Ashgabat - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's fine for single people who are okay staying single, or for single men who date women. Couples and families do well here, especially with young kids, given the availability of local help. - Jan 2024
Single guys were popular among the local ladies. Single women had a harder time. Families and couples had to make their own fun, but were relatively happy. - Dec 2020
It depends on what is your agenda and how flexible you are about seeking out fun things to do. I see that there are happy families and singles. If you compare it to the cities that you already know, it will only be frustrating. if you approach it that it is a unique once in a lifetime experience, you will have a positive experience. - Jun 2018
It is the same for everyone - extremely limited entertainment and local tourism. - Feb 2016
Ashgabat is a make your own fun sort of place, so families and couples with ready-made social activities and partners tended to enjoy their time more. Single men seemed to do well, as several married locals. Turkmen culture in many ways revolves around the house and family, so there is little night life or restaurant scene to speak of. There is also a widely followed unofficial curfew of 23:00 which sees the few watering holes close before that hour to allow patrons to get home. Turkmenistan is a Muslim country where very few people speak English. Russian language fluency is also quickly disappearing among its youth. Most socializing was done within the same broad circle of expats that included colleagues, counterparts from western embassies, AIS teachers, and expat business reps. There is no Hash House Harriers, but there is an international women's group. - Jul 2014
No/Maybe/No. Single men will have a good time, as there are plenty of young beautiful women who are looking to marry a westerner and get a better life in the U.S. Families will find it very hard there, and couples will be bored to tears! - Oct 2012
Yes, yes, and yes. Some would say that this place is a little boring, but really most people seem to enjoy themselves albeit not as stimulating as other cities. - Mar 2012
