FAQ_Tajikistan

General information:

1. What is requirements to enter Tajikistan?

Passport, Tajik visa and GBAO permit (in case of visiting the Pamir).

2. Should I make copies of documents?

Yes. If you lost your passport, the presence of copied documents will help to return back in your country. Be sure to make e-copies and download in a virtual disk. 

3. In case of tour issues, who should I rely on?

You are free to contact with your manager and guide. 

4. If I lost my passport in Tajikistan, what to do?

You must inform the local police. You will get the special certificate and go to the embassy of your country. After identifying your identity, you will have an opportunity to return back in your country. 

5. Where can I make exchange of my money?

The exchange is available only at banks. 

6. Is there any opportunity to use credit cards and ATM?

You can use MasterCard and Visa in restaurants, shops and hotels. In you are in villages, it is better to bring cash. ATM is available only in cities. 

7. What is a transfer?

Meeting guests at the airport and accompanying them to a hotel and vice versa. 

8. What is distance between the airport and hotel or vice versa?

It is about 10-15 minutes from airport to city. It depends on your hotel location. 

9. Should I take large or small amount of money?

It is recommend taking 50-100 $ or euros with you. So, it is more profitably. 

10. Is it possible to replace one traveler with another, if one cannot travel?

In this case, you have to contact with your tour operator and find best solution to this case. Usually this issues depends on your manager with whom you made a contract. 

11. Should I get vaccines before travelling in Tajikistan?

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) recommend the following vaccinations for Tajikistan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. 

12. What is the Tajik national currency?

Somoni. 

13. What is the official religion of Tajikistan?

The majority of people are Muslim (90 %), but country is secular. 

14. What languages are spoken in Tajikistan?

Tajik – national language

Russian – official language

People are mostly bilingual. Among foreign languages the most popular one is English. In GBAO there are 7 different Pamiri dialects. 

15. What is an individual tour?

An individual tour is organized by traveler’s wish. 

16. What is homestay?

A popular form of hospitality and lodging whereby visitors share a residence with a local of the city to which they are traveling.

They are usually a member of PECTA (Pamir Eco-Cultural Tourism Association) or ZTDA (Zeravshan Tourism Development Association). But conditions are worse than hotels and guesthouses. It is best for those who want to feel the real life of locals. 

17. What is Single supplement?

A charge paid by a solo traveler to compensate a hotel or cruise line for losses incurred because only one person is staying in a room or cruise ship cabin. 

18. What do abbreviations mean? ROH, SGL, DBL, TRPL, QDPL, Ex. Bed, CHD, RO, RR, BB, HB, FB, ALL, Al, UAL, UAI?

ROH (run of the house) – accommodation in a room of any category at the discretion of the hotel.
SGL (single) – single accommodation.
DBL (double) – double accommodation; by default, a room can have either one double bed or two separate single (sometimes half) beds (twin).
TRPL (triple) – triple accommodation; a room can be both one double bed and one single bed, or three separate single beds (rarely).
QDPL (quadruple) – quad accommodation.
Ex. Bed (extra bed) – extra bed: folding bed or, more rarely, stationary.
CHD (child) – a child (usually up to 12 years old).
RO (room only) – accommodation without meals.
RR (room rate) – only accommodation without meals.
BB (Bed and Breakfast) – only breakfast is included.
HB (half board) – the price includes breakfast and dinner (sometimes breakfast and lunch).
FB (full board) – the price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
ALL, Al (all inclusive) – breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, snacks, drinks, various additional services.
UAL, UAI (ultra all inclusive) – an extended version of “All Inclusive”: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, snacks, drinks, various additional services, an additional assortment of dishes and desserts, additional free food in a la carte restaurants.

Food:

19. Is there availability of vegetarian food in Tajikistan?

Yes, mostly in Dushanbe and Khujand, but in regions, it will be difficult. 

20. Can I find a special menu if I follow a diet?

Yes, if you inform your tour operator, so they can find the best for you. 

21. What do Half Board and Full Board stand for?

Half board – dinners during your tour
Full board – all lunches and dinners during your tour
 

Entertainments:

22. I want to see how Tajik people live. Where can I get this chance?

Tajik people are very hospitable and always ready to meet all guests who knock their door. You can visit Bartang Valley and find it one of the wildest and most memorable valleys in the western Pamirs. You will see face of the age-old traditions which are still have the great respect. 

23. Are there any horse games in Tajikistan?

Yes. Horse riding games (Buzkashi) are held in different places of Tajikistan, especially on Nawruz (spring holiday among Muslim). In addition, you can visit the Eastern Pamir Horse Festival in Murgab in summer. 

24. Where can I find souvenirs?

It is recommending to visit “Rukhom”. It is one of the most popular souvenir shops in Dushanbe. Also you can find them in hotels and streets. 

25. Are there any special rules for visiting bazaars?

Tajik bazaars are one of the most colorful places in Central Asia. You will be fascinated by the beauty of national atmosphere and taste sweets. If you want to take photos, it is better to ask permission. 

26. What are national holidays in Tajikistan?

13 holidays in Tajikistan were approved:
January 1 – New Year;
January 7 – Christmas (Orthodox Christmas);
February 23 – Defenders of the Fatherland Day;
March 8 – International Women's Day;
March 21 – Nooruz;
June 27 – National Unity Day;
May 1 – Labor Day;
November 6 – Constitution Day of the Republic of Tajikistan;
May 9 – Victory Day;
September 9 – Independence Day of Tajikistan;
There are Muslim holidays:
Qurban Bayram and Ramazan are determined by the lunar calendar. 

27. What kind of cars used in Tajik tours?

Your comfort is our priority. All of our cars have AC. Before we used Minivans Hyundai Starex, but now we use 4x4 Jeeps. With the help of our professional drivers you will learn more about Tajik treasures.

Transport:

• Toyota Land Cruiser 105
• Toyota 4Runner
• Nissan Patrol 

28. Is it possible to travel in Tajikistan with pets?

Yes, if your pets as cats, dogs and birds must be accompanied by a veterinarian health certificate with the seal of the local Board of Health. The certificate must be issued maximum ten days prior to arrival as well as to be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months and 30 days prior to arrival.

Other:

29. Can I take alcohol drinks in Tajikistan?

Yes, you can. 

30. Is it allowed to buy alcohol drinks in Tajikistan?

Yes, if you are over 18 years old. 

31. What power plugs and socket is used in Tajikistan?

In Tajikistan the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. 

32. Can I take photos while being in Tajikistan?

Yes, but some places require payment and permission. 

33. Is it safe to walk in the evening?

Yes, but better accompanied with a guide. 

34. Can I drink tap water in Tajikistan?

The tap water in Tajikistan is not safe. It is better to boil it or buy bottled one. 

35. I want to take Tajik somoni as a souvenir. Is it allowable?

Of course. 

36. What are do nots in Tajikistan?

• If you are smoker, there are special places where you can do it. It is forbidden to smoke in public places.
• It is not allowable to drop bread on the street.