My credit card keeps declining in Turkmenistan and I have enough money on there and all international transactions are activated - what do I do?
If your card keeps failing in Turkmenistan, don’t waste time trying every ATM. Go directly to Senagat Bank in Ashgabat for a cash advance, or use the cash you brought. USD is the safest currency to carry; euros are also fine. Hotels sometimes accept cards, but restaurants, taxis, and markets won’t. Always carry a thick wad of cash and keep your cards as backup only.
I wouldn’t count on cards at all in Turkmenistan. My Wise Visa, Revolut Mastercard, and Monzo all declined at multiple ATMs in Ashgabat. Even the hotel staff at Arzuw told me not to bother, since most machines are empty. I had to bring USD and exchange them unofficially at the bazaar. The card system is unreliable and frustrating - always plan to operate in cash here.
I actually managed to use my Revolut Visa once at a Senagat Bank ATM near the Oguzkent Hotel in Ashgabat. I withdrew about 500 manat, though it was a hassle and the machine was almost empty. After that, I gave up and relied on USD cash. Some top hotels like Yyldyz accept Visa for direct payments, but outside Ashgabat, cash is the only way to go.
Turkmenistan is extremely difficult for foreign card use. ATMs are run mainly by Senagat Bank, Turkmenbashy Bank, and Halkbank, but most don’t accept international cards reliably. Even when they do, cash shortages mean they’re often empty. If your card keeps declining, the only reliable option is a cash advance at Senagat Bank in Ashgabat with your passport. Bring USD or euros, as they’re widely exchanged unofficially.