Social behaviour in Turkmenistan is generally conservative and formal, and visitors are expected to show respect for local customs and authority. Polite, reserved conduct is appreciated in public spaces, and displays of frustration or confrontation are best avoided. Carrying identification at all times is advisable, as checks can occur.
Dress standards are modest, particularly outside hotels and official tourist settings. Shorts are rarely worn by locals, especially by adults, and visitors are encouraged to dress conservatively in public places. Lightweight trousers or long skirts and tops that cover the shoulders are more in keeping with local norms, particularly in government buildings, markets, and religious sites.
Photography requires care. Taking photos of government buildings, security installations, airports, military sites, or police is prohibited and can lead to questioning or confiscation of equipment. Visitors should always ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets or rural areas, and should be discreet when using cameras in public.
Table manners and everyday customs are taken seriously. Bread holds a special cultural significance and should be treated with respect; it should not be placed upside down or discarded casually. Observing such small gestures of respect is noticed and appreciated.
Tipping is not customary in Turkmenistan. In hotel restaurants or higher-end establishments, a service charge may already be included. Elsewhere, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is acceptable but not expected. Tips, if given, should be modest and discreet.
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