Tajikistan, with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, presents a unique opportunity for expats. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s important to understand the key aspects of living in the country. This guide covers everything from housing options and local cuisine to transport, banking services, and mobile communication, offering essential information for a successful stay.
Expat communities for networking
This Facebook-group was intended for the expatriate community of Tajikistan, providing important information about current events and developments in the country. The participants strive to create an interactive space for all participants where they can exchange views and strengthen ties with each other.
Here you will find current news, discussions about current events and historical facts, as well as the opportunity to exchange opinions with other participants. Join the group to be the first to learn about key events in Tajikistan and actively participate in discussions about its future.
More communities here.
How to find housing
Somon
The platform offers a wide selection of apartments from private owners without intermediaries. You can find one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in various districts of Dushanbe. Listings are updated regularly, allowing users to keep track of new offers.
Arzon
An online bulletin board with numerous options for renting apartments in Dushanbe and other cities in Tajikistan. It features a convenient filter and search system.
More about housing here.
Must-try national dishes
Kurutob
If you ask any local to name the top 10 dishes to try in Tajikistan, the first one they'll mention is Kurutob. It’s the most famous and beloved Tajik food. The main ingredients are chakka — a type of sour milk product, qatyk or kefir, layered flatbread — fatir, flaxseed oil, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, onions, and salt.
Sambusa
These are Tajik pastries cooked in a tandoor or clay oven. You can find them at any gathering. The filling can be finely chopped lamb meat with onions and spices, as well as peas, lentils, potatoes, and other vegetables.
More dishes here.
Transport
Buses
In Tajikistan, the City Card is used for paying bus and trolleybus fares. The card costs 10 somoni, with 4 somoni allocated to the card's balance. The card can be topped up through Express Pay terminals, and when boarding the transport, it should be tapped on the validator for successful payment.
Taxi
In Tajikistan, especially in Dushanbe, there are several convenient ways to order a taxi. The most popular methods include mobile apps such as Rakhsh Taxi, Taxi Maksim, and Yandex Taxi, which allow for quick car bookings with various rates and service classes.
More about transport here.
Banks and finances
Agroinvestbank
Agroinvestbank is one of the largest commercial banks in Tajikistan, focusing on providing financial services to the agricultural sector and rural development. It offers various services, including loans, deposits, and payment services, aimed at supporting farmers and agribusinesses.
Orienbank
Orienbank is a prominent commercial bank in Tajikistan, offering a wide range of financial services, including personal and business loans, deposit accounts, and payment solutions. The bank focuses on customer service and provides innovative banking products to meet the needs of both individuals and enterprises.
More about banks here.
Mobile communication and internet
Tcell
One of the leading mobile providers in Tajikistan, offering reliable coverage and a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans. Tcell is known for its competitive data and voice packages.
Megafon Tajikistan
A subsidiary of the Russian mobile giant, Megafon offers mobile services including competitive data packages and voice plans. It is popular for international roaming services, especially for travelers from Russia.
More about mobile communications here.
