In mainland China, major currency is easily changed in the larger cities and most have ATM machines that will accept international credit cards. Travels cheques are also accepted. It is recommended that when traveling through Tibet, visitors should bring traveler’s cheques (60%) and cash (40%) in US dollars as well as a credit card.
Credit cards are rarely accepted at most places in Tibet. Usually, they are best used for cash advances or ATM transactions. Those that are accepted include American Express, Visa, Great Wall and a few others. On the Tibetan plateau, credit card cash withdrawals are possible at the Bank of China in Lhasa and Ziling for a surcharge (about 3%). Some ATMs are now available in Lhasa in certain branches of the Bank of China and the Agricultural Bank of China. Some larger hotels on the plateau will also provide currency exchange and accept credit cards. (Lhasa Hotel, Himalaya Hotel, Qinghai Hotel and Jiuzhaigou International Hotel).
Traveler’s cheques typically receive a higher exchange rate by about 3%. Cheques accepted are from ThomasCook, Citibank, American Express and Bank of America. Traveler's cheques are also somewhat safer as they can be replaced as long as you know your traveler's cheques' serial numbers.