Money
The Tajikistani somoni (TJS) is the currency. Dollar and euro notes in good condition are easy to exchange in cities; bring cash. ATMs exist in Dushanbe and Khujand, but outside cities they are rare or unreliable. Carry sufficient somoni before heading into the mountains or to Penjikent. Card payments are limited to upmarket hotels and some shops in Dushanbe.
Safety
Tajikistan is generally safe for travelers. Crime targeting tourists is rare. The eastern border with Afghanistan and areas near the Kyrgyz border in the north have occasional tensions; check current advisories before travel. The civil war of the 1990s is long over and the country has been stable for decades. The main risks are altitude sickness, road accidents on mountain roads, and the occasional landslide closing a route.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine jabs are sensible. Altitude sickness is a real concern in the Pamirs — ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and don't ignore symptoms. The water in cities is generally safe to drink; in the mountains use purification tablets or a filter. Pharmacies in Dushanbe are well stocked; elsewhere, bring what you need.
Climate
Dushanbe has a continental climate: hot summers (up to 40°C in July–August) and cold winters (down to -10°C in January). Mountain areas are dramatically colder — the Pamirs at altitude can freeze overnight in summer. Snow closes high passes from roughly November to May.
Communications
Mobile coverage is reasonable in cities and along main roads. In the Pamirs, Beeline has coverage in some areas; elsewhere expect no signal. Buy a local SIM (Tcell, Beeline, or Megafon) at the airport or any phone shop — cheap and usually no ID required. Wi-Fi is available in most guesthouses in Dushanbe and increasingly along the Pamir Highway.
Customs and etiquette
Remove shoes when entering homes and some guesthouses. Bread should not be placed upside down. When meeting older people or in formal settings, a hand on the heart and a slight bow is a respectful greeting. Modest dress is appreciated outside cities — covered shoulders and knees for women in rural areas.
Navruz
The Persian New Year (March 21) is the biggest national holiday, with celebrations including music, traditional games, and the preparation of sumalak, a sweet porridge made from sprouted wheat. If your timing allows, it is a rewarding time to be in the country.