Ashgabat, Turkmenistan Report of what it's like to live there - 06/16/26
Personal Experiences from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Previously lived in Central American and Oceania.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
United States. The most direct routes typically transit Istanbul or Dubai, which are well connected.
3. What years did you live here?
2025-27.
4. How long have you lived here?
One year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Tall, white, marble buildings. While there are standalone houses, the majority of expats in Ashgabat are living in spacious apartments in some of the more elite neighborhoods. Our apartment has tall ceilings, multiple bathrooms, and nice views. Apartment buildings often include underground parking for residents. You can get anywhere within the city within 20-25 minutes, and traffic is not really an issue. Streets will be closed for various reasons at times, which makes traffic heavier in other parts of the city, but it's not that big of a deal.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Very affordable, and you can find almost anything you want here. We have been pleasantly surprised. Some items might take a little while to locate, since there isn't a lot of advertising, but whatever you want it likely available. Searching Instagram is helpful for discovering new stores/services/restaurants to try. Everyone is on Insta.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Brown sugar, salsa and green chilies, corn chips. Baking powder can be found here, but it's hit or miss. American-style molasses and peanut butter. There is mulberry molasses, and other various flavors, but no "regular" molasses. Peanut butter can be found in small quantities, but international-style, not American peanut butter.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
So, so so many restaurants. Of course, they all serve the practically the same menu, but there are a lot of locations to try. There are a few local apps for food/grocery delivery, and some of the popular restaurants have their own apps. Food delivery is very cheap and common. Lots of Turkmen and Turkish food. American standards like pizza, chicken nuggets and hamburgers can be purchased at most restaurants. There are few okay-ish Chinese restaurants. Overall we have been very happy with the restaurant options.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Insects are really not much of an issue here. Maybe some ants.
Daily Life:
1. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Very very safe. Walking, running and hiking are no problem. Some people bike, but you must be very aware of traffic. There are multiple large and beautiful parks around the city.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are multiple local gyms and swimming pools available for affordable prices.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
No credit cards. No ATMs other than those for local banks. Cash is king.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
The only English language service I am aware of is the Sunday afternoon Catholic Mass held by the Vatican embassy. Attendance is quite small.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Russian and/or Turkmen are extremely helpful. However, most locals know how to use a translation app. Language tutors are available and very affordable.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Busses are extremely cheap and clean, but often crowded, and there is no clear route map. You just have to figure it out. Both official and unofficial taxis are cheap and safe.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Any kind of car, as long as it is white, silver or gold. 4WD is only necessary if you plan to go out into the desert or mountains for some adventuring.
Phone & Internet:
1. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
There is only one service provider in town. Expats must register with their passport. Diplomats can request that their SIMs be uncensored, but it requires an official approval process, and you may ocasionally have issues with it reverting and blocking websites.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Local health care quality is very low. We were recommended to avoid anything local that requires a needle to be inserted. Medical education is not up to international standards.
2. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Summer will bring some dust storms, but overall the air is pretty good. Some springtime pollen.
3. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Allergens are not clearly marked. Gluten-free folks will need to be very careful, as there is not a good understanding of keeping separate utensils, etc. Nuts are very common in desserts, salads, etc.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot and dry in the summer. Beautiful and pleasant spring and autumn, mild winters with a chance of light snow a couple of times.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The expat community is small. Mostly diplomatic missions and oil and gas company expats. There are many Malaysians working in oil and gas. Overall morale is good and expats enjoy life here.
2. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Locals are very warm, friendly and hospitable. You will likely be invited to celebrate a wedding. However, you may also run into some situations where locals prefer not to get too friendly, as they do not want to be subject to local government inquiry regarding the relationship.
3. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Visiting Darvaza (gas crater) and yurt camping. Visting the Caspian sea. Traveling to neighboring Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan is a very interesting and quirky place. Come in with some curiosity and an open mind.
4. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Turkmen carpets (wool or silk). Some nice local artwork. Silver jewelry. Picture framing is very affordable. Tailor-made clothes are also very cheap here and good quality.
5. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Very safe, clean, beautiful, affordable and always interesting.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Oh yes. We've had a great time here.
2. But don't forget your:
sunglasses! The summer sun reflecting off all of the white marble makes sunglasses a necessity!
