How to Call Turkmenistan
Complete guide to dialing Turkmenistan (country code +993)
Making an international call can seem complicated, but learning how to call Turkmenistan is straightforward once you understand the basics. Whether you're connecting with family, friends, or business contacts, calling Turkmenistan requires knowing the correct dialing codes and procedures to ensure your call goes through successfully. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Turkmenistan from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes people make when placing international calls, share important phone etiquette tips to help you communicate respectfully, and provide a list of useful numbers you might need during your stay or correspondence. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making calls to Turkmenistan without any hassle.
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Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Turkmenistan: Complete International Calling Guide
Calling Turkmenistan requires understanding the correct international dialing format. The country code for Turkmenistan is +993, and proper dialing depends on your location and the type of number you're calling.
International Dialing Format Structure
The standard format for calling Turkmenistan is:
Exit Code + 993 + Area Code + Local Number
When dialing internationally, drop any leading zero from Turkmenistan's local numbers.
Dialing from Different Countries
From the USA:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 993 (Turkmenistan country code)
- Dial the area code and local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 993 (Turkmenistan country code)
- Dial the area code and local number
From other countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code, though some differ. Check your country's international access code.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling Ashgabat landline (12 XXXXXX):
- From USA: 011-993-12-XXXXXX
- From UK: 00-993-12-XXXXXX
- Remember: If the local number shows as 012-XXXXXX, drop the leading zero
Example 2 - Calling Turkmen mobile number (6X XXXXXX):
- From USA: 011-993-6X-XXXXXX
- From UK: 00-993-6X-XXXXXX
- Mobile numbers typically start with 6
Example 3 - Calling TĂĽrkmenabat landline (422 XXXXX):
- From USA: 011-993-422-XXXXX
- From UK: 00-993-422-XXXXX
Important Notes About Leading Zeros
Turkmenistan local numbers may display with a leading zero domestically (like 012 for Ashgabat). Always remove this zero when dialing internationally. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Turkmenistan.
Quick Tips
- Mobile phones: Use + instead of exit codes (e.g., +993-12-XXXXXX)
- Save international contacts with + format for universal compatibility
- Check with your phone provider about international calling rates before dialing
Following these steps ensures successful connections to Turkmenistan from anywhere worldwide.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Turkmenistan, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Local phone numbers in Turkmenistan often start with 0, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 012 345678, dial +993 12 345678, not +993 012 345678.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers use their own country's exit code incorrectly. Instead of memorizing different exit codes (011 for US, 00 for Europe), simply use the universal "+" symbol, which works from any country.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
The country code +993 must come first, followed by the city code (without the leading zero). For Ashgabat, it's +993 12, not +12 993. Always put the country code immediately after the + symbol.
4. Including unnecessary spaces or formatting
While spaces help readability, inconsistent formatting can cause dialing errors. Use a standard format: +993 XX XXXXXX, where XX is the area code and XXXXXX is the local number.
5. Not accounting for the time difference
Turkmenistan is GMT+5, so verify the local time before calling to avoid disturbing recipients during late hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Turkmenistan, understanding local customs helps build respectful relationships. Turkmens value politeness and traditional greetings, so always begin calls with "Salam" (hello) followed by inquiries about the person's health and family well-being before discussing your main purpose.
For business calls, maintain a formal tone and use professional titles with surnames. Personal calls can be more relaxed among friends and family, though respect for elders remains paramount regardless of the relationship. Address older individuals with honorific terms and speak with deference.
Timing matters significantly in Turkmen culture. Avoid calling during early morning hours before 9 AM or late evening after 9 PM unless it's urgent. Midday calls should also be avoided as many people rest during lunch, particularly in warmer months. Business calls work best during standard office hours.
Voice messages are accepted but less common than direct conversation. Turkmens generally prefer speaking directly, so if someone doesn't answer, it's appropriate to try again later rather than leaving a lengthy message.
Keep in mind that Turkmenistan remains a traditional society where personal connections matter greatly. Building rapport through proper phone etiquette, showing patience, and demonstrating genuine interest in the other person's welfare will strengthen both business and personal relationships. Don't rush conversations—taking time for pleasantries shows respect and is considered good manners rather than a waste of time.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 03
Ambulance: 03
Fire Department: 01
General Emergency: 112
Turkmenistan uses a unified emergency number system, with 03 serving as the primary contact for police and medical emergencies, while 01 connects to fire services. The universal European emergency number 112 is also operational throughout the country.
These numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones. However, English-speaking operators are extremely limited, and services primarily operate in Turkmen and Russian. Response times may vary significantly between urban centers like Ashgabat and rural areas.
It's highly advisable for foreign visitors to have a Russian or Turkmen-speaking contact available to assist with emergency communications. Services operate 24/7, though infrastructure and response capabilities may not meet Western standards in remote regions.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 109: Directory inquiries for local phone numbers and addresses
International Services
- 8-10: International operator for placing calls abroad and operator assistance
Tourist Information
- State Committee for Tourism: +993 12 44-56-72 (general inquiries about attractions, hotels, and travel permits)
Embassy Contacts
- U.S. Embassy Ashgabat: +993 12 94-00-45
- British Embassy: +993 12 36-32-62
- German Embassy: +993 12 48-74-41
Utilities & Services
- 104: Information about utility services (water, electricity, gas)
- Ashgabat International Airport: +993 12 22-33-44
Medical Assistance (Non-Emergency)
- Ministry of Health Hotline: +993 12 39-28-47
Keep these numbers accessible when traveling throughout Turkmenistan, as English-speaking operators may be limited outside major hotels.
Tips for Calling Turkmenistan
When calling Turkmenistan (UTC+5), timing is crucial for successful connections. The country is 5 hours ahead of GMT, so calculate carefully to avoid inconvenient hours. For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, Tuesday through Saturday, as Friday and Saturday form the weekend in Turkmenistan.
Always schedule business calls in advance—Turkmenistan's formal business culture expects prior arrangements. Email or message ahead to confirm availability and demonstrate professionalism.
Avoid calling during major holidays like Independence Day (October 27-28), Neutrality Day (December 12), and Eid celebrations, which follow the lunar calendar. Also respect Ramadan hours when business activity may shift earlier in the day.
For optimal call quality, use off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon Turkmenistan time) when network congestion is lower. Consider that international connections may be less reliable than in other countries.
Communication tips: speak slowly and clearly, as English proficiency varies. Be patient with potential line delays. Have important details written down beforehand. If possible, confirm key points via email after your call to ensure mutual understanding and maintain a paper trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Turkmenistan is +993. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Turkmenistan from anywhere in the world.
To dial Turkmenistan from your cell phone, start with + (or your country's international access code), then dial 993, followed by the area code and local number. For example: +993-12-XXXXXX for Ashgabat.
Yes, if the local Turkmenistan number begins with a zero, you should drop it when dialing internationally. After entering +993, dial the area code without the leading zero, then the local number.
The cheapest way to call Turkmenistan is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Turkmenistan.
In Turkmenistan, the emergency numbers are: 01 for Fire Service, 02 for Police, and 03 for Ambulance. These numbers can be dialed locally within Turkmenistan for emergency assistance.
Yes, you can call Turkmenistan directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Turkmenistan phone number, and make your call without downloading any software or apps.
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