Uzbekistan Travel Tips and Practical Guide

Setting out on a trip to Uzbekistan offers a rich mosaic of cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and unique adventures that merge the old with the new. From the vibrant bazaars and stunning architectural feats to the warmth of its people, Uzbekistan offers a travel experience unlike any other.

Yet travel in this country can come with its own set of challenges and surprises. That’s why we’ve compiled these Uzbekistan travel tips, packed with practicalities that you need to know to make your adventure easier and more enjoyable.

With two weeks of travel through Uzbekistan, we experienced this magnificent country, diving deep into the heart of Uzbek culture and discovering its finest attractions. It was unforgettable in many ways.

Join us as we share the highlights and lessons from our unforgettable adventure.

Map: Uzbekistan

How to Use This Uzbekistan Travel Tips Map

1. To use this interactive map effectively, click the square icon in the upper right corner to expand.
2. A key will appear on the left, guiding you through various locations.
3. Clicking on any site reveals detailed information about that spot.
4. The orange marker (🟠) represents one of the main cities in Uzbekistan.

Visa Requirements For Uzbekistan

The nationalities below qualify for visa-free entry into Uzbekistan for up to 30 days.

If you come from a country that isn’t on the below list, you’ll need to apply for an e-visa through the Official Electronic Visa Portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Foreign nationals under 16 years old can enter Uzbekistan without a visa, provided they travel with a parent or guardian who has a valid Uzbek visa and they have their own passport or biometric travel document.

Is Uzbekistan Safe For Tourists?

The short answer is yes, generally, Uzbekistan is deemed a safe place to visit. We had no issues or heard of any unrest; however, non-essential travel to these high-risk areas needs to be carefully considered:

• ❌ Travel to the border region with Afghanistan due to a volatile security situation
• ❌ Travel to Andijanm, the eastern region of the Ferghana Valley, and other regions bordering Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan) due to political tension and unmarked landmines.

Prior to visiting Uzbekistan, research the country’s up-to-date safety and travel status. In Australia, we keep ourselves up to speed via the ‘Smart Traveller’ website and subscribe to email updates on security and health issues, including natural disasters.

Your country will likely have a similar system for informing its travellers.

While travelling through Uzbekistan, we were always alert, respectful and aware of our surroundings. It comes naturally when you’ve been on the road for years.

Safety Precautions to Consider:

• Avoid going out alone at night
• Refrain from wearing expensive clothing or jewellery and avoid displaying large amounts of cash
• Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas (we highly recommend and use a Pacsafe crossover bag, which offers added security and peace of mind)
• If in doubt, use designated taxis in Uzbekistan, and not unmarked vehicles.

Local Hospitality: We found the people of Uzbekistan to be extremely hospitable, friendly, and welcoming. Many locals are eager to share their own travel tips if you take the time to chat with them.

Support from Tourist Police: The main cities have a strong presence of Tourist Police whose specific job is to assist with any issues tourists face. With ongoing developments in tourism infrastructure, travelling in Uzbekistan is now easier and safer than it has been in the past.

Emergency Phone Numbers in Uzbekistan:

• Fire: 101
• Police: 102
• Ambulance: 103

Vaccinations for Uzbekistan

The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) has recommended these vaccines for travel within Uzbekistan:

• Hepatitis A and Hep B
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Polio
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDP)
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Influenza (flu) and Covid 19

Travel Insurance

When travelling in any country outside your own we recommend you have a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy. It has saved us a lot of money in Medical bills and other mishaps on our travels.

We trust World Nomads travel insurance to look after us if things don’t go to plan.

What Language is Spoken in Uzbekistan?

The languages spoken in Uzbekistan are predominantly Uzbek and Russian however, some of the younger generation speak English.

If you are visiting Uzbekistan, try to learn a few basic Uzbek words. It shows a level of courtesy.

• Hello = Assalomu aleykum
• Hello (informal) = Salom
• Thank you = Rahmat

For pronunciation and more Uzbek phrases – check out this website.

