Careful travel: how to avoid problems in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is called one of the least visited countries in the world. It's not easy to get to this mysterious country, but those who do will have an unforgettable experience.

Tourists have been listed some common mistakes to avoid in Turkmenistan in order to avoid problems. This was reported by NewsBytes..

Travelers are advised not to photograph sensitive areas. In particular, the local government strictly prohibits unauthorized photography, especially of sensitive locations such as police stations, military personnel, and government buildings. If you take a picture without being asked, authorities may confiscate your phone or camera and you may get in trouble with the law.

When visiting guests, don't forget to bring a gift. You will be the center of attention and treated like a VIP with the best seat. You may even be asked to give a speech or toast in your native language (with translation) or broken Turkmen.

Tourists are advised to avoid talking about politics or religion. The government of Turkmenistan has a low tolerance for political dissent. Criticizing the government or its policies can lead to serious consequences. Also, religion is a sensitive topic and some people may have strong beliefs that they do not want to discuss with strangers.

If you are a woman, do not travel alone, because in traditional Turkmen society women must be accompanied by a male relative or male companion in public. Therefore, women traveling alone may attract unwanted attention and be perceived as violating cultural norms. To ensure their safety and avoid any possible cultural misunderstandings, women travelers are advised to travel with a companion, preferably a man, or in a group.

Travelers are also warned that they should not expect a good Internet connection in Turkmenistan. The cellular coverage is poor outside of major cities. In addition, some popular social media sites, such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, as well as messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, are blocked.

And what souvenirs are best to bring from Turkmenistan - read the article from TravelWise.