Tajik somoni black market rates

[steven]

Since the devaluation of the ruble, the Tajik government has started controlling currency flows more tightly and a black market for dollars has sprung up like in Uzbekistan. Post your updates here.

For Uzbek exchange rates, see http://caravanistan.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=858

[steven]

Currently hovers at 6,6 somoni to the dollar, official exchange is 6,2 somoni to the dollar.

[tcarlyle]

In the begining of august, the rate around the Pamirs was 6,5 somoni to the dollar, and even the bank at Murghab was using such rate (although the currency converter apps would show something around 6,2).
We heard of people getting from 6,7 to 7,1 somoni per euro.

Also all the atms that were supposedly dispensing dollars were empty. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is better not to count on getting dollars in Tajikistan.

[cardgreen]

And most of time for foreigners the rate of dollar or EURO even in official offices are lower than for locals. Because for foreigners they sell it with official rate.

In this case if u know any trusted locals ask them to exchange money for u. Now not official rate is 6.85 per dollar.

[mazeno]

https://rus.ozodi.org/a/28417786.html
now official usd-tjs is about 8,60.
black market - does anybody know?

[steven]

I think the black market has died, or gone deep underground. At least last year I could not find anyone doing it, and I have not heard any news.

[arturowing]

Dear Steven,

do you sugest to change cash or take somoni from an atm?

thank you in advance

arturo

[steven]

Hi Arturo,

I suggest to take all the cash you will need with you in USD and change it into somoni once in Tajikistan. ATMs are likely not to work.

See http://caravanistan.com/money/tajikistan

[seysearles]

Any recent info on this? We are trying to manage our cash in Central Asia and need to decide if it's worth stock piling usd for our time there (and Kyrgyzstan for that matter) or if it's sufficient to withdraw simoni from atms at the bank rate and not get rinsed. Would appreciate people's advice on the situation at present.

[lissie45]

I don't think the situation has changed in the last month - see the post above yours