Turkmenistan Travel Advice: Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey

Turkmenistan is a very charming country, but it is important to respect the local culture while visiting. Turkmenistan has been an authoritarian state since 1991.Therefore, the most important thing is not to speak ill of the president, there are plainclothes police everywhere in Turkmenistan, and you should pay attention to your manners and avoid unnecessary trouble caused by inappropriate remarks or actions. In addition, it is necessary to respect the local culture of worship for the president, and maintain respect for the presidential portraits on the streets.

Limiting aspect:

1.Personnel movement restriction: Foreign citizens may visit open areas in Turkmenistan. Foreign citizens may visit non-open areas only after the invitation unit of the Turkmen side submits a written application in accordance with relevant regulations and is approved.

2.Customs restriction: No more than 2 packs of cigarettes and no more than 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages are allowed on entry. Items such as cultural relics, protected animals and plants, and hand-made carpets are not allowed to be taken out of the country without documents from relevant authorities. To carry locally purchased carpet products out of the country, an exit permit issued by a state store or the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan is required.

Travel precautions:

1.Travel camera shooting: Government offices, military sites, and people in uniform are not allowed to take photos. There's a high probability you'll be deported if they're found out. You have to pay extra for photos when you are inside museums and other places.

2.Power supply: Turkmenistan's domestic power generation equipment is relatively old, and there may be frequent power outages in winter and summer, so we must have a certain psychological preparation for this, and prepare countermeasures in advance, such as preparing mobile power supplies.

3.Network: Due to the unique national conditions of Turkmenistan;Internet connections may be limited, as may access to social media or news sites. Take the opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the local environment.

4.Transportation: There are a number of air routes within Turkmenistan that connect major cities, such as the capital Ashgabat, with other regions. To arrive at the airport early for check-in, flights are recommended to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours in advance to avoid delays.Railways are one of the most important ways of transportation in Turkmenistan. Trains are divided into different classes,facilities and fares vary. When booking tickets, pay attention to confirm the departure time, train number and seat information. Friends who like to travel by road should pay attention to the fact that road traffic is relatively convenient, but road conditions may be uneven. If you rent a car, you need to understand the local traffic rules in advance, such as the meaning of traffic signs, speed limits and so on. Vehicles drive on the right side of the road in Turkmenistan but driving habits and road conditions may vary. and it is necessary to ensure that the vehicle has enough fuel before traveling. When taking a long-distance bus, choose a regular passenger transport company, pay attention to the departure time and stop, and take good care of your personal belongings.

5.Religious belief culture: The main religion of Turkmenistan is Islam, the majority of residents believe in Sunni, is a moderate Muslim country, religious belief in its culture has an important position and influence.When entering a religious place such as a mosque, it is important to dress appropriately. Men should avoid wearing shorts, vests and other clothes that are too casual and revealing; Women should wear long sleeves and pants and preferably a headscarf to cover their hair. Take off your shoes before entering the mosque and place them neatly in the designated place. In religious places, keep quiet, do not shout, laugh and play, and do not do not respect religious beliefs, such as running, jumping and so on. Do not take photos or videos without permission, especially for believers who are engaged in religious activities. If you want to take photos, be sure to get permission from the person concerned first.

6.Health care:  Access to health care in Turkmenistan is relatively limited, especially in remote areas. Before departure, you can prepare some commonly used drugs, such as cold medicine, fever medicine, stomach medicine, etc., in order to deal with possible physical discomfort. When seeking medical treatment in the local area, pay attention to choosing a regular hospital or clinic. If you need to buy drugs, it is recommended to go to a regular pharmacy to ensure the quality and safety of drugs.

7.Safety and Security: The overall security situation in Turkmenistan is good, but it is still necessary to pay attention to the safety of personal belongings during travel. In crowded places, such as markets, stations, etc., take care of your wallet, mobile phone, camera and other valuables to avoid theft. Avoid going to remote places alone at night, and if you must go, it is best to travel in a group and inform others of your whereabouts. In case of emergency, you can call the local emergency number.