Turkmenistan Currency
The national currency of Turkmenistan is the manat. The banknotes feature famous historical figures and modern buildings in the capital, Ashgabat. There are currently banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 manat, and coins in denominations of 10, 20, 50 tenge and 1 and 2 manat. 1 manat = 100 tenge.
History of the Turkmen Manat
The Turkmen manat entered into circulation on 1 November 1993. Initially, banknotes were issued in denominations of 1, 3, 5 and 10 manats and coins in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 50 tenge. Between 1993 and 1995, additional denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 manats were issued, and between 1996 and 2005, denominations of 5,000 and 10,000 manats were issued. The obverse of the 10 to 10,000 manat denominations featured the portrait of President Saparmurat Niyazov, while the reverse depicted ancient architectural monuments. The watermark was an Akhalteke horse.
In 2005, new banknotes were issued in denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 manats with an updated design. All banknotes feature a portrait of Saparmurat Niyazov on the obverse and an Akhalteke horse (50), the Central Bank of Turkmenistan (100), national jewellery (500) and the presidential palace in Ashgabat (1000 and 5000) on the reverse. The watermark is a portrait of the president.
In 2009, a redenomination took place where old banknotes were exchanged for new ones at the rate of 1 new manat = 5000 old ones. The old banknotes were withdrawn from circulation at the end of 2009. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved new banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 manats. In 2012 and 2014, modified banknotes with improved protection were introduced: watermarks with portraits of historical figures, tactile signs for visually impaired people, facsimile of the Chairman of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan's signature, etc.
What Kind of Money is Used Today?
Today, the banknotes in use are the 2009-2014 model, decorated with oriental patterns. The banknotes depict both famous historical figures and modern architectural constructions of the capital, which symbolise the country's culture and achievements.
The oriental ornaments used in the design emphasise the uniqueness of Turkmen culture and traditions, creating an aesthetically attractive and symbolic design for the national currency.
What is Depicted on Turkmen Money?
1 manat (2009, 2012, 2014)
The main colours are green and orange. The banknote measures 120×60 mm.
On the front is a portrait of the founder of the Seljuk state, Togrul-Bek, and on the back is the facade of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat.
5 manat (2009 and 2012)
The main colours are brown and olive. The banknote measures 126×63 mm.
The front side shows Ahmad Sanzhar - the last Sultan of the Seljuk Empire. The back shows the Arch of Neutrality in Ashgabat.
10 manat (2009 and 2012)
The main colours are red and pink. The banknote measures 132×66 mm.
On the front of the banknote is a portrait of the famous poet and philosopher Makhtumkuli, and on the back the building of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat.
20 manat (2009 and 2012)
The main colours are purple and mauve. The banknote measures 138×69 mm
On the front of the banknote is a portrait of Gyorogly, the hero of Turkmen epics, and on the back is the Palace of Congresses and Arts 'Ruhiet' in Ashgabat.
50 manat (2009 and 2014)
The main colours are green and grey. The banknote measures 144×72 mm.
The front side of the banknote depicts the portrait of Korkyt, a 10th-century Turkic singer and composer, and the back side shows the building of the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat.
100 manat (2009)
The main colours of the banknote are blue and blue. The banknote measures 150×75 mm. On the front of the banknote is a portrait of the ancient ancestor of Turkmens, Oguz-khan Turkmen, and on the back is the Presidential Palace in Ashgabat.
100 manat (2014)
The main colours of the banknote are blue and blue. The banknote measures 150×75 mm.
On the front of the banknote is a portrait of the ancient ancestor of the Turkmen people, Oguz-Khan, and on the back is the Oguz-Khan Palace Complex, the presidential residence in Ashgabat.
Turkmen Manat Currency Exchange
Foreign currency can be brought into Turkmenistan in unlimited amounts but must be declared at customs. The most common currency is the US dollar. And it is advisable to bring small notes in large quantities. Since the beginning of 2015, Turkmenistan has set the national exchange rate for the US dollar at 3.5 manats. You can exchange foreign currency for manats at Ashgabat airport, some large hotels, shopping centres and banks. It is advisable to keep receipts for currency exchange and cheques for purchases, especially if you paid with foreign currency. In this case it will be easier to take goods out of the country as there are a number of restrictions on the list of goods. The amount you can export is also limited to USD 10,000.