The Sunday market is the best place in the world to buy the misleadingly named Bukhara rugs, which are actually made in Turkmenistan. There is a shop in the Art Gallery which sells traditional Turkmen handicrafts, silver and costumes including the distinctive Turkmen sheepskin hats. The central bazaar in Ashgabat is a good place to buy food and curiosities.
Shopping hours Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Bazaars open at dawn.
Currency Information:CurrencyTurkmen Manat (TMM) = 100 tenge. Notes are in denominations of TMM10,000,
5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 tenge.
Currency ExchangeThe preferred hard currency is US Dollars and visitors carrying other currencies may find it hard to change them. It is advisable to take new, clean US Dollar notes in small denominations. Foreign currency can be changed at banks and major hotels. Foreigners are expected to pay all travel and hotel bills in hard currency, and prices bear little relation to what locals are expected to pay. Most packages are all-inclusive and extra payment for accommodation and meals is unnecessary.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsNot generally accepted.
Traveller's ChequesShould be in US currency, but generally not accepted.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0930-1730.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | TMM10,282.58 |
| $1.00= | TMM5,200.05 |
| €1.00= | TMM6,953.65 |
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