Ashgabat is again experiencing a shortage of cash. Queues are formed in front of banks (ATMS are now located only indoors). The limit for cash withdrawals is 800 manats, correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report.
Cards can be used only in major shopping centres and supermarkets. Because prices are high there, residents prefer to go shopping in markets and small privately-owned stores which accept only cash.
Shop assistants of state-run stores also accept only cash payments because PDQ terminals are allegedly out of service.
Pharmacies accept cash payments if the amount of a purchase does not exceed 100 manats.For instance, Dostluk dünýäsi pharmacy in the 30th residential district refused to accept cash-free payment for medications for medications worth over 500 manats from a customer diagnosed with cancer.
The pharmacist said that only 100 manats could be paid by a bank card while the rest of the amount had to be paid in cash.
The problem with a shortage of cash in Turkmenistan’s ATMs is all-pervasive and occurs quite often. Residents do not trust banks and try to withdraw salaries, retirement benefits and other allowances as soon as they are transferred to bank accounts.
In addition, as described before, the majority of residents prefer to buy groceries and merchandise in the markets because of lower prices. Bazaars are usually not equipped with card terminals.
Queue in front of an ATM.
Ashgabat.July 2020The post Ashgabat again experiences a shortage of cash first appeared on Chronicles of Turkmenistan.