Tajikistan, a mountainous country along the ancient Silk Road, captivates travelers with its rugged landscapes, alpine lakes, and deep-rooted traditions. Whether you’re trekking the Pamir Mountains, exploring Dushanbe’s Soviet-era charm, or visiting remote villages, managing your money is crucial. Card usage is limited, particularly outside the capital, and cash is essential for most purchases, transport, and local services. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Tajikistan, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, ensuring a smooth and financially secure trip.
Where to find ATMs in Tajikistan?
In Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, ATMs are available throughout the city – especially in central districts, near universities, government buildings, and shopping streets like Rudaki Avenue. Banks such as Orienbank, Amonatbank, and Agroinvestbank operate most ATMs. Machines typically dispense Tajik somoni (TJS), and while many support international Visa cards, Mastercard and other networks may not be accepted. Withdrawal limits may be low, and some machines run out of cash regularly.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs can be found in Dushanbe’s hotel zones, airports, and popular areas like Hissar Fortress or the National Museum. In Pamir region towns like Khorog or Murghab, ATM access is minimal – there may be only one machine in town, and it may not be operational or compatible with foreign cards. Some guesthouses accept USD or EUR in cash as an alternative.
Rural Areas / Remote Regions:
Rural Tajikistan, especially in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) or along trekking routes like the Wakhan Corridor, has no reliable ATM access. Carry cash – ideally in both TJS and small USD bills – before venturing out of Dushanbe. Internet banking and mobile payments are not widespread in remote regions.
Best ATMs to use in Tajikistan for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Tajikistan are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Access Bank,
- First Microfinance Bank,
- and Eskhata Bank.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Tajikistan, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in TJS).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in TJS’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Tajikistan?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Tajikistan. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercard. However, some accept only Visa and some only Mastercard, so its better to carry one of each at least. Only a handful of them accept Plus, Cirrus, CUP, JCB, or Maestro cards. Others like American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
In cities like Dushanbe and Khujand, ATMs are typically available 24/7, especially near banks, shopping centers, and hotels. In rural regions, machines may be less reliable and follow bank hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).
What are ATMs called in Tajikistan?
They’re commonly referred to as “Bankomat”while some signage shows “ATM”, particularly in areas frequented by tourists or expats.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs typically support Tajik, Russian, and English. Most machines in urban areas allow language selection at the start.
Don’t know the language? Use the Google Translate camera function to get a rough translation of the ATM screen.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Tajikistan?
ATMs issue only Tajikistani somoni (TJS). Even in tourist regions, there’s no option for USD, EUR, or ruble withdrawals. Most machines support Visa and Mastercard, but daily withdrawal limits may be low and cash shortages are possible.
ATM withdrawal limits in Tajikistan?
ATMs in Tajikistan have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of TJS 800 per transaction. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day and do not usually have daily withdrawal limits.
ATM Fees in Tajikistan
There are some fee-free ATMs in Tajikistan. Some bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Fees for foreign card holders while many others charge TJS 25 per transaction or up to 1% of the transaction amount as ATM Access Fee, depending on the type of card i.e. Visa cards or UPI cards. So you can use the ones with no ATM Fees here.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Tajikistan. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Tajikistan
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Tajikistan?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Tajikistan. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Tajikistan. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Tajikistan is considered relatively safe, though infrastructure can be limited outside the capital, Dushanbe. ATM fraud and petty theft are possible, especially in crowded markets or tourist areas. Use ATMs located within bank buildings or secure establishments during daylight hours. In more remote areas, ATM access may be sparse or unreliable, so plan ahead and carry some local currency. Shield your PIN, ignore offers of help from strangers, and keep an eye on your account while traveling.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Tajikistan takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Tajikistan?
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Tajikistan. Some bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Fees for foreign card holders while many others charge TJS 25 per transaction or up to 1% of the transaction amount as ATM Access Fee, depending on the type of card i.e. Visa cards or UPI cards. So you can use the ones with no ATM Fees here.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Tajikistan?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Tajikistan and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Tajikistan. Although platforms list planned locations in places like Lohur, none have been confirmed active yet. Cryptocurrency access remains online or peer-to-peer.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Tajikistan
- Bank of America: No, Bank of America does not operate ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not have branches or public ATMs.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no presence in Tajikistan.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate consumer ATMs here.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have operations in Tajikistan.
