Heart of Tamerlane’s Empire

Money & costs

Exchanging currency at a bank is a straightforward process in Uzbekistan. Aside from US dollars, you have the option to exchange euros, British pounds, and Japanese yen for the local currency of sum. Exchange facilities are available in major cities like Bukhara and Khiva, as well as at Tashkent Airport. In other locations, a visit to a bank is necessary and the exchange course is also often better there. When exchanging money at a bank, it’s essential to ensure your currency is in pristine condition. Exchanging Uzbek sum outside of Uzbekistan can be a challenging task, but you can convert the currency back to US dollars at a local bank.

Credit card payments are accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants in Tashkent and other major touristic cities, with Visa being more widely recognized than Mastercard. However, it’s crucial to note that Uzbekistan predominantly relies on a cash-based economy, making credit card transactions relatively uncommon. A standard 3% commission is applicable.

Uzbekistan’s ATMs dispense Uzbek sum and they are easily found in larger cities. Quite many ATMs also provide US dollars as an option.

Safety

Uzbekistan is generally considered a safe destination, characterized by a low prevalence of religious extremism and infrequent criminal incidents targeting foreigners. Here are some recommendations:

• Always have your passport with you, as it is a legal requirement in Uzbekistan, and routine police checks are conducted.
• Steer clear of any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.
• Exercise caution against potential theft, being mindful of your belongings in a manner typical of any other country.
• Remember that the possession of narcotics is strictly illegal.
• Exercise discretion when taking photographs, especially near government buildings such as the Palace of Forums in Tashkent, and occasionally at local markets less frequented by tourists. Although recent restrictions have eased, it’s prudent to check regulations, especially in proximity to airports, border checkpoints, military installations, bridges and police stations.
• Note that same-sex relationships are illegal, unrecognized, and still face societal condemnation. Avoid public displays of affection.
• Be aware that many roads outside Tashkent, particularly in the Tian Shan and Fan mountains, are in suboptimal condition. Driving standards are generally low, and night driving poses additional risks. Rural roads and highways often lack proper illumination.
• Utilize licensed taxis whenever possible. Using local taxi applications is the most convenient way of getting a taxi ride and making sure the costs are at the local level. If you take a taxi from the street or at the airport, it is advised to negotiate the price. Yandex works very well in Tashkent and Samarkand.
• If traveling by train at night, secure your valuables in a safe location, and refrain from leaving belongings unattended in your compartment. Lock the door from the inside.
• Uzbekistan is susceptible to earthquakes, mainly tremors, but occasionally stronger earthquakes occur.
• Drones are in practice banned in Uzbekistan. It is possible to apply for a permission but they are very rarely admitted.

Entry & exit

Entering Uzbekistan is a straightforward process if your documents are in order. Obtaining Uzbek visas is relatively simple, and for many countries, an invitation is no longer a requirement. Under Uzbekistan’s visa policy, citizens from numerous countries can enjoy visa-free access. Detailed visa information can be found here.

Registration requirements in Uzbekistan are stringent compared to those of other Central Asian countries. According to the law, you must complete the registration process within 3 days of your arrival in Uzbekistan. Usually the hotels will take care of this but make sure to register your stay if you are staying for example in an AirBnB apartment for longer than 3 days. The border authorities will check the system for registrations when you are exiting the country. Sometimes they might also ask for the paper version of the registration so it is adviced to keep them with you until leaving the country.

It is important to note that exporting handcrafted items older than 50 years from Uzbekistan is prohibited. If you are crossing the border by land, customs officials may inspect your phone and scrutinize photos for any explicit content or related confidential material but it has gotten very rare lately.

Best time to go

The optimal times for visiting Uzbekistan are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These periods offer relief from the intense heat of summer and the chilly temperatures of winter.

During the peak of summer, the land becomes dry, especially in rural areas where the scenery may be limited, and temperatures rise to well above 30°C levels and often even up to 40°C. From November to March, it can get cold, with temperatures dropping sometimes to sub zero temperatures  but the skies remain mostly clear and bright during this period. It might snow occasionally but the snow disappears usually in one or two days.

Health

To prevent traveler’s diarrhea, refrain from consuming non-bottled, unfiltered, or non boiled water. Avoid using tap water for oral hygiene or ice-making. Choose only thoroughly cooked and hot-served meat and fish.

Medical care standards and healthcare services in Uzbekistan may vary from those in your home country. Uzbekistan features both a state healthcare system and a small private sector. While there have been improvements in healthcare in recent years, comprehensive medical services throughout the country are still somewhat limited. Larger clinics cater to urban areas, while regional hospitals serve rural communities.

In the event of an urgent need for medical assistance, promptly contact your travel insurance provider. Hospitals in Uzbekistan typically require upfront cash payments, irrespective of whether you possess medical insurance. Severe urgent medical situations may necessitate evacuation to your home country. It is crucial to have accessible funds to cover advance payments and comprehensive medical insurance, including evacuation. Before your departure, clarify the extent of your insurance coverage in Uzbekistan with your insurance company.

Pharmacies in Uzbekistan are privately owned and managed, potentially leading to restrictions on the availability of medications. Obtaining prescriptions for medications generally requires consultation with a doctor. If you are traveling with medications, seek detailed information on benefits and restrictions regarding medications from the embassy, consulate, or the Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan.