Tajikistan uses the somoni as currency. Although you might be able to pay in places with dollar, somoni is still the currency of daily use.
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ATM cash withdrawal
Tajikistan’s financial system is always teetering on the verge of collapse. Or simply collapsing. Which makes getting money out of a cash machine quite the challenge on occasion.
It might be easy. But just in case it isn’t, be prepared to run around a bit trying to get money. Many people wonder: should I bring all my money in cash? Know that you can take out money usually, if the ATM accepts your card.
It is not always certain, though, and it might take some time. To avoid money stress, have at least some cash on hand.
There are ATM’s in Dushanbe, Penjikent, Khujand, Khorog, Isfara, Istaravshan, Qurghon-Teppa and even in smaller places. Not in Murghab, though!
In Dushanbe, Eskhata Bank (Эсхата) is the most reliable with USD and high withdrawal limit in Somoni (beware weekends and especially Sundays as ATMs are often empty, they seem to only be refilled Monday-Friday).
The corner of Bukhoro and Rudaki street has 5 or 6 ATMs, and the Serena Hotel has an ATM that has been very reliable with USD. It’s much more central than the ATM in the Hilton (old Sheraton).
Mastercard
It can be difficult to find an ATM that accepts Mastercard. Activ Bank, off Ayni street (Gmaps), is the only bank that works. They have two ATMs on the side of the building that accept Mastercard and deposit both USD and Somoni. The limit is low though, about $100.
Currency exchange Tajikistan
Both US dollar and Euro are widely accepted in Tajikistan. In smaller places without official currency exchange, people might be more willing to take dollar than euro.
There is still a black market for dollars, but the exchange rate is not that far from that of the banks. It’s also illegal, so watch out. Exchanging dollar into somoni will never be a problem – they are very happy to see you. The other way around is much more difficult, as banks often do not have dollars in stock.
You can exchange your leftover somoni into Uzbek or Kyrgyz som on either side of the busier land borders (in Osh if you are coming from the Pamirs), but do not leave it until the airport if you are flying out. You can exchange somoni in Uluqqat (China), but we do not know where to exchange somoni in Afghanistan.
If you are going from Osh towards the Pamir, exchange your dollars for somoni in Osh. The rate is higher than what you would receive anywhere in Pamir. Currency exchange offices are gathered on Navoi street near the bazaar, just before the corner with Masalieva (OSM). Dushanbe and Khujand have even better rates, though, so if you are going there first, do not exchange in Osh.
High-end hotels in Dushanbe exchange money also on Sundays, when banks close, in dedicated currency exchange booths.
Credit cards and money transfer
Tajikistan is a cash economy. Paying by credit card or Google/Apple Pay will be possible only in high-end hotels. On the other hand, money transfer services like Western Union are everywhere due to the high level of remittances sent back by Tajiks working abroad, which means the rates are very competitive.
If you’re trying to figure out how much money you will need for your trip to Tajikistan, check out the travel budget page.