Welcome to Turkmenistan 😊

Quick Facts About Turkmenistan

Money and Finances

The official currency of Turkmenistan is the Turkmenistan Manat (TMT). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 tenge, while banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 manat.

ATM Network

ATMs are not widely available throughout Turkmenistan, especially outside of the capital city of Ashgabat. It is recommended that travelers bring enough cash with them and exchange it at official exchange offices or banks.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Turkmenistan, and it is recommended that travelers bring enough cash with them and exchange it at official exchange offices or banks. Visa and Mastercard may be accepted at some hotels and larger restaurants in Ashgabat, but it is best to have cash on hand for most transactions.

Internet and Phones

Turkmenistan has limited internet access with an average download speed of 1.33 Mbps and upload speed of 0.85 Mbps. The government heavily controls and censors internet usage, blocking access to social media and independent news sources.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Turkmenistan has two major telco companies, Altyn Asyr and TM CELL. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively high compared to other countries. However, there are no sim compatibility issues as both companies use standard GSM networks.

Dialling to Turkmenistan

To call Turkmenistan from another country, dial +993 followed by the area code and local number. The country code for Turkmenistan is +993. The country is divided into five areas with the following area codes: Ashgabat (12), Balkanabat (222), Dashoguz (322), Mary (522), and Turkmenabat (422).

Transport Around Turkmenistan

Air Travel

Turkmenistan has only one international airport, Ashgabat International Airport, located in the capital city of Ashgabat.

Train Travel

Turkmenistan has a limited inter-city train network, with trains operating between major cities such as Ashgabat, Mary, and Turkmenabat. Example ticket prices range from $10 to $30 USD for journeys that can take between 4 to 10 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Turkmenistan does not currently have any metro systems in its major cities.

Buses

Turkmenistan does have a local bus network, although it is not very extensive. Example ticket prices vary depending on the distance traveled and can range from $0.50 to $2 USD, with journey times varying accordingly.

Rideshare

There are no rideshare companies available in Turkmenistan at this time.

Driving by Car

Driving in Turkmenistan is not recommended for tourists, as roads are often in poor condition and traffic can be chaotic. The maximum speed limit on highways is 90 km/h (56 mph). Turkmenistan uses right hand drive.

Local Customs

In Turkmenistan, tipping is not common and is not expected. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake and a smile. It is common for men to kiss each other on both cheeks when meeting. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be respectful and avoid using loud or aggressive language. Men and women usually address each other according to their age and social status, with younger individuals addressing elders with more formal titles like 'aunt' or 'uncle' instead of using first names.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Turkmenistan has a state-funded health care system that is free for all citizens. However, the quality of medical care is often poor and medical facilities are limited outside of the capital. Private healthcare is available, but it can be very expensive. A visit to the doctor can cost around 20-30 USD.

COVID Situation

Turkmenistan has reported zero cases of COVID-19, though the accuracy of the official data has been questioned by international organizations due to the lack of transparency from the government.

Common Health Risks

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus are present in Turkmenistan, particularly during the summer months. Food and waterborne illnesses, such as hepatitis A and typhoid, are also common. Travelers should take precautions to avoid insect bites and ensure food and drinking water is safe.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption is legal in Turkmenistan, but it is heavily regulated and restricted. Individuals must be 18 years old to purchase alcohol, and it is only available in state-run shops. Additionally, there are restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol during certain holidays and events.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Turkmenistan, and individuals caught using or possessing drugs can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The country has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use and trafficking.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Turkmenistan is a conservative country, and pre-marital relationships are generally frowned upon. However, there are no specific laws in place prohibiting pre-marital relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is illegal in Turkmenistan and is considered a criminal offense. Same-sex relationships are not recognized, and individuals can face severe legal penalties, including imprisonment, for engaging in homosexual acts.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is strictly regulated in Turkmenistan, and individuals must apply for a license to own firearms. Only certain types of firearms are permitted, and there are strict requirements for storage and use. The country has a low incidence of gun violence.