The medical care in Turkmenistan does not correspond to European conditions. A basic set of medicines should be carried with you, as these are difficult to obtain locally – usually not at all outside of Ashgabat. Travelers to Turkmenistan are strongly recommended to become a member of one of the German rescue flight companies. In particularly serious cases of accident, illness or similar, it is essential to be flown out as soon as possible. A rescue flight to Germany costs at least 50,000 euros. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] In 2010, Turkmenistan was declared malaria-free by the WHO. [2] Drinking tap water is not recommended; due to hygiene problems and poor water quality, diarrheal diseases are widespread. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterilized water. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Nationwide, from April to October, there is a risk of transmission of Lyme disease from ticks, especially in grass, shrubs and undergrowth. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Health certificate
For work and long-term stays, an English-language HIV test is required. Visas for more than three months will only be issued on presentation of a negative HIV certificate.
Money
Currency
1 Turkmenistan manat = 100 tenge. Currency code: TMT (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 manat. Coins are in denominations of 2 and 1 manat, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tenge. Note: The US Dollar is unofficially accepted as a second currency in authorized establishments (airports, international hotels). Elsewhere, paying in US dollars is prohibited. Some services foreigners can usually only pay for in US dollars, such as airline tickets and cell phone charges.
Credit cards
Visa and American Express credit cards are only accepted in the capital, Ashgabat, and only in some hotels there.
ATMs
Bank cards Visa and Mastercard credit cards can only be used to withdraw money from ATMs in Ashgabat using the pin number. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed in Turkmenistan in Ashkhabad at Turkmenvnesheconombank.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import and export of local currency prohibited. Unlimited import of foreign currency; duty of declaration. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts. All receipts must be kept in a safe place.
Currency Exchange
Only in approved banks or exchange offices, mainly at the airport in Ashgabat. Cash payment is usual. Illegal currency exchange will be severely punished.
