Getting There
At the time of writing permits and a guide were supposedly required for travel to anywhere in the TAR outside of Lhasa, Shigatse included. However, on my recent trip, it was easy enough to buy a bus ticket to Shigatse and if you don't intend to travel any farther, you may well get away without a permit or guide, but you will certainly need them beyond here. Air tickets may be purchased from the CAAC office inside the Bank of China on Zhufeng Lu (tel. 0892/882-4252), open from 4 to 5pm.
For the time being, foreign travelers are unable to take buses onward from Shigatse; the following details are included in the hope that legislation will change in the future. The bus station is on Shanghai Lu (tel. 0892/882-2903), just north of the Shigatse Hotel. Buses connect with Lhasa (4 hr.; ¥50/$6.50/£3.25) at 8am, 9:30am, and 10am and minibuses depart throughout the morning.
Fast Facts
Banks, Foreign Exchange and ATMs -- Cash and traveler's checks may be changed at counter 5 of the Bank 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 10:30am-4:30pm).
Internet Access -- Avoid China Telecom, with their WELCOME TO INTERNET sign. The welcome involves being fleeced. Continue north to Guangsu Zaixian Wangba at Shanghai Zhong Lu 41, where you'll pay the same price the locals do (¥4/50¢/25p 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 -- The PSB (tel. 0892/882-2056) used to offer 1-month extensions a week before expiration (open 9am-1pm and 4-7pm summer; 10am-1pm and 3-6:30pm winter). Due to the recent tightening of restrictions on travel outside of Lhasa, the Shigatse office was issuing neither visa extensions nor travel permits. It is hoped this will have changed by the time you arrive -- check in Lhasa before you leave.
