Turkmenistan
 

I have heard flying in and out of Ashgebat is not the most straightforward process.

Is it cash only for handling svcs? Any strange nuances. Have to go there soon...(in addition to Bahrain and Beirut which I mentioned in a previous thread).

Thanks!

Regards,
UW

PM sent to you UW!

Hi,

Dear avfuelman , same here . Would you mind sending mw your feedbacks as well, will be much appreciated.

Thank you

Both Ashgebat and Turkmenbashi are fine to operate in/out of. Its "Russian style" security checks and passport controls and lots of suspicious eyes watching every step you take at the airport. I've been there with passengers in the oil business who have been invited by the government and I guess that helped. Vodka is cheaper than drinking water and hotels full of "ladies" :ok: We paid cash (for handling/fuel not the ladies :E) but not sure if this was a must.

The local manat money will take you a long way...In ashkabad, the old sheraton, now Grand Turkmen, has a very nice swimming pool, the restaurant is cheap but a bit dull. Opposite the hotel there is a nice pub / restaurant, as well as a market with fresh fruits etc...
Have a look at the largest carpet in the world, negotiate a taxi for the day to drive you around...Remember that all carpets needs a licence to get exported, so a cheap one is not cheap without a licence.
Every else is nominal as an ex russia sops

When we were there in June only one guy spoke english on the airport. A 737 engineer from memory. Grab him if you can, worth his weight in gold.
Paid everything cash, but again not sure if this was a necessity.
Ditto the suspicion. I went to the main admin building to get some met and file the fpl ( had to be done manually with air traffic for some reason that day). Went to the loo and my escort actually came into the gents and stood outside the cubicle.
From memory though nothing really extraordinary. Just allow double the time for everything than you would normally. And drop the customs guys a few cans of beer/coke when you arrive. They asked us for it as we left which we obliged. Think had we offered it at the start things may have been expedited.

"I have heard flying in and out of Ashgebat is not the most straightforward process.

Is it cash only for handling svcs? Any strange nuances. Have to go there soon...(in addition to Bahrain and Beirut which I mentioned in a previous thread)."

Medevac flight, Uncle?

Cheers,

Take as much cash along as you dare. No credit card payment and in the Ashabad - we found only one ATM, where you can take out cash.
Anyway, the ATM will not give more than 1000 dollars. Not enough for handling and fuel.

I was in Ashkabad and Mary two weeks ago, no problems at all. The Grand Turkmen hotel is not the best, try the President, far better rooms. All payment for everything is in USD, ground handling reasonable but the ATC is good. All round not too bad, theres FAR worse places to go. Regarding the entry procedures, I'm on a UK passport and found it no bother at all, none of the 'suspicions' others have talked of. Second time I've been there and so far no big problems...........
For a CL-604 it was about $2500 cash.

Thanks everybody for the great information! I'm actually kind of looking forward to this trip!