Hello fellow travelers,
I visited Dushanbe late November and wanted to share some updated insights that might help anyone planning a visit. From airport tips to must-see attractions, here’s everything I learned. Feel free to add your thoughts or correct any details to make this even more useful for others.
Landing in Dushanbe can be a bit of a mixed bag. The passport control process is slow and a little chaotic, with queues aren’t strictly followed. Passing border control is straightforward, hardly any questions asks, they just check your passport, make a quick photo, put a passport stamp and that's it. No need to fill out any immigration forms or complete online applications before your arrival.
The airport itself is quite small, outdated, with basic amenities. There’s free Wi-Fi, but you’ll need to enter your phone number to receive an SMS verification code—a minor inconvenience if you don’t yet have a local SIM card. ATMs available at the airport to withdraw local currency from your foreign card. No extra fees are charged for that. I have not noticed any stalls selling local SIM cards and purchased SIM a bit later in city centre. Cash is essential in Dushanbe as most places don't accept cards, so keep that in mind.
Stepping outside, you’ll likely be approached by several taxi drivers, with over the sky initial quotes ( I was even quoted 200 somoni for a ride to hotel). But the fee should vary somewhere between 10-20 somoni. Anyway, after some negotiation, I secured a ride for 25 somoni. On the return trip, I used a metered taxi from the city center (near Sadbarg Trade Center), which cost just 11 somoni—though I tipped the driver generously with remaining somoni that I had, and he even tried to return part of it.
Ride-hailing apps like YandexGo aren’t available in Tajikistan (unlike in neighboring Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan), Google Maps is a great alternative for tracking your route, especially if you don’t have a local SIM card yet.
The airport was unexpectedly quite close to the city center. The distance is just over 3 km, so it took me just 10 min to reach centre on taxi. If you travel without suitcases it is quite possible just to walk, it won't take you more than 40 minutes on foot.
As mentioned before, I purchased mine in city centre near Sadbarg Trade Center. There are several mobile operators, I just chose the one with no customers as the packages in all of them were basically of the same price. I opted for a Megafon SIM card. Prices ranged from 110 somoni (104GB, valid for one month) to 155 somoni (150GB). You’ll need your passport and cash to buy one.
Google Maps works well in Dushanbe, and are very handy when exploring the city on your own.
Accommodation
Instead of the hotel I preferred an apartment booked via AirB&B, turned out to be cheaper and better option. When choosing the location, I would recommend staying near Rudaki Avenue, particularly the stretch between the Ismoili Somoni Monument and Ayni Street. This area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it a lively and practical base for exploration.
Taxis are incredibly affordable in Dushanbe, with rides usually costing between 10-20 somoni. Cash is the only accepted payment method, so keep small denominations handy.
Again, cash is king in Dushanbe. While some upscale establishments accept bank cards, most local restaurants, cafés, and taxis operate on a cash-only basis. A 12% service fee is often included in restaurant bills as a tip, so check your receipt before tipping extra.
No problems, no questions asked, no migration card required (but I stayed less than 10 days, if you plan to stay longer better request one upon arrival). Security checks are relatively quick. The airport has a small duty-free shop, a kiosk, and even a desk selling SIM cards for Moscow.
While the city may not boast an overwhelming number of attractions, a few sites are worth your time:
I skipped Hisor Fortress due to mixed reviews but would love to hear others’ experiences there.
Dushanbe is a welcoming city with a relaxed vibe. I felt safe walking around, even at night. While it doesn’t have the tourist density of other destinations, it’s this very quality that makes it unique and peaceful.
Hope this guide helps you plan your visit.
How is the mobile network coverage in Dushanbe? Mobile Internet works fine?
The coverage is excellent in the city, Internet is quick, never experienced any problems. But if you plan on traveling to rural areas, check with the vendor to ensure their network extends to those regions.