To contact the police in any prefectural city call T110.
The Public Security Bureau (PSB) deals with everything from traffic problems to political dissent. Most crimes are handeled administratively and the PBS acts as police, judge and executioner. The Foreign Affairs Branch dears with tourists and can extend visas, but only in the major city branches. The PBS is also responsible for issuing Alien Travel Permits (ATP) for the “closed” areas of the Tibetan plateau within their jurisdiction. Officers are usually friendly to foreigners and some speak English. The PBS has two offices in Lhasa, and there are ones Shigatse, Tsetand, Senge Khabab, Kermo, Zungchu, Dartsedo, Gyektand, Barkham and Ziling and other major towns.
Just as every place in the world, theft occurs--thus use your common sense. In particular, rural hotels have yet to reach the standards of security and professionalism you might expect when traveling in more developed parts of the world, so don't leave valuable things lying around in your hotel room. Keeping your equipment and other things packed up each day in a locked suitcase will make a big difference. While actual luggage theft is uncommon on the plateau, it can happen. Be sure to identify your bags on their travel label and to lock up any rented bicycles. When on the move, keep your eye on your bags as pilfering of personal items is a risk, more so in the Everest region. Invest in a small padlock for backpacks and use in some of the more questionable hotel rooms. Bicycle chains also work well to attach backpacks and luggage to railings as well as the bikes they are intended for. If something is stolen, immediately report it to the PSB. You’ll need to file a loss report and to claim the loss on your travel insurance.
Pickpockets are common place in urban areas especially in entertainment venues.
The crime rate in Tibet is low and you will most likely be received courteously throughout the length of your journey. Some remote villages may be suspicious of strangers but the dangerous road conditions have proved more risky then the county’s residents. Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do anywhere else such as walking alone at night.
Foreign visitors should be aware of the risks facing Tibetan people who engage in acts of political dissent. Do not distribute any photographs of the Dali Lama especially in public places or upon request.
As Tibet is politically unstable, it is possible for a demonstration to occur. As a tourist and a foreigner do not get involved and do not take pictures or video. If the PBS sees you taking pictures they will confiscate your film and may use it to arrest Tibetan participants.
Tibet overall is a relatively safe place for visitors in terms of physical attacks, and especially for international visitors given the strict national laws applying to crime against foreigners. However, there have been reports in Eastern Tibet (Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province,China) of physical violence directed at travelers, so we urge caution when traveling outside of cities and villages in remote areas. Travel with others and use discretion.
With the heavy Chinese military presence in Tibet armed robbery or similar crimes are rare. A bigger threat is confrontation with Landcruiser drivers and misunderstandings that arise in long, complicated drives.
Tibet is certainly a lot better than many areas of the world in terms of local males sexually harassing traveling females. That said, it is not perfect and females should not go by themselves late at night or in remote area.
See Women Travelers for more detailed information.
TBA, Pamela Riis