What to Buy& Where to Buy

In Tibet, the currency in circulation is RMB (Renminbi). Foreign currency can not be used directly and can be exchanged only in big cities, such as Lhasa and Shigatse . Foreign currency can be exchanged in these cities either at the Bank of China or at some of the large hotels. Passports must be shown to exchange currency.
 
A bankbook (for a China bank account) or a credit card may be useful in some cases. Presently in Tibet, there are only branches of three state-owned banks, the Bank of China, China Construction Bank and the Agricultural Bank of China. You can withdraw money at these branches if you have an account at any branch of the corresponding bank. Major credit cards of these three banks can be used in some supermarkets, restaurants and hotels within limited areas. ATMs of these banks are sparse in Tibet and may not work flawlessly, so it is advisable to carry both your bankbook and a major credit card. The Green Card issued by China Post is more convenient than a credit card. It can be used in some relatively remote areas, such as Shannan and Nyingchi . Traveler's checks can be exchanged for RMB in branches of the Bank of China. Be aware that banks will be open for unusually short hours during the week and will be closed on weekends. Although it has risks, the most convenient way to travel in Tibet is to take along enough RMB in cash to serve your needs.

Popular things to buy here are carpets, daggers, jewelry, aprons and hats, all of which can be found in the famous Barkhor Street. The vendors on the street outside the Holiday Inn have basically the same range, but in smaller quantities and at higher prices. Besides this, plenty of department stores line the Yuthok Lu, selling more routine articles. Those interested with Chinese herbal medicines also have the chance here to pick up some potions rarely seen in other Chinese cities.

Dagger

Tibetan daggers are seen as indispensable part of the ordinary Tibetan's basic paraphernalia. Not just used as a tool for cutting meat and protecting themselves, the dagger is also a critical fashion accessory. This is especially true of daggers that may be carried by Tibetan women. These tend to be more decorative and delicate. Based on the materials used and the level of craftsmanship in the making of the dagger, prices can range from a few RMB to several thousand. Actually, daggers from Shigatse are particularly famous and are characterized by hard to imitate intricately designed silver sheaths.

Jewelry

There are numerous varieties of jewelry and ornaments in Tibet, including pearl, agate, jade containers and golden-silver products, etc. Generally, it is more graceful in ancient style. You could get them in some used-goods market of Barkhor Square or some special shops for tourists. They have all the decorations you could wish for, which can be pulled on the neck, adorned the wrist, hung on the ears, or some daggers embellished the waist, and all of them are exquisite and decorative; while for those ornaments bigger than others, you could hang them in your rooms or some public locations, thus it would bring you a kind of special environment.