Money, Electric Plugs & Other Things

It's the Type C 2 pronged round plug same as russia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets

ATMs are no problem in Kyrgyzstan, many machine dispense either Kyrgyz Som or US Dollars. However, to the best of my knowledge, the ATMs in Turkmenistan do NOT accept foreign cards. While there are rumour of some ATMs working in Tashkent, they are almost always broken. Some exchange places allow cash withdrawal on major credit cards.

You do realize that the Turkmen transit visa takes up to 10 days to process. While they don't keep your passport, you'll need to backtrack to Tashkent/Bishkek to pick it up. Where are you going first? And what's your nationality? Do you have any visas yet? Where are you flying in and out of? When asking about visas, nationality is very important.

For electric plugs, why not just gat a Universal adaptor? You can get them at any travel shop.

Agree with f_b about ATMs in Tashkent, never found one working when there for twelve days, ended up using my card at a bank.

And I agree with f_b's questions, you really need to get on top of this trip before you set out. The bureaucracy is still quite severe, though I am told it is getting better. You may need LOIs too.

In Uzbek I used ATM
Khiva at Asia Hotel just outside the south gate
Tashkent at Grand Mir Hotel
Both gave US dollars

1. ATM's:
   - Kyrgyzstan, plenty of in Bishkek, lots in Osh, not so many in rural areas (almost nonexistent). But many banks have branches in rural areas, those can render withdrawal services at extra % charged (1 - 2%)
   - Uzbekistan, not sure. Have seen and used ATM's in major Tashkent hotels, like Uzbekistan, Dedeman, Interconti. Haven't seen ATMs outside of Tashkent though
   • Turkmenistan - no clue

2. You can find PLUGS (or should I say adapters, from US\UK\Other to local) in Bishkek markets. Yet if we are talking about CONVERTERS (so that you don't burn your 110 volt 60 hz appliances with local 220 volts 50hz current - that would be in US traveler case) - better bring them with you from home

3. Visas. Not sure of UZ and TM, in KG most of the foreigners are able to obtain visas upon arrival. Said that I have to say that, taking current situation, you might want to double check that with the KG consulate in your country (if you have one).

A couple of things to add:

• In Kyrgyzstan I had to try quite a few ATMs before I found one that would accept a Mastercard debit card. (I think it was Kyrgyzstan Bank.)

• In Uzbekistan keep your receipts if you change money at an official exchange office (where rates are not as good as the black market going from USD to som). I didn't keep the receipt from the one "official" transaction I did, ended up with too much Uzbek som at the end, and couldn't exchange back into USD at the official rate at an official exchange office, so had to accept a crappy black market exchange rate to go back to USD.