Travelling to Turkmenistan
Travelling by train
There are a few possible routes to Turkmenistan, though not recommended because of long travelling hours and low standards of comfort
Travelling by car
The quality of the roads in Turkmenistan is considerably lower than those in western Europe, and the network of petrol and repair stations is much less extensive, especially for western models of vehicles. The same applies to highways and roads beyond the boundaries of larger cities. Though the situation is now improving, particularly in Ashgabat, a car journey requires considerable preparation.
Firstly, the choice of car is important. American or Japanese cars are not recommended because it is difficult to obtain spare parts and have repairs made. Turkmenistan petrol may damage your engine. Better choices are simpler European, Turkish or Russian-made cars. Secondly, check that your car is in good repair before you embark on you journey, paying particular attention to the suspension (be prepared for a bumpy ride). Take two full extra cans of petrol with you - you may need them when searching for petrol stations. Take a tool kit as well.
The most popular routes to Ashgabat are:
Travelling by car is relatively safe. Crimes are not very frequent, but you are advised not to stop or to stop overnight in deserted places far away from towns. If you feel that you cannot, or do not want to cover the distance to Ashgabat without an overnight stop, try to arrange to stay at a hotel in one of the big cities en route.
Once you arrive in Turkmenistan, you do not need to register your car if you intend to use it for less than a year in Turkmenistan. If this is the case, you should tell the customs officer at the checkpoint on the NIS border that you will take the car back within the year and he will put a special stamp in your customs declaration. If you are going to use the car for more than a year, you will have to register the car and pay an import tax.
Arriving at the airport in Ashgabat
Most experts fly into Ashgabat when they enter Turkmenistan for the first time. Saparmurat Turkmenbashi International Airport, named after the first President of Turkmenistan, is located on the edge of the City approximately 15 minutes drive from the centre.
Passport control
When you arrive, be prepared to queue for some time. Turkmenistan is still not very “tourist friendly”. To get an Entry Visa queue at the booth before the passport control booth, where you will need to present your passport, the Letter of Invitation, and US$25. If you already have a visa, proceed directly to the Immigration Passport Control booth close by. You will be asked to wait at the entry barriers and an official will then motion you the appropriate booth, of which two are usually working.
Collecting baggage
After passport control you will move through to the baggage collection hall. Be aware that your flight may not be announced on the board.
Some baggage trolleys are now available. If your baggage does not appear, contact the airline representative through the lost luggage desk. They will ask you to fill in a form (the airline should provide a form in its native language or in English) and will give you a receipt and further instructions.
Customs
After you have collected your baggage you will proceed to customs.
You should have received two customs declaration forms from the cabin crew on your inward flight. These are usually distributed shortly before landing. If you have not received a form, you should find copies in the baggage collection hall once you have passed through passport control.
You will be asked to declare all money, jewellery, videotapes, electronic items and other objects of value. It is advisable to fill in both forms at the same time because you cannot take out anything that you cannot prove you have brought in. In addition, you cannot take out a larger amount of money than you brought in (this includes both cash and travellers cheques).
The customs official will circle the currency declaration and stamp your forms. He will retain one copy and you will keep the other. Keep it safe throughout your stay - you will have to return it when you leave the country. Again, be prepared for a long queue.
How to get to the city
Try to arrange for your partner or a business associate to meet you at the airport. When you reach the arrivals hall, you will see people holding boards which display company names or surnames. If you do not know the face of the driver meeting you at the airport, walk slowly and study the signs.
You will find a large number of people offering you their taxi services as you walk through arrivals. They may be taxi drivers or private individuals - ‘chastniks’. Be extremely cautious about accepting a ride, especially if you do not speak Russian or Turkmen, and this is your first visit to the city.
There is one car rental service at the airport which can offer a car immediately, but this is expensive. If you hire a car at the specialised firms at the airport, you will have to pay in dollars.
Alternatively, the Coordinating Unit can make arrangements for airport pick-up and driver upon request.
In the city
Changing money
There are exchange offices in most
reputable hotels and these are convenient and secure, but be prepared to pay
commission each time you change money.
There are a number of exchange offices
situated within bank branches with a more favourable rate.
Where to eat on the first day
If you have not made prior arrangements,
it may be convenient for you to eat in a restaurant in a city centre hotel on
your first day, before you have found your bearings.
Be aware that prices in joint venture
restaurant and hotel restaurants are higher than in similar restaurants in
western Europe, although the standard is usually good.
Where to make phone calls
You can make local and international phone calls directly from your hotel room and there should be dialling instructions next to your telephone. If you want to make local calls, you can do so free of charge form the telephones located in reception.