Tajikistan is becoming popular for tourism. More and more often, travelers choose this colorful country to saturate with new emotions. In addition, Tajikistan is considered one of the most mysterious countries in the world. The currency of this state has an equally interesting history. Somoni - this is what modern money is called in this country. But has it always been that way?
Somoni History
In Central Asia, of course, there are more developed and wealthier countries than Tajikistan. The currency of this country at the exchange rate does not significantly differ from the exchange rates of neighboring countries, but tourists are attracted here not by financial gain, but by local color. However, if we talk about somoni, then this currency appeared back in 2000; earlier, the Tajik ruble was successfully used in Tajikistan. But in order to save the country's economy, after the declaration of independence, the state had to switch to its own money, and as a result, the somoni was equal to the Tajik ruble as 1 in 1000. Until April 2001, everyone could easily replace the old currency with a new one. As in the Russian ruble, where there is a smaller banknote - a penny, 1 somoni has 100 dirams.
Somoni banknotes
Somoni is issued directly by Tajikistan itself. The currency of this state is fully controlled by the Central Bank. However, some types of Tajik somoni coins are minted at the mint of St. Petersburg. Most often these are rare or jubilee specimens. The exchange rate in Tajikistan is also set by the Central Bank. Initially, the somoni denomination started from 50 units, and smaller currency symbols were issued directly in coins. Later it was decided to use paper currency for large bills. Banknotes repeatedly went through different types of modifications. But often still today there are old variations. Of course, every time when issuing an updated currency, experts use all new protective elements that make counterfeiting this currency simply impossible.
Somoni security features
Somoni are considered one of the most unusual and beautiful money in the world. At the same time, faking such a currency is almost impossible. So, the main protective elements are as follows:
- Colorless paper.
- Water marks.
- Metallic threads.
- Microtexts.
- Serial numbers.
- Printed-stamped elements.
- Holographic elements.
- Special tags.
Thanks to such protection methods, both dirams and somoni are the main currency of Tajikistan. The exchange rate to the ruble is almost always kept at 1 to 10. Today, 1 somoni is 9.86 rubles, 0.13 dollars or 0.11 euros. But, as you know, in this country you can use the currency exchange office only in a state bank. In 2015, the state underwent a considerable financial boom, so today it is not as easy to use foreign currency in the country as it was before. However, this is practically not reflected in tourism; every traveler can use a convenient credit card at any time.
Colorful and bewitching country of Tajikistan. The currency of this state surprises no less than its beauty and security.