Ashgabat City Guide

Local food is mostly meat-based with dishes like plov and shashlyk. Few international options exist, mostly in hotels. Vegetarian and vegan choices are limited. Most places close by late evening.

Nightlife is very quiet. Mostly hotel bars and a few restaurants stay open late. No clubs or lively bar scenes.

Coffee scene is limited with mostly hotel or basic café options. Tea is more traditional.

Tipping is not expected but small amounts are appreciated. Taxis commonly get rounded up fares.

Buy SIM cards at the airport or official Türkmentelekom offices. The main provider is Altyn Asyr. eSIMs are not supported. Passport registration is required.

City streets and public areas are kept very clean and tidy.

Very few late-night pharmacies or shops. Night clinics are limited to emergencies. Food options after hours are scarce and mostly in hotels.

Supermarkets focus on local and regional goods with limited international products. Markets like Altyn Asyr and Mir Bazaar offer fresh produce. Shops usually open 8 AM to 6 PM; many close on Sundays and holidays. Bargaining is common in bazaars, not in modern stores.

Cash is used for most payments. Credit cards work mainly in big hotels and some stores.

ATMs are in major hotels and banks but can be unreliable and often run out of cash. Bring enough US Dollars as backup. Fees and card acceptance vary.

International School of Ashgabat offers an American curriculum. Local schools teach in Turkmen and Russian. Apply early for international schools due to waitlists.

No digital nomad meetups, co-living, or community hubs due to internet restrictions and visa limits.

Several well-maintained parks provide plenty of green space and shade for walking and running.

Good running routes in green parks and wide boulevards. Generally safe with good air quality but can be dusty.

Gyms are mostly inside hotels or sport complexes.

Tennis courts available at sports complexes and hotels like Olympic Complex.

Padel courts are not available.

Yoga and wellness centers are very limited or private.

Wrestling, boxing, and some karate or judo are practiced, mostly in sports schools. English instruction unlikely.

No ski resorts despite nearby mountains.

Very limited water sports, mostly hotel pools and some small boating outside city.

Landlocked city with no surfing options.

No diving opportunities; city is landlocked.

Public healthcare is basic. Private clinics have better but expensive care. English-speaking staff are rare except in private centers. Pharmacies provide common meds but some international brands may be missing.

Tap water is unsafe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and recommended.

Parks have playgrounds, mostly well kept. Few kid-friendly cafés. Baby supplies found in large supermarkets but limited brands. Attractions include an amusement park and Ferris wheel.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is very low and homosexuality is illegal for men. No safe spaces or events.

Pet-friendly spaces and accommodations are rare. Vet services exist but are basic. Pet import rules are strict.