Money & Shopping in Tibet
Money
Shopping
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Barkhor Street, Lhasa |
Barkhor is a more traditional Tibetan shopping market. It is a market where shopkeepers with small shops and stalls on the street sell many unusual and fascinating items, for both religious and secular uses. Shopkeepers sell items such as prayer flags, Buddha figures, conch-shell trumpets, rosaries, amulets, fur hats, horse bells, bridles, copper teapots, wooden bowls, inlaid knives, and jewelry inlaid with turquoise and other gems.
Visitors should carefully examine jewelry for quality. While much jewelry of excellent quality is available, some is coarsely done and is of poor quality.Visitors can easily find items that are uniquely Tibetan and that will appeal to them. Exotic Tibetan opera masks and costumes are interesting items. Brightly colored, beautifully homespun rugs and khaddar are also popular souvenirs. Tibetan carpet can be bought at the Lhasa Carpet Factory. Tibetan tents can be bought at the Lhasa Tent and Banner Factory.
As in traditional markets throughout much of the world, you can bargain with the local people and buy nice things at lower prices. Just cut their asking prices by 50 percent! Not everyone in Barkhor will be shopping. You may be accompanied by hundreds of prostrating pilgrims. This is a thrilling experience that will certainly remind you that you are in Lhasa.
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- Last updated on Apr. 14, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Money & Shopping in Tibet
Asked by Ms.MIMIROCKS from UNITED STATES | Dec. 07, 2010 15:25
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can someone help me with a inquiry. When visiting Tibet on holiday next year, I want to purchase many pieces of locally made items and ship to United States. Are there couriers such as UPS/FedEx in Lhasa that will pack & ship items to my home?
I understand that the need to convert US dollars to RMB, which is not ideal for traveling and carrying large sums of cash,but I don't see how I can get around that unless I can cash American Express travel checks at Lhasa Hotel selected by my tour company? Is this possible?
I understand that the need to convert US dollars to RMB, which is not ideal for traveling and carrying large sums of cash,but I don't see how I can get around that unless I can cash American Express travel checks at Lhasa Hotel selected by my tour company? Is this possible?
Answers (1)
Answered by Ms.Ashley | Dec. 09, 2010 02:10
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There are shipping companies in Lhasa(https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/tibet/lhasa/), please don't worry. However, I don't think American check works in Lhasa.