Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are generally recommended for Turkmenistan. Consider a Typhoid vaccine if you’ll be exploring rural areas or eating local street food. Ensure your routine vaccines (like MMR, DPT) are up-to-date. Rabies is recommended if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors or with animals. Check with a healthcare provider for the most current advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Turkmenistan, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for TurkmenistanCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Women should avoid revealing clothing. Remove shoes when entering homes. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Homosexuality is illegal, posing safety risks for LGBTQ+ travelers. Avoid discussing politics or criticizing the government. Always carry a copy of your visa and passport. Gifting small items like sweets is appreciated when visiting locals.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Turkmenistan.
- Plov: This is the heart and soul of Turkmen cuisine. It’s a flavorful rice dish cooked with lamb or beef, carrots, onions, and a blend of spices. Plov is often served on special occasions and gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and togetherness.
- Shashlyk: Skewered and grilled pieces of meat, mostly lamb, that are marinated with herbs and spices. It’s a popular street food and a staple at any local celebration, offering a taste of traditional grilling techniques.
- Ichlekli: A hearty pie filled with meat and onions, usually lamb, encased in a thick dough. It’s a favorite comfort food and often enjoyed with family, highlighting the importance of sharing meals in Turkmen culture.
- Chorek: A type of round, flat bread that’s a staple in every meal. It’s baked in clay ovens and holds cultural significance, often used in traditional ceremonies and as an everyday essential that accompanies other dishes.
- Dograma: A unique dish where bread, meat, and onions are chopped and mixed together, often with a broth poured over. It’s a communal dish that represents the simplicity and resourcefulness of Turkmen cooking.
Tap water in Turkmenistan isn’t reliably safe for tourists, even though some locals might drink it. It’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any issues. Always ensure bottled water is sealed before purchasing.
The main language in Turkmenistan is
Turkmen. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Turkmen skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Turkmenistan includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is not widely spoken in Turkmenistan, as the primary language is Turkmen, followed by Russian. In urban areas, particularly in Ashgabat, you may encounter some younger people and professionals who speak English, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors. However, outside major cities, English proficiency diminishes significantly.
Travelers may find it helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Turkmen or Russian to facilitate communication. Many signs and menus may not be available in English, so having a translation app or phrasebook can be beneficial.
In more remote areas, the language barrier can be more pronounced, and interactions may rely heavily on gestures or non-verbal communication. Overall, while you can find some English speakers, it’s advisable to prepare for limited English proficiency during your travels in Turkmenistan.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Turkmenistan is TMT (manat).
Cash is king in Turkmenistan, so keep a good stash of dollars (USD) ready. Euros are less common but can still be exchanged. ATMs are scarce, especially outside Ashgabat. Even in the capital, they can be unreliable and often only accept local cards.
When heading to rural areas, ensure you have enough cash since card acceptance is rare. Most shops, restaurants, and hotels still operate on a cash-only basis, so plan ahead. If you find an ATM that works with your card, consider it a small victory.
For exchanging money, head to a bank or a licensed exchange office. Avoid the black market, as tempting as the rates might seem. Keep your USD in good condition—no tears or marks—or you might face trouble exchanging them.
Tipping in Turkmenistan is not customary, but leaving a small amount as a token of appreciation in restaurants or for exceptional service is appreciated. Tour guides and hotel staff might expect a tip for good service, but it’s not mandatory. When tipping, local currency is preferable.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.