Uzbekistan’s Local Currency and ATM Availability

Let’s shift focus to the practical aspects of handling money, from using ATMs to exchanging currency.

Currency:

• Local Currency: Uzbek SOM (UZS), locally known as ‘SOM’.
• Currency Exchange: Local banks exchange USD, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, and Euros. Ensure banknotes are pristine; even slightly crinkled notes may be rejected.

Banking Hours:

• Weekdays: 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM (closed for lunch from 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM).
• Weekends and Holidays: Closed.

ATMs:

• Availability: ATMs are common in cities, but their operation can be unpredictable. It’s advisable to withdraw cash whenever possible.
• Card Acceptance: Most ATMs accept various cards, with MasterCard being the most prevalent. Finding an ATM that accepts Visa cards can require some searching.
• Weekend Shortages: ATMs often run out of SOM on weekends; plan accordingly.

Credit Card Use:

• While a few stores accept credit cards, cash remains the primary mode of payment across Uzbekistan.

We were caught out over a weekend without cash and with little hope, so we thought …

Desperation leads us to the Black Market

Over a weekend, we tried ATM after ATM, but all had run out of money. We only had USD, vendors would only accept SOM, the banks were closed, and hotels were offering terrible rates.

We asked a local if there was a black market where I could exchange USD for SOM. The person told me to go to the market and a particular entrance.

It felt a bit like a cloak and dagger, and it was. This black market currency exchange is illegal, and if caught, both parties risk prosecution.

Surprisingly, the interest rate offered was only marginally lower than that offered by the banks.

Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan

The optimal times to visit Uzbekistan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). We found the weather in October to be particularly favourable, but chilly winds required a jacket.

🍃 Spring: The landscape is lush and green, and the temperatures are comfortably warm without being too hot.

🍂 Autumn: September and October offer cooler yet warm and pleasant temperatures, making it a great time to explore the country.

😎 ❄️ Other Seasons: Winter sees temperatures drop to around -5°C, while summer can reach a harsh 40°C. During these seasons, business hours can be unpredictable, with some places open but operating sporadically.

Top Places to Visit in Uzbekistan

Explore the four main cities that captivate tourists in Uzbekistan.

1. Tashkent

Tashkent is a modern city known for its extraordinary subway stations. As the first city most travelers encounter, Tashkent surprises with a mix of Soviet-era architecture and modern designs, particularly the art deco of its underground metro stations.

🕌 Ever wondered if Tashkent is Worth Visiting? Find the answers here.

2. Samarkand

Samarkand, a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its wealth of monuments, mausoleums, and Madrasahs.

The city’s architectural and cultural heritage draws visitors worldwide, highlighting its importance in history and as a centre of Islamic scholarship.

🕌 Find out here if Samarkand is Worth Visiting?

3. Bukhara

Bukhara offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Samarkand. Its more than 140 madrasahs and minarets are less restored, giving them an authentic charm.

This city, over 2,000 years old, is recognized by UNESCO for its well-preserved medieval city architecture and Outstanding Universal Value.

🕌 You’ll Want to Know About the Best Things to do in Bukhara

4. Khiva

Khiva was historically a trading post known for its brutal rulers.

The old town, Itchan Kala, is enclosed within a fortress wall and features buildings made from mud walls, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Don’t Visit Khiva Without Reading Our: 
Top Things to do in Khiva and Khiva to the Aral Sea: A day of Intrigue

Registration Requirements

It is a requirement to register at a hotel or at your place when you overnight during your Uzbekistan travels. The hotel provides you with a registration slip, which you keep to show on your departure from Uzbekistan.

At immigration, we expected to be questioned but weren’t.

Uzbekistan Accommodation Options

Uzbekistan offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets:

• Budget Accommodation: You can find prices as low as USD $10 per night.
• Standard Accommodation: Expect to pay around USD $30 per night.

Hotels We Stayed At in Uzbekistan

We always book a minimum of two nights in any location. These are our accommodations in the main cities of Uzbekistan. They were all great.

• Tashkent: Stay at The Art Hotel (breakfast included).
  
• Samarkand: The hotel we stayed at is now closed however, Imran&Bek receives great reviews and is close to the city centre.
  
• Bukhara: The hotel is not offered anymore however, the Meros Hotel has wonderful reviews (USD $64 per night, fantastic breakfast included).
  
• Khiva: Xiva-Azim-Ota (USD $30 per night, breakfast included).
  
• Urgench: Ariya Hotel provides comfortable stays (USD $30 per night, breakfast included).

Uzbekistan Food and Drink

Cuisine Overview

Uzbekistan’s cuisine is sometimes meat-heavy and a source of national pride, with fruits and vegetables being popular.

Popular Dishes:

• Plov: The national dish made of rice with lamb or beef mince, onions, carrots, and occasionally other ingredients.
• Manti: Dumplings filled with beef or lamb mince and onions, sometimes pumpkin.
• Lagman Soup: A lamb stew with noodles and vegetables, with consistency varying by restaurant.
• Fried Lagman: Fried noodles in a tomato-based sauce, typically served with a fried egg on top.

Staples: Bread and noodles dominate, with roadside vendors often selling traditionally patterned bread.

Dining Costs:

• Local Restaurants: Meals typically cost around USD $4.50, including dishes like meat kebabs with beer, bread, and salad.
• Tourist Restaurants: Meals range from USD $5-$8, featuring combinations like meat, vegetable noodle soup, beer, and bread.

Beverages: Green tea is more popular than black tea and is widely consumed throughout the country.

Safety Note: Tap water in Uzbekistan is not safe to drink.

Drinking Alcohol in Uzbekistan

Although Uzbekistan’s main religion is Islam, they mostly take a relaxed approach to people drinking alcohol. Vodka, beer and sweet wines are popular.

You can read more about Uzbekistan’s drinks and drinking customs here. 

Cultural Events and Festivals

Discover Uzbekistan’s vibrant culture through its local festivals and events. Here, we highlight key celebrations that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich traditions and festive spirit:

• Navruz (March 21st): Celebrate the Persian New Year with the locals, experiencing music, dance, and traditional foods that mark the beginning of spring.
• Silk and Spices Festival (End of May): Held in Bukhara, this festival showcases Uzbekistan’s rich history in silk production and spice trade. Enjoy folk performances, handicraft markets, and culinary treats.
• Sharq Taronalari (Late August): Samarkand hosts this prestigious international music festival, which features traditional music worldwide and promotes peace and dialogue between diverse cultures.
• Independence Day (September 1st): Witness nationwide celebrations, including concerts, parades, and fireworks commemorating Uzbekistan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
• Bukhara Carpet Festival (October): Ideal for art and craft lovers, this festival offers insights into the ancient art of Uzbek carpet weaving.

Madrasah and Mosque Entrance Fees

Pricing Structure: Entrance fees at most sites have a dual pricing system: one for locals and a higher rate for foreign visitors. For instance, to enter the Madrasahs in Registan Square, Samarkand, locals pay 3,000 SOM, while foreign tourists are charged 40,000 SOM.

Reasoning Behind Pricing: This significant price difference is understandable, considering the lower average wages in Uzbekistan. It ensures that local residents can afford to visit their own historical sites without being priced out.

General Cost Range: On average, entrance fees range from 20,000 to 50,000 SOM per person. Additionally, many sites charge an extra fee for permission to take photographs.

Photography and Drone Usage in Uzbekistan

Photography in Uzbekistan

When taking photos, be sensitive to the local culture. If an area has ‘No Photos’ signage, abide by it and adhere to local rules. Many attractions we visited on our Uzbekistan trip charged an extra fee, on top of the entrance fee, for taking photographs.

In regards to taking photos of strangers, always ask permission. Most people we asked were happy to have their photos taken. In fact, strangers even asked us to take photos of them.

Only twice were we get asked for money — both times the person had asked us to take a photo of them before requesting money. We politely declined the photo, not wanting to encourage this type of touristic scam.

▶️ Read more on our Photography Travel Ideas here.

Drone Usage in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has banned the import, sale, and usage of drones. You are warned.