bank hours and carry some backup cash in Chinese Yuan (CNY), especially before heading to smaller towns or remote areas.

The main branch of the Bank of China in Lhasa, near the Potala Palace, is also your best bet if you need a credit card cash advance. Smaller branches often can’t handle this service. Expect a 3% fee, with a minimum withdrawal of 2,000 CNY.

Is Mobile Payment Available in Tibet? Like WeChat Pay and Alipay

Yes — mobile payments are now the most common way to pay in Tibet. Apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, and even local vendors in small towns. WeChat Pay is more popular than Alipay, as the vendors don’t accept Alipay in most small town or villages.

Foreign travelers can usually register these apps with their passport and link an international credit card or bank card. It’s best to set this up before your trip.

Tip: Mobile payments work almost everywhere, but always carry some backup cash for small purchases or in very remote areas.

Please note the Apple Pay is not available in Tibet.

How Much Cash Should I Carry in Tibet? (Price Reference)

For personal expenses like meals and laundry in Tibet, travelers may prepare about 200-300 CNY per day per person. Most of the tour package will exclude lunch, dinner, and breakfast in the remote area, the hotels will provide daily breakfast. Normally, a bowl of noodles or fried rice costs from 15CNY to 40CNY depending on the meats and vegetables you choose. A traditional Chinese or Tibetan meal costs 60-100 CNY per person. The single price of drinks and desserts is from 5-40 CNY. While for vegetarian travelers, you would save about 50-100 CNY every day. 

The laundry service is available in the hotels of the big cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, the cost is about 10-40 CNY per piece. As for the souvenirs, the price is ranging from a few CNY to tens of thousands of CNY, based on the item you chose. And the best place to buy them is Barkhor Street in Lhasa or the lively market in Shigatse.

While most of your payments in Lhasa and Shigatse can now be handled digitally, cash is still useful for rural areas, tips, or emergencies. On average, travelers should budget 200–300 CNY per day per person for personal expenses not covered by their tour package.

• Meals: A simple bowl of noodles or fried rice costs 20–40 CNY, while a fuller Chinese or Tibetan meal is usually 60–100 CNY per person. Vegetarian travelers may spend 50–100 CNY less per day.

• Drinks & snacks: Expect to pay 5–40 CNY.

• Laundry: Available at hotels in major cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, costing 10–40 CNY per piece.

• Souvenirs: Prices range from just a few RMB to several thousand, depending on the item. The best shopping spots are Barkhor Street in Lhasa and the lively markets in Shigatse.

Tipping in Tibet

Tipping is not a common practice in everyday life in Tibet, so you generally won’t be expected to tip in local restaurants or standard hotels. On guided tours, however, tipping has become a customary way for travelers to show appreciation for good service. While never mandatory, it’s always welcomed.

As a reference, we suggest 100–200 CNY per day, per group, for both the guide and the driver. The easiest way is to give the tips at the end of the tour as a group.

Conclusion

Paying in Tibet is much easier today than before. Mobile payments with WeChat Pay and Alipay are now widely accepted, while cash is still important in rural areas and for small purchases. Credit cards, on the other hand, remain very limited and are only useful at a few high-end hotels or shops.

By planning ahead, setting up mobile payments before your trip, carrying some Chinese Yuan in smaller bills, and knowing where to find ATMs, you’ll avoid most hassles and travel in Tibet.