Radio “Azatlyk” reports that the international payment system VISA ceased servicing Turkmen banks owing to the banks’ debts and restrictions for using bank cards.
As of today the card servicing has been stopped until 11 December. By that time the Turkmen side should resolve the issues with the debt amounting to $30 mln.
According to “Azatlyk”, apart from the debt, VISA officials are discontent with the fact that the restrictions, which are constantly imposed on foreign currency transactions, negatively affect the company reputation.
Let us recall that in early November Turkmenistan’s Vnesheconombank (Foreign Trade Bank) again limited the amounts of cash which can be withdrawn overseas.
As of today, during an overseas stay, a maximum of $50 dollars a day can be withdrawn officially or cash free payments of no more than $200 a day can be made.
However, later it became known that the Turkmen residents have trouble with obtaining even these restricted amounts.
Except VISA, MasterCard cards are operational in Turkmenistan.