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Few scams

Central Asia

Tourist scams in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is described as a very safe country, with a low overall risk of crime. The main tourist scam identified is fraud by black-market currency exchangers, including at Gulistan market in Ashgabat. The specific tricks and how often they happen are not described.
  1. 1 Changing moneyOccasionalBlack-market currency exchange scamsBlack-market currency exchangers use tricks to cheat travellers during money exchanges. The exact methods are not described, so do not assume that a simple cash count will protect you.Ashgabat 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Gulistan market (Russian Bazaar), AshgabatBlack-market currency exchangers operate here and are known to use tricks to scam travellers.

Habits that keep you safe

Money

  • Avoid informal currency exchange offers.
  • Exchange only what you expect to spend. Manat cannot be exchanged outside Turkmenistan or changed back into foreign currency inside the country.
  • Carry plenty of US$1 bills for small payments.
  • Expect hotels, certain tourist sights and tour operators to ask for dollars. Dollar payments are officially restricted to international hotels and the airport.
  • Keep spare cash separate from the money you use each day.

Cards and ATMs

  • Plan for limited card acceptance. Cards are mainly accepted at big international hotels and banks in larger cities.
  • Visa is described as the most useful card. Do not rely on being able to use MasterCard widely.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available offline.
  • Cover your PIN and check your account for unfamiliar charges.

Taxis

  • In Ashgabat, official taxis can be found outside the airport arrivals hall and near the railway station.
  • Official taxis are described as safer but more expensive than informal rides.
  • Agree on the fare before getting in. Check whether it is per person or for the whole car.

Your belongings

  • Keep your cash, phone and travel documents secure.
  • Carry a separate copy of important documents.
  • Check that you have your belongings before leaving a vehicle or payment counter.

Tours and guides

  • Check with your tour guide before visiting border areas or other places that may need government permission.
  • Ask your guide to help clarify unfamiliar payment arrangements before you hand over money.

Police and officials

  • Stay calm and polite when dealing with officials.
  • Avoid criticism of the government or country.
  • Ask before taking photographs where restrictions may apply, especially around airports.
  • Do not photograph or record people without their permission.

What travellers say about Turkmenistan

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Turkmenistan?

The country is described as very safe overall. Black-market currency exchange fraud is specifically identified, but its frequency is not stated.

Where should I be careful about currency exchange?

Gulistan market, also called the Russian Bazaar, in Ashgabat is specifically linked to black-market exchangers who scam travellers. Avoid informal exchange deals.

Can I change leftover manat back into dollars?

Manat cannot be changed back into dollars or other foreign currencies inside Turkmenistan, and cannot be exchanged outside the country. Exchange only what you expect to spend.

Can I rely on bank cards?

No. Acceptance is limited mainly to big international hotels and banks in larger cities. Visa is described as the most useful card, while MasterCard acceptance is much more limited.

Will I need US dollars?

Hotels, certain tourist sights and tour operators may ask for dollars. Carry small notes, including US$1 bills. Official rules restrict dollar acceptance to international hotels and the airport.

How can I avoid a taxi fare dispute?

Agree on the total fare before getting in, including whether it is per person or for the whole car. In Ashgabat, official taxis are available outside airport arrivals and near the railway station.

What should I do if my wallet or phone is stolen?

Get somewhere safe, secure affected cards or accounts, and record what happened. Ask your guide or accommodation for help reporting the theft to police.

How should I handle an encounter with officials?

Stay calm and polite. Avoid criticism of the government or country, and be careful about photography around airports.

Who can help if my passport is stolen?

Report the theft to police and contact your embassy or consulate through its official contact details. Keep copies of any report for replacement documents and insurance.

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