Turkmenistan · Telecom, Internet & Apps

Altyn Asyr (TM Cell)

Altyn Asyr (TM Cell) is Turkmenistan's state mobile operator and in practice the only one; visitors buy a prepaid SIM at its official offices with a passport and visa.

What it helps with

A local numberFor calls with hotels and guides.
Basic mobile internetCensored and slow.
Planning offlineDownload maps in advance.

About Altyn Asyr (TM Cell):

Mobile internet is slow, expensive and heavily censored: WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are blocked, and Gmail can be hard to reach. VPNs are illegal and actively blocked; using one can get the SIM cut off. Coverage is weak in rural areas.

Key Features:

Prepaid SIM: With passport and visa.
Official offices: Mainly in Ashgabat and large cities.
Data packages: Paid in manat.
Nationwide network: Weak outside cities.

How to Get Started:

Go to an official Altyn Asyr office with your passport and visa.
Buy a SIM and a data package.
Top up with vouchers or at offices in cash.
Download maps and documents before relying on mobile data.

Before you use it

Limits: WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube are blocked; VPNs are illegal and actively blocked.
Sign-up: Bring your passport and visa: SIM registration is mandatory.

Local ID needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Altyn Asyr (TM Cell) work with a foreign bank card in Turkmenistan?: Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
Is Altyn Asyr (TM Cell) available in English?: Not officially - the interface is mainly in the local language.
Do I need a local phone number to use Altyn Asyr (TM Cell)?: No, an international phone number generally works for Altyn Asyr (TM Cell).
Do I need local ID or residency for Altyn Asyr (TM Cell)?: Yes, Altyn Asyr (TM Cell) requires local ID or residency status.
Where can I use Altyn Asyr (TM Cell)?: Web
How much does Altyn Asyr (TM Cell) cost?: Prepaid packages in manat; top-up in cash