​​Turkmenistan

​​Dress Code

Business attire is generally formal.
For Men: Suits or dress pants with collared shirts and ties.
For Women: Professional dresses or blouses with skirts/slacks. Conservative attire is recommended, especially in business and public settings. 

​​Language

Turkmen is the official language. Russian is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas. English is less commonly spoken, but proficiency is increasing among younger professionals. 

Basic Phrases - Greetings and courtesy
Hello (general): Salam (sah-lam)
Hello (formal): Salawmaleýkim (sah-law-mah-lay-keem), which is common for men to say.
The reply is Waleýkim essalam for men, or Waleýkim for women.
Welcome: Hoş geldiňiz! (Hosh gel-deh-neez)
How are you?: Nähilisiň? (nah-hee-lee-seeng)
I'm fine, thanks. And you?: Gowy, sag boluň, özüň nähili? (Gowy, sag-bo-loon, oh-zoong nah-hee-lee?)
Goodbye (formal): Hoş sag boluň (hosh sag-bo-loon)
Goodbye (informal): Sagbol (sag-bohl)
Thank you: Sag boluň (sag-bo-loon)
Please: Haýyş edýärin (hah-eesh eh-dyar-een). Baş üstüne can also be used.
Yes: Hawa (hah-wa)

Telephone

​International Dialing: To call Turkmenistan from abroad, use +993. For local calls, area codes must be included.
Local SIM Cards: Available from provider Altyn Asyr CJSC, which offers various data plans. If you have a local stay in Turkmenistan and need mobile data via Altyn Asyr, consider going for one of their Internet-packages (e.g., “Internet-200” for 20 GB) depending on your usage.Local SIM cards: available from provider Altyn Asyr CJSC, which offers various data plans.
If you have a local stay in Turkmenistan and need mobile data via Altyn Asyr, consider going for one of their Internet-packages (e.g., “Internet-200” for 20 GB) depending on your usage.

Internet

Internet access is available, but speeds can be slow and connectivity may be limited in rural areas. Wi-Fi is typically available in hotels and some public spaces. 

Highly recommended to download a VPN application in order to use mobile data internet for a communication platform like Whatsapp, Telegram and others.

​​Business Hours

​​Government: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Private Sector: Similar hours with occasional half-days on Saturday

Punctuality

Punctuality is valued in business settings, though some flexibility may be observed. Arriving on time is appreciated. 

​​Meeting Etiquette

For business meetings in Turkmenistan, dress formally, be punctual, and prepare thoroughly. Maintain respectful communication, including making eye contact, and avoid using your phone during the meeting. It is customary to wait to be offered tea or coffee, and to eat with your right hand.

Key cultural considerations
Hierarchy and respect: Turkmenistan is a culture where respect for elders and those in authority is very important.
Family and community: Family and community ties are central to society.
Language: While Turkmen is the official language, Russian is often used in business settings.
Religion: Turkmenistan is an Islamic country, but it is generally less strict than many other Middle Eastern nations, and alcohol is often served.

​​History of Major Football Incidents

Football is a popular sport in Turkmenistan, with a growing local league. While incidents of fan violence are rare, there have been tensions during important matches. 

​​Natural Disasters

Turkmenistan is highly susceptible to earthquakes, droughts, and floods due to its location in an active seismic belt and its arid, continental climate. The country's infrastructure and agricultural sectors are particularly vulnerable to these natural hazards, which are increasingly exacerbated by climate change

Earthquakes
Turkmenistan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, sitting in the active Alpine-Himalayan mountain-fold belt. Frequent seismic events are registered annually, and the country has experienced several devastating quakes throughout its history.
2000 Balkhan earthquake: A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck western Turkmenistan in December 2000, which was the most powerful quake in the country in several years.
Recent seismic activity: Less powerful but still significant quakes frequently occur near the border with Iran, with several magnitude 4 and 5 events recorded in recent years. 

Floods and mudflows
While much of the country is arid, Turkmenistan is susceptible to severe flooding, especially in its mountainous and riverine regions. The risk of floods and mudflows is increasing with more frequent heavy rainfall events driven by climate change.
Recent events: In May 2024, heavy rains caused severe flooding in Ashgabat, exposing vulnerabilities in the capital's infrastructure. 

​​Emergency Response

Emergency services in Turkmenistan can be reached by dialing 101 for fire, 102 for police, and 103 for ambulance services. The country also has national systems for disaster risk reduction and collaborates with international organizations like the UN and OSCE on training and preparedness for various emergencies, including earthquakes, public health crises, and oil spills. 

​​Medical Services

Medical services in Turkmenistan have historically been considered poor, especially outside the capital city of Ashgabat. While the government has invested in building new, modern medical facilities in Ashgabat, the broader healthcare system suffers from underfunding, outdated infrastructure, and systemic issues like corruption. For these reasons, expatriates and wealthier Turkmen often seek medical treatment abroad.

​​Pharmacies

The most populous city and capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, has many pharmacies, including Pharmacy №1 and Dermanhana Ýowşan. Another option is Dermanhana Myratly Gadam in Mary, which is open 24/7. It's important for travelers to note that prescription medications and certain over-the-counter drugs can be difficult to find in Turkmenistan, so it's recommended to bring a sufficient supply for your trip

​​Culture & Foods

​Culture: Turkmenistan has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history along the Silk Road. Respect local customs and traditions, especially in rural areas.

Popular Main Dishes

Plov: A staple throughout Central Asia, Turkmen plov is a traditional rice dish cooked with chunks of mutton and carrots in a large cast-iron cauldron.
Dograma: Considered a national dish, dograma is a rich soup often prepared for celebrations and events. It is made from shredded flatbread (chörek), boiled mutton, onions, and a seasoned broth poured over the mixture.
Shashlyk: Skewered and grilled over charcoal, shashlyk consists of marinated chunks of lamb, chicken, or beef. Unlike other Central Asian versions, Turkmen shashlyk typically uses minimal seasonings to emphasize the flavor of the meat.
Chekdirme: This slow-cooked lamb stew features meat braised with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes additional vegetables.
Gowurdak: This meat dish is made of bite-sized chunks of meat fried in its own fat and can be eaten hot or cold. It's also used as a preservation method for meat.
Yarma: A porridge made from cracked wheat and small pieces of mutton cooked in sheep fat. 

​​​Others

By keeping these points in mind, you'll be well-prepared for your business trip to Turkmenistan. Safe travels! 
Time Zone: GMT+5.
Transport: Taxis and ride options in cities; public transport is limited.
Climate: Continental desert—hot dry summers (June–Aug), cold winters (Dec–Feb), spring/autumn are mild.

New city (venue):
Arkadag is a brand new city in Turkmenistan. This new city is situated next to Ashgabat around 44 km (45-50 min by car) away to the west. Some new building constructions are still going on in Arkadag. Arkadag Stadium was built in 2023.