When travelling to any country, including Turkmenistan, you’ll need to access the local currency to buy souvenirs, keep yourself stocked up on snacks and pay for any extra expenses during your tour.
As with all former Soviet states, the Manat was introduced in the aftermath of the USSR when countries in the region were forced to transition from the Soviet Ruble to a series of domestic currencies – intriguingly, the Manat today is a distinct currency, but the word ‘Manat’ derives from old Persian and was the word used in Turkmenistan to refer to the Soviet Ruble.
History
The Turkmenistan Manat was first introduced in 1993, two years after the fall of the Soviet Union, when the new government in Ashgabat relinquished the Soviet Ruble as legal tender and switched to the new national currency.
The first Manat remained in circulation until 2009 when a redesigned currency with a different official exchange rate was introduced – this was the Second Manat which remains in circulation as the national currency in Turkmenistan.
Where and How to get Manat
Upon arrival in Turkmenistan, the only official place to exchange your currency into Manat is the bank. Unlike many countries, it’s not even possible to exchange currency at the border so be prepared for a trip to the bank upon your arrival in Ashgabat. If you’re entering from a different port of entry such as an overland border where banking institutions are few and far between, check with your tour leader about currency options.
There are a few alternative methods for obtaining Manat but your Tour Leader will explain on the ground in Turkmenistan upon your arrival.
Banknotes & Coins
The coins of the Second Manat are issued in eight denominations:
1 Tenge
2 Tenge
5 Tenge
10 Tenge
20 Tenge
50 Tenge
1 Manat
2 Manat
Each coin holds the denomination on the reverse whilst the obverse holds an image of the Independence Tower in Ashgabat superimposed over a map of Turkmenistan.
The banknotes, part of a the Third Manat, a reset of the currency instituted in 2017, are issued in seven denominations:
1 Manat
The light and bright green note holds a portrait of Tughril, the founder of the Seljuk Empire and ruler of the region during the 11th Century. On the reverse, an image of Ashgabat International Airport, a stunning piece of architecture reminiscent of an eagle’s wings.
5 Manat
This tan-coloured note depicts the velodrome in Asghabat on the reverse whilst the obverse holds another portrait of an 11th Century leader, Sultan Ahmad Sanjar, leader of the Seljuqs in Khorasan from 1097 until 1118 and then Sultan of the Seljuq Empire until 1157.
10 Manat
The 10 Manat Note is red in colour and holds a portrait of Turkmenistan’s foremost literary figure and notable spiritual leader Magtymguly Pyragy on the obverse. On the reverse, an image of Ashgabat’s boxing hall.
20 Manat
This purple-coloured note has an image of the hero from Epic of Koroghlu, an important epic of Turkmen history. On the reverse is the major Sports Complex in Turkmenistan’s capital.
50 Manat
This green banknote hold yet another portrait on the obverse, this time it’s the main character from another major historical epic, on the 50 Manat note, it’s from the Book of Dede Korkut, oft considered one of the most important tales amongst the Orguz Turks. The reverse holds an image of the New Athletics Complex in Ashgabat.
100 Manat
On the front of this blue note, a portrait of Oghuz Khan is emblazoned. A mythic leader of all Turkic peoples, first recorded to have been written about in the 13th Century is emblazoned. On the reverse is held an image of the Ashgabat Olympia Stadium.
500 Manat The largest denomination of note, a portrait of Turkmenistan’s first President, Saparmurat Niyazov is depicted. On the reverse is one of Turkmenistan’s most famous sites, the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Ashgabat – both an important site for Turkmens, Muslims and tourists alike.
