Arriving in Lhasa

From LXA: Airport shuttle buses run to central Lhasa (Potala Square area) in about 1.5 hours (¥25); the mountain road includes sections above 4,500m. Taxis from LXA cost ¥300–400 and take a similar time. There is no metro in Lhasa. Your travel agency or hotel will typically arrange airport pickup as part of the permit/tour package. Upon arrival, rest immediately — the first 6–12 hours at altitude are the most critical for acclimatisation.

China Mobile SIMs work in Lhasa and most of the TAR; Unicom coverage is patchier. Purchase your SIM before arriving in Tibet — Lhasa has shops but queues and documentation requirements can be complicated for foreign visitors. VPNs function in Lhasa but connectivity to servers can be slower than in eastern China.

Alipay and WeChat Pay are used in Lhasa's restaurants and most shops; Barkhor Street market vendors typically accept QR payment. Some traditional vendors near the Jokhang Temple prefer cash. Foreign card linking via Alipay International is functional but connection quality can affect reliability.

ATMs at Bank of China branches near Potala Square and in the Beijing Road area accept foreign cards; withdraw cash on the first or second day as ATM availability outside Lhasa city is very limited. Keep ¥600–800 for the duration of a Lhasa stay as emergency cash; market vendors and monastery donation boxes are cash-only. The nearest fully reliable ATM for remote day trips may be back in Lhasa.

Lhasa is UTC+8 — but altitude (3,650m) is the dominant arrival challenge, not time zone. Symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath) typically peak at 12–24 hours after arrival. On arrival day: rest, drink water, avoid alcohol, eat lightly. Do not schedule sightseeing until day 2 at minimum. Diamox (acetazolamide) is an altitude prophylactic that many visitors use — consult a doctor before travel.

Lhasa has good English-language tourism infrastructure for its size — most licensed tour agencies and hotels serving foreign visitors have English-speaking staff. The Barkhor area has restaurant and guesthouse staff experienced with international travellers. Your travel agency is the primary point of contact for any issues given the requirement for a guided tour structure. In emergencies, the Tibet Military General Hospital has the most comprehensive facilities; dial 120 for ambulance.