Verified Facts
The internet in Turkmenistan is relatively limited and slow, with an average speed of 5 Mbps, but it is possible to get a SIM card and access mobile data and WiFi in major cities like Ashgabat.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in Turkmenistan is not as developed as in other countries, with a significant urban vs rural divide in terms of internet quality and availability. In major cities like Ashgabat, the capital, internet speed and reliability are relatively better, with some areas having fiber optic connections. However, in rural areas, internet access is often limited, and speeds can be very slow. The internet infrastructure in Turkmenistan is mostly state-controlled, which can lead to censorship and restrictions on online content.
The reliability of the internet in Turkmenistan can be a concern, with frequent outages and disruptions reported, especially during peak hours or special events. The government has been working to improve the internet infrastructure, but progress has been slow. Despite these challenges, many locals and tourists rely on the internet for communication, entertainment, and information, and there are ways to access mobile data and WiFi in major cities.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in Turkmenistan, tourists can visit the offices of the main carriers, such as TM Cell, MTS, or Altyn Asyr, and provide their passport and registration documents. The process can take some time, but it is possible to get a SIM card with a prepaid plan that includes data, voice, and text services. It is recommended to purchase a SIM card from a authorized dealer or the carrier's office to avoid any issues with activation or registration.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM Cell | Tourist Plan | 1 GB | 10 | Valid for 30 days |
| MTS | Prepaid Plan | 2 GB | 15 | Valid for 30 days |
| Altyn Asyr | Data Plan | 5 GB | 25 | Valid for 30 days |
| TM Cell | Monthly Plan | 10 GB | 30 | Valid for 30 days |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally good in major cities like Ashgabat, with many hotels offering free WiFi to their guests.
- Cafe WiFi culture is not very common in Turkmenistan, but some cafes and restaurants in major cities may offer free WiFi to their customers.
- Coworking spaces are limited in Turkmenistan, but some business centers and incubators may offer WiFi and other amenities to remote workers and entrepreneurs.
- Public WiFi is not widely available in Turkmenistan, but some public libraries and internet cafes may offer WiFi access to the public.
- Some shopping malls and airports may also offer free WiFi to visitors and travelers.
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces like the Ashgabat Business Center offer WiFi, meeting rooms, and other amenities to remote workers and entrepreneurs.
- Reliable cafe chains like Starbucks are not available in Turkmenistan, but some local cafes may offer free WiFi and a comfortable working space.
- Backup internet options like mobile hotspots or portable WiFi devices can be useful in case of internet outages or disruptions.
- VPNs are recommended for remote workers to access restricted websites and protect their online data.
- Some co-living spaces and hostels may offer WiFi and other amenities to remote workers and digital nomads.
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is a concern in Turkmenistan, with many websites and online services being blocked or restricted.
- Some social media platforms and messaging apps may be blocked or restricted, so it's a good idea to use a VPN to access them.
- Roaming alternatives like eSIM or international SIM cards can be useful for travelers who want to stay connected without roaming charges.
- It's recommended to purchase a local SIM card or portable WiFi device to avoid high roaming charges.
- Be aware of internet scams and phishing attacks, and always use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect your online data.
- Consider using a VPN to protect your online data and access restricted websites and online services.