Tibet Travel Tips includes all the essential information first time travelers and seasoned Tibet tourists need to know. We will be adding to this section periodically and making updates. Any inaccurate or updated information can be forwarded to our e-mail for prompt corrections.
Important Telephone Numbers
Lhasa-Police Department-110
Complaints-6834193
Weather-6314111
Long Distance-0891
Hospitals-
Tibetan Hospital-26 Niangre Road-6323428
(TAR)Peoples Hospital-Linkuo N. Road-6332462
#2 Peoples Hospital-Jinzu W. Road-6324883
Lhasa Peoples Hospital-6 Beijing E. Road-6323212
Documents
Entry to this once forbidden land has not been the easiest task. But don`t despair, it isn`t as difficult as it once was. If you don`t try to do it alone, it is actually an easy process. Foreign visitors, including those from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau are required to present the following documents to gain entry into Tibet.
Tibet travel tip #1These include a valid passport, visa, and an aliens travel permit.
While there was some discrepancy in the past regarding the special entry documents – sometimes referred to as a confirmation letter-the alien travel permit is the easiest, most convenient means to be sure you are able to visit all territories within the TAR.
The permit is affordable at less than $20 and must be granted by a tour company. This is important. Individual entry is difficult if not impossible. One must go with a tour group-which may be as little as several people or as very large.
Currency
The currency used in the TAR is the Chinese Yuan(RMB). One can exchange currency at a Bank of China.
Travelers checks are acceptable at a number of places in urban centers in Tibet.
Credit cards are also becoming more readily used as well.
Tibet travel tip #2 Do not count on plastic or the acceptance of travelers checks everywhere.
Try to estimate how much cash you will need prior to leaving the urban areas-or else you may get stuck and have difficulty with payment when reaching rural areas.
First Aid Kit
It would be wise to take along a first aid kit with at least the following contents:
Medicine for altitude sickness-almost everyone will experience some-don`t take any chances.
Medicine for digestive problems-nausea, diarrhea-be careful with food, drink. Stock up on food while you are in bigger cities like lhasa, prior to venturing out toward the rural regions. Also, drink only bottled water.
Medicine for respiratory problems-air is very dry, nose bleeds and dry throats are common complaints.
Other important items you may want to consider are antibiotics, antiseptics, bandages, aspirin, sunscreen(must bring), and lip balm.
Altitude Sickness
Tibet travel tip #3
# Bring medicine
# Rest the first day and get adequate sleep before sightseeing.
# If you start to feel sick or get a headache, it is better to rest immediately, rather than push oneself and plan to rest later.
# Avoid alcohol-drink plenty of water
Due to the decrease in oxygen and low barometric pressure, the “thin air” can cause problems such as altitude sickness.
The body needs to adapt to the environment gradually, which is why rest is recommended when one first arrives in Tibet.
A vast array of symptoms may occur including vomiting, nausea, bloody nose, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heart beat, etc.
While different people may experience different symptoms, not everyone will experience the same problems. Some won`t experience any.
However, count on experiencing some-and take the necessary precautions. Failure to act appropriately can result in death!
Clothing
Be sure to plan your trip during the “better times” to travel to Tibet-which is roughly between April to the end of October.
You will truly see Tibet at its best and avoid any dangers such as extreme harsh temperatures and heavy snowfall(Note-certain areas are also closed during the winter months).
Tibet travel tip #4 With regard to clothing, think layers.
The smartest thing one can do is wear layers. That way one can strip away a layer or two if the temperature increases, or visa versa.
Remember that anytime of the year the weather can change abruptly. It may be very cold in the morning, quite warm and sunny by midday, then plummet by dusk!
Bring gloves, hat, scarf, proper footwear(ie-boots)-especially when trekking away from the city.
Internet Facilities
There are a number of internet facilities scattered throughout Tibet. While most can be found in the big cities like Lhasa or Ngari, one may find a spot in a rural town sometimes. Most large, 5-star hotels have internet connections.
Telecommunication
Mobile phone service is readily available and has spread like wild fire in Tibet. Chips can be purchased for a small fee. For those with incompatible handsets, mobiles can be purchased for a small charge as well.
Public phone booths are available throughout the bigger cities. Also IP services are also becoming more available-again in the urban regions. Most hotels will have long distance phone service capability for guest use.
Cultural Cues
# Remove hats when entering religious facilities
# Do not use your camera inside religious structures, unless it states it is okay or you ask permission. Some places charge a fee.
Tibet travel tip #5 Do not photograph anyone unless you ask permission first
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July 28th, 2010 
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