£1 TMT 4.68
Today
7:54 am
+5h from you
Weather in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan
29°
Thunderstorm
Fri
15
29
Sat
13
23
Sun
13
24
Mon
15
27
Tue
16
30
SPF level in Turkmenistan
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Turkmenistan
Tipping in Turkmenistan
Tipping is not customary in Turkmenistan, but small gestures of appreciation are usually accepted, especially for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service, but not expected.
Bar/Café
Small change for good service is appreciated, but not expected.
Taxi
Round up the fare, but not required.
Hotel Porter
1-2 TMT per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
Small tip at the end of the stay for good service.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price if you are happy with their service.
Safety in Turkmenistan
Tips for British travellers
Turkmenistan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport with you as police conduct identity checks.
Do not drink alcohol in parks, beaches, train stations, or any other communal space as it is illegal and carries a fine.
Smoking is illegal outside or in communal spaces unless in a designated smoking area.
Be respectful during Ramadan and avoid offending religious sensitivities, as cafes and mosques will be busy.
Take care when taking photos and always ask for consent before photographing people, as it can cause offence.
Bonus tips:
Avoid unlicensed taxis and use only the clearly marked white and green licensed ones.
Be aware that many social media apps and websites like Facebook and WhatsApp are blocked, and using a VPN is illegal.
Driving in Turkmenistan
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your UK license. Check with the rental company or local authorities for specific requirements.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Turkmenistan drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
02
Ambulance
03
Fire
01
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Turkmenistan
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
In Turkmenistan, the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a plug adapter to use UK appliances as the plug types used are Type C and Type F.
Cards & payments
Low. Credit card payments are not widely accepted, except in larger hotels and some tourist-oriented establishments in Ashgabat. Smaller businesses and local shops predominantly use cash.
Visa
Low
Mastercard
Low
American Express
Very Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Turkmenistan
Limited, mostly available in Ashgabat and major cities.
Local name
Bankomat
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are not widely available outside of Ashgabat. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. It is best to arrive with sufficient cash.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming in Turkmenistan can be expensive. Check with your UK mobile provider for roaming charges before you travel. EU roaming regulations no longer apply post-Brexit. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 100 TMT (~£22)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
MTS Turkmenistan, Aý Nazar
WiFi & internet
Limited. Available in some hotels and cafes in Ashgabat, but not widely available elsewhere.
Average speed
5 Mbps
Internet access is limited and generally slower than in the UK. Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and cafes in larger cities like Ashgabat, but can be unreliable. Mobile data is an option with a local SIM.
Health & vaccinations in Turkmenistan
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities in Turkmenistan are limited. Confirm your insurance covers all planned activities.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Medical facilities in Turkmenistan are limited, particularly outside of Ashgabat. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and necessary vaccinations. It's advisable to carry a personal medical kit, including any prescription medications you require.
Calling Turkmenistan
Country code
+993
To call Turkmenistan from the UK, dial 00 993 followed by the area code (if applicable) and then the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Ashgabat from the UK, you would dial 00 993 12 363462.
The country code for Turkmenistan is 993. When calling from outside Turkmenistan, use your country's exit code followed by 993 and the local number. Mobile phone coverage can be limited in some areas.
UK Embassy in Turkmenistan
British Embassy Ashgabat
Office 4, 3rd Floor, Business Centre 'A', Bekreve Street 241, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Airports in Turkmenistan
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.