Turkmenistan Currency Guide: Explore with the Turkmenistani manat
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Turkmenistan with the Turkmenistani manat
What's in this Turkmenistan currency guide?
What currency is used in Turkmenistan?
The official currency of Turkmenistan (country code: TM) is the Turkmenistani manat, with symbol m and currency code TMT.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Turkmenistan?
The domestic currency in Turkmenistan is the Turkmenistani manat.
What is the Turkmenistani manat currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Turkmenistani manat is TMT — symbol is m.
Which countries use the Turkmenistani manat?
It is the domestic currency in Turkmenistan.
Is the Turkmenistani manat a closed currency?
No, the Turkmenistani manat is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and TMT?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to TMT (US dollar to Turkmenistani manat)*.
*Converted at the current USDTMT interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Things to know about the Turkmenistani manat
The Turkmenistan manat (TMT) is the official currency of Turkmenistan, a country located in Central Asia. Here are a few things to know about the Turkmenistan manat:
- The Turkmenistan manat is abbreviated as TMT and is divided into 100 tenesi.
- The Central Bank of Turkmenistan is responsible for issuing and regulating the Turkmenistan manat.
- The exchange rate for the Turkmenistan manat is determined by the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, and the currency is not freely convertible.
- Turkmenistan has a largely state-controlled economy, with a focus on the production of natural gas and oil. The country's economy has been heavily impacted by fluctuations in global energy prices.
- The value of the Turkmenistan manat has been relatively stable in recent years, but the currency has faced criticism for its lack of convertibility, which makes it difficult for foreign investors to do business in the country.
Travel money for Turkmenistan
Using Wise for Turkmenistani manat travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Turkmenistani manat otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Turkmenistani manat cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the TMT cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Turkmenistan, the most enigmatic of Central Asia's 'stans, gained notoriety under the eccentric dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov, known as 'Turkmenbashi' ('Leader of the Turkmen'). Until his death in 2006, Niyazov filled the country with grand monuments and golden statues of himself. While many of these have been removed, Turkmenistan remains a land of striking contrasts—its rich history, natural beauty, and deep traditions far surpass its reputation as a "totalitarian theme park."
The ancient Silk Road cities of Merv and Konye-Urgench echo with history, while the haunting Karakum Desert and natural wonders like the Darvaza Gas Crater ("Door to Hell") mesmerize visitors. The true highlight, however, is the warmth and legendary hospitality of the Turkmen people, making every visit unforgettable.
Getting Around in Turkmenistan
- Air Travel: Domestic flights on Turkmenistan Airlines are efficient and affordable but must be booked in advance due to high demand. Most flights connect through Ashgabat.
- Marshrutkas and Shared Taxis: Popular for shorter trips, though marshrutkas can be cramped. Shared taxis offer a more comfortable and faster alternative.
- Trains: Slow but comfortable, trains are a scenic way to travel and meet locals. Fares are often charged in US dollars.
- Driving: Possible but challenging due to roadblocks, poor infrastructure, and high costs, including a road tax based on distance traveled.
- Buses: Cheap but slow, buses are a viable option for budget travelers.
Travel Tips for Turkmenistan
- The Door to Hell: This fiery gas crater, burning since 1971, is a must-see and highlights Turkmenistan’s vast gas reserves—the fourth largest in the world.
- Culture and Religion: Descended from nomadic tribes, Turkmen culture blends Islam with animist traditions. Shrines and rituals are common throughout the country.
- Border Crossings: Expect thorough inspections at borders, and be cautious with photography, especially near government buildings in Ashgabat.
- Quirky History: From Niyazov’s rotating golden statue to his successor Berdimukhamedov’s continued personality cult, Turkmenistan’s political quirks are part of its unique character.
Prepare for an adventure filled with rich history, surreal landscapes, and memorable encounters in this fascinating and little-visited land.
USD/TMT Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/TMT change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Turkmenistan - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Turkmenistan you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Turkmenistan
When sending money to Turkmenistan it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Turkmenistani manat amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted TMT amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Turkmenistan.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Turkmenistani manat deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
