Capital city, Turkmenistan
Ashgabat
White-marble capital of a closed, tightly controlled country. Strikingly empty and strange, with Darvaza and Nisa nearby, but visits are guided, expensive, and heavily monitored with limited internet.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, OctWarmest: Jul, 38°CDetails
- Air quality22.1 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · PollutedDetails
- Internet2 MbpsFixed broadband, Turkmenistan medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water, which is cheap and sold everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: rareDetails
- Getting aroundTaxi (arranged by hotel or agency)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyForeign cards rarely work.Details
Where to stay in Ashgabat
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| City center near Independence Park | Marble monuments, most hotels and tours |
| Near the Tolkuchka Bazaar road | Weekend market trips; hotels are few |
Apps that work in Ashgabat
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Download offline maps (Organic Maps or Maps.me) before arriving
- Messaging: imo
- Taxis: No ride-hailing apps work. Tourists normally travel with guides or hotel-arranged drivers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Turkmenistan.
- Cash only Foreign cards rarely work. Bring clean, undamaged US dollars and ask your agency how to exchange legally.
- Currency: Manat (TMT). US$1 ≈ m3.50 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Assume ATMs won't accept foreign cards; plan to need none.
- Tipping: Tip guides and drivers at the end of a tour; small tips in restaurants are appreciated.
- Paying by phone: None for visitors; plan on cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Tourist visas need a letter of invitation through a licensed Turkmen travel agency, and itineraries are usually guided.
- Transit visas (up to 5 days) allow independent travel on a fixed route with an onward visa.
- Visa and entry fees on arrival are paid in clean, recent US dollar notes.
Emergency numbers
Police 02 or 002 · Ambulance 03 or 003 · Fire 01 or 001
Plugs
Type B, C, F · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TMCELL is the only real option; getting a SIM as a tourist is slow, so ask your agency. Mobile internet is slow and filtered.
Going to Ashgabat solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Ashgabat meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.