How to Exchanging Money in Tibet

In  Tibet,  the  only  place  to  change  foreign  currency  and  travellers
cheques  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) and Ali, and at the airport on arrival. If you are travelling upcountry,
try  to  get  your  cash  in  small  denominations:  Y100  and  Y50  bills  are
sometimes difficult to get rid of in rural 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 official rate  is
given at all banks and most hotels, so there is little need to shop around
for the best deal. The standard commission is 0.75%.
The  only  place  in  Tibet  to  officially  change  RMB  back  into  foreign
currency is the central Lhasa branch of the Bank of China. You will need
your original exchange receipts. You cannot change RMB into dollars at
Gongkar airport.
Moneychangers at Zhangmu (by the Nepal border) will change yuan into
Nepali  rupees  and  vice  versa.  Yuan  can  also  easily  be  reconverted  in
Hong Kong and, increasingly, in many Southeast Asian countries.