Tibet Communication

Nowadays, communication in Tibet is much more developed than before. Tibet is no longer shut out from the outside world as it was several years ago. Telephone, mobile phone, fax, and Internet have all entered Tibetans' daily life whether in big cities or in rural areas. The development of communication provides great convenience to travelers in Tibet.

Mobile phone is the first choice of most tourists to communicate with faraway relatives and friends. At present, the service of China Mobile and China Telecom can reach most big cities in Tibet. Towns along Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, China-Nepal Highway and even the newly operated Qinghai-Tibet Railway are within the reach of mobile phone signals. More amazingly, the area from Mt. Everest Base Camp to the peak of Mt. Everest is also in China Mobile's service range, which may help climbers a lot. Nevertheless, mobile phone signals are largely influenced by climate, so you can not rely on it too much. Interphone is perhaps a reliable choice to keep in contact with your travel group. Or take an IC card; it will help in small villages where mobile phones can not receive signals. 
 
Telephones in Tibet can connect you with most countries. For domestic calls, you can use telephone booths on the street. In Lhasa, booths are conveniently scattered at intervals of only dozens of meters. For international long-distance calls, you can use the phone in a post office or in a hotel. Some booths and shops along the street also offer international phone service.

Most counties in Tibet have post offices. Lhasa Post Office has set up an Express Mail Service system with approximately 200 cities in China and operates on two international routes. Video conference service and fax service are also available in the office. Some big hotels and restaurants also have mail service.

Internet cafes have sprung up in Tibet in recent years. Most cafes are set up in Lhasa, Shigatse , Bayi, Tsedang, and Dzogang and so on. Usually, it costs CNY 2-5 per hour.