Getting There
Airtickets may be purchased from theCAACoffice inside the Bank of China on Zhufeng Lu (tel.0892/882-4252), open from 4 to 5pm. Thebus stationis on Shanghai Lu (tel.0892/882-2903), just north of the Shigatse Hotel. Buses connect with Lhasa (6 hr.; ¥38/$4.70) at 8am and 9:30am, and minibuses depart throughout the morning. Buses to Gyantse (1 1/2 hr.; ¥20-¥25/$2.50-$3) depart every 2 hours from 9:30am to 5:30pm; to Sakya Monastery (6 hr.; ¥32/$4) every other day at 8am; to Lhatse (4 hr.; ¥30/$3.70) at 9am; and to Shelkar (Dingri; 6 1/2 hr.; ¥65/$8.10) at 8:30am. An office just south of the bus station (tel.0892/882-7222) has minibuses to Zhangmu (12 hr.; ¥300/$37) which depart at 6am.Note:Your chances of boarding a bus to Gyantse are slim, as police impose heavy fines on drivers who harbor foreigners.
Fast Facts
Banks, Foreign Exchange & ATMs-- Cash and traveler's checks may be changed at counter 5 of theBank of China,immediately south of the Shigatse Hotel, at Shanghai Lu 7. Credit card advances can also be made (open weekdays 9am-1pm and 3:30-6:30pm, weekends 10am-5pm).
Internet Access--AvoidChina Telecom, with their WELCOME TO INTERNET sign. The welcome involves being fleeced. Continue north toGuangsu Zaixian Wangbaat Shanghai Zhong Lu 41, where you'll pay the same price the locals do (Yen)4/50¢ per hour) and enjoy a cup of jasmine tea. Dial-up is tel.165.
Post Office-- The main post office (open 9am-7pm) is at Zhufeng Xi Lu 12.
Visa Extensions-- ThePSBat Jijilangka Lu 3 (tel.0892/882-2241) offers 1-month extensions a week before expiry (open 9am-1pm and 4-7pm summer; 10am-1pm and 3-6:30pm winter). Due to a recent visit from the TTC (Tibet Tourist Corporation), they are not issuing travel permits. The situation may change.