IV Housing

Hotels recommended in Ashgabat are the Grand Turkmen, the Ak-Altyn, the Hotel Turkmenistan and the Nissa. They are all located in the city center. Nissa Hotel is within walking distance from the UN Building. The single room rates for UN personnel in these hotels range from US $ 65 to $ 123 per night, including breakfast. These hotels have restaurants, swimming pools, discos, saunas, bars and casinos. There is also a long row of good hotels on the city periphery (Berzingy) which are less expensive. Most hotels offer reduced rates for long stays. Rest houses or boarding houses are not available.

There is no government or UN- provided housing. Houses and apartments are available for rent in the private market. Rent for a fully furnished apartment (with 4 rooms) is between US $ 400-600. A private house with a garden and 4-5 rooms is between $ 600-1500.

Most landlords request payment at least a year’s advance. It is not advisable to commit for such a long period in case problems arise. It is better and more convenient to live in the city center. Availability of water during summers should be kept in mind while renting accommodations.

Most houses have furniture of poor quality; usually formica and not wood. Imported modern furniture is available. The price of a wooden dining set for 8, with a china cabinet, a bar and a sideboard would range from US $ 2,000 to 6,000. A sofa set would be between US $ 700-1500. A good quality, imported, wooden bedroom set with double bed, side tables, cupboard and a chest of drawers/dresser would be around us $ 2,500. Crockery and cutlery of various qualities is available as well. Satellite antennas with servicing and installation facilities are also available. However reduction of satellite channels is noticeable due to consequent digital encryption of satellite broadcasting. In this case, it is suggested to use digital satellite receivers by consulting with satellite TV technicians.

UN personnel are advised to bring only personal effects and not any consumer goods or household electronics, as many new shops have opened and consumer goods are now available.

Tap water is not safe for drinking. It is strongly recommended to use household water treatment systems or water filters. There are water supply regimes in some districts of the city. Apartments are often supplied with hot water from a central source. Private houses have individual water heaters as well as individual heating systems, which are more dependable. Most houses and apartments have radiators that are supply hot water from a central source. Butane gas stoves are used for cooking. Electricity voltage is a 220 volts. There can be power breakdowns throughout the year. Use of UPS is advisable for sensitive electronic equipment like computers, microwave ovens, refrigerators and air conditioners. There are garbage dumps in every neighborhood, but garbage is collected irregularly. Many houses have latrines rather than sewers in the suburbs of Ashgabat. One should not use tap water for drinking. In addition, one should not order ice cubes with drinks. Protection from sun is also needed in summers. It is also advisable to pack an insect repellent cream or spray.

Perhaps nothing makes Ashgabat more comfortable than the availability of efficient and dependable domestic help. The wages are approximately US $ 100 per month for housekeeper, gardener, watchman and driver. The staff does not live in. Uniforms are not provided, and food and transportation for all are at their own expense. There are no local laws concerning domestic employment and all these services fall in the scope of the informal sector.