Find fat stacks of cash
In Tajikistan, cash is king, yet ATMs may be temperamental monsters. ATMs do not always have cash, and in locations like Murghab on the eastern Pamir Highway, there are no ATMs at all! Fortunately, there is usually someone around who can exchange US dollars for Tajik somoni. For larger payments, many homestays and businesses take dollars. Pay your $30 stay with US dollars, but don't be that visitor who attempts to purchase a 25-cent ice cream with a $5 note.
To prevent being caught in a financial constraint, Toplist recommends carrying US dollars to Tajikistan. The amount you carry depends on your trip budget, however, even budget travelers should pack several hundred dollars in cash while visiting Tajikistan. When some company got to Panjakent, everything was closed due to Eid al-Adha... yet there was still someone there eager to exchange US dollars for Tajik somoni.
