Dushanbe - Post Report Question and Answers
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The traffic here is not overly bad, but the drivers are poor in my opinion. They frequently start/stop/change lanes without any notice. It's not the worst we've seen - by far - but it takes some getting used to. - Apr 2021
It's an authoritarian government. The same guy has been President for over 20 years, and it looks like he's planning to pass the office to his son; there is no opposition party, and the press is not free. It's not North Korea, but be thoughtful about discussing politics with Tajiks.
Facebook and most other forms of social media are turned off by the government, so you need a VPN. (That's not hard -- you can download free VPN programs online.)
Tajikistan is remote and can be a bit hard to get in and out of sometimes. Flights get cancelled sometimes: sometimes weather, sometimes... just cancelled. Be aware of this and try not to get frustrated. - Dec 2016
This is a tough assignment. There isn't a lot to do in Dushanbe especially if you don't speak Russian or Tajik. You might get sick a lot if you are unlucky like me. There is a lot of work to be done at the Embassy. I loved the work and consider it to be one of the best work experiences in my life. Don't go unless you are willing to put in the effort at work and are willing to go without things at home. This was a great community while I was there but I know morale has had its ups and downs at the post. - Dec 2015
I recognize that my review is very negative. I did not choose this place. I hated my time in Dushanbe and still wake up in a cold sweat after nightmares about the place. HOWEVER, families with small children who love nature fared much better than I did. For a single woman who enjoys cities, travel, healthy food, a liberal environment, a lively cultural scene and the sea, this is about the worst place on earth. - Jun 2014
Dushanbe is not an easy posting. You need to be relatively healthy and enjoy outdoor sports. There is little to do in the winter months, you must enjoy TV and reading. Bring lots of wool clothing, the houses are very cold and hard to heat in the winter. It is expensive to travel out of country so plan your R&R's well. If you have Russian it will be an easier posting. The local staff speak mainly Russian. - Jan 2012
If you are willing to make your own fun and go local, this is a great place. If you depend on culture, steady supplies of beloved items, or shopping, this is not the place! However, it is what you make of it! - Jul 2008
