The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes the feast day of Ramadan Bairam, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes interruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore to Restrictions for travelers may come.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some disruptions may also occur during Ramadan Bairam. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be brought into Turkmenistan duty-free: 2 packs of cigarettes (persons aged 16 and over); 2 liters of alcoholic beverages (over 21s); other goods for personal use up to a value of US$5,000 (declaration requirement for electronic devices). Upon entry, a customs declaration must be filled out, which must be presented upon departure.
Prohibited Imports
Medicines and drugs, firearms, ammunition and supplies. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Exports
Works of art, antiques. Turkmen carpets only with export license.
Contact addresses
Embassy of Turkmenistan
Argentinian Street 22/Stg. II/EG
Vienna
Austria
+43 (0)1 503 64 70.
http://austria.tmembassy.gov.tm/en
http://austria.tmembassy.gov.tm/en
Embassy of Turkmenistan
23, Avenue de France
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 749 10 00, Consular Dept.: +41 (0)22 749 10 05.
http://switzerland.tmembassy.gov.tm/en
http:// switzerland.tmembassy.gov.tm/en
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-18.00.
Business
Business etiquette
Business hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00.
Business contacts
Federal Association of German Industry (Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations)Breite Straße 29, D-10178 BerlinTel: (030) 20 28 14 52. Internet: www.ostausschuss.deWirtschaftskammer Österreich (Department for Eastern Europe) Stubenring 8-10, A-1010 ViennaTel: (01) 514 50. Internet: http://portal.wko.at United Chambers of CommerceSonnenbergstrasse 48, CH-8032 ZurichTel: (043) 268 43 00. Internet: www.jointchambers.chChamber of Industry and CommerceUl. B Karryev 17, 744000 Ashkhabad Tel: (012) 35 64 03, 35 55 94.
Communication
Phone
International calling code: 810. According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the area code for Ashkhabad is 12.
Mobile phone
GSM 900. Mobile operator is TM Cell (Altyn Asyr). The reception/transmission range is limited to populated areas. Foreign SIM cards can only be used if there is a contract with TM Cell. The major German operators have signed an agreement with MTS.
Internet
Main provider: Türkmentelekom. Some portals, news sites and social media are blocked. The transmission rate depends on the location.
Post office
Letters take between two weeks and two months. Stamped envelopes are sold in post offices. The address should be written in the following order: country, zip code, city, street, house number, name. Tourists can also use the post offices in the larger Intourist hotels. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00, main post office in Ashkhabad 09.00-19.00.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to request the current frequencies directly from Deutsche Welle customer service (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. www.dw-world.de).
