Permits
The PSB is issuing 10- to 15-day permits for Gyantse, Shalu Monastery and all towns along the Friendship Hwy to the border(including Sakya,Rongbu and Everest Base Camp) and but not for the places off the highway.The office sometimes open on the weekend.

Banks
There are the Bank of China, the China Construction Bank and the Agricultural Bank of China in Shigatse City. The Bank of China can provide foreign exchange service. Take cash because few banks will accept foreign checks. You can deposit your money in China Post, which has more branches than banks.

Post office
China Post in many counties and towns of Shigatse Region can provide postal and telecom service. If you like, you even can ask the clerk to postmark your postcard when you are in Everest Base Camp,but not international parcels.

Hospitals
Traditional Tibetan Hospital located in the Tashilhunpo Monastery is quite special. Doctors here are lamas who use both Tibetan and western medicine. Shigatse People's Hospital located at No. 5, Shanghai Zhong Lu, Shigatse City, is the best local hospital.