🚩 Local Scams · Lhasa
Last verified 30 Jul 2025
1 Scam Spotlight Table
"Blessing Thread" Donation
Jokhang Square · Barkhor entrances
How it works: Man in maroon robes slips a red string on your wrist, chants, then demands ¥100–300.
🛡️ Avoid: Only take blessings inside temples; outside offers = polite "mé yǒu" (no).
Yak-Photo Up-charge
Potala south plaza · Yaowang Mtn. lookout
How it works: Handler says ¥10 for a snapshot, then claims "per person / extra pose" & jacks bill to ¥100.
🛡️ Avoid: Agree price in writing; pay only once shot taken.
Fake Thangka "Hand-Paint"
Barkhor craft alleys
How it works: Cheap prints sold as hand-painted art for ¥1 500+; faux silk, no studio stamp.
🛡️ Avoid: Ask for workshop certificate & UV watermark; shop at Tashilhunpo Co-op Gallery.
Taxi "Flat-Rate" Fare
Lhasa Railway Stn
How it works: Driver refuses meter from railway / airport, quotes ¥200 (meter ≈ ¥40).
🛡️ Avoid: Use official queue; insist on meter (dǎ biǎo) or DiDi (supports Visa).
Potala "VIP Skip-Line" Ticket
Beijing E. Rd. strip
How it works: Tout offers same-day entry voucher—QR won't scan at gate; real system is ID-linked 7-day pre-book.
🛡️ Avoid: Reserve only in "布达拉宫预约" mini-prog or hotel concierge.
Altitude-Pill Miracle Cure
Tromzikhang Market
How it works: Shopkeeper sells ¥300 herbal capsules, claims "guaranteed" no AMS—actually vitamin blend.
🛡️ Avoid: Buy legit Diamox or certified Rhodiola at hospital pharmacy (24 h on East Beijing Rd.).
Oxygen-Canister Gouge
Jokhang back lanes
How it works: Street stands price canister ¥150 (pharmacy price ¥45) after 20 : 00 when pharmacies shut.
🛡️ Avoid: Stock cheap cans daytime at China National Pharmacy; hostel rents concentrators ¥50/night.
"Pilgrim Kora Guide"
Barkhor Clock Tower
How it works: "Ex-monk" offers Barkhor circuit lecture, finishes with ¥600 "temple donation" request.
🛡️ Avoid: Join free hotel walk or hire licensed guide (blue card, photo ID).
2 Why It Matters
Lhasa's spiritual magnetism + altitude jitters make visitors vulnerable to fake monks, miracle cures and "VIP access" claims. Add scarce late-night transport and you've a perfect stage for quick-hit scams that cost time, money and priceless first-impressions.
3 Pro Tips
1
Book Potala only via official mini-program "布达拉宫预约" (opens 20 : 00, 7 days ahead).
2
Taxi meter basics – flag-drop ¥10 / 2 km + ¥2.3 / km; airport bus to city ¥30—cheaper than "flat-rate" cabs.
3
Photo fees upfront – write the total, include extra poses & people.
4
Altitude gear wisely – Diamox needs 24 h lead; oxygen cans under ¥60 at pharmacies, not street stands.
5
Temple etiquette – donations only at clearly marked boxes; genuine monks never set prices or follow you outside.
6
Emergency numbers – Police 110 • Tibet tourist hotline 0891-12301—save both before you roam.
Stay altitude-safe and scam-smart to keep Lhasa about mandalas, yak butter and Himalayan sky—No Tourist Traps. No BS.