Thorn Tree travel forum

1

Legally you still need a permit but if any traveller is willing to risk going without one, so be it. Its not up to us to tell people permits arent needed. The officials on the train still do random checks. You were just lucky. Maybe I'll come to your country and break the rules.

We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

2

Another one who got lucky and thinks that it's a scam.
Cheers!

3

Can I just point out that it isn't Sim's that is scamming you - if indeed it's anyone - it's the government who tell Sim's (and other travel agencies) that you need a permit. They just give you the option to buy one, so I don't see why you needed to name them specifically.

My country tells me I need car tax to drive my car, so I buy it... but thousands don't, and I pity them when they get caught.

Ant's the author of the triptastic RTW travelogue www.trailofants.com. As well as first class travel writing he also offers his readers a 6% discount with World Nomads travel insurance via the World Nomads promotional code TRLANT.

4

If police say it themselfs ?????????

Well if you want to, just buy them. You'll just lose the money !!

5

Thats our business, isnt it???

We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

6

What exactly did the police tell you in Chinese or English?

Extensive FAQ about travel situation and permit restrictions in Tibet
Spinn Cafe , Lhasa, Tibet - we are based in Lhasa
Spinning in Tibet (ISBN: 9789881805966), published in Hong Kong.

7

How come some travellers never get to see the permit, just paid for it?
How come my permit was completely different from the one another traveller had with him?

Is this what you call legal?

#6 Police just asked if we had a permit. I sad we had, and she said "that's a pity"
A guy from Tsjechoslowakia who was with us didn't have one, and she said "good!"

Besides, if the permit is needed you can't buy the ticket at the ticket office at the train station, you have to go to a travel agency.
The Tsjech guy just bought the ticket himself.

#5 I think it's my right to inform people who don't want to pay for something that isn't necessary.
And I'd rather give the money to the pilgrims, monks or beggars. There are enough of them here in Lhasa...

Ah, we'll just leave it here. You choose yourself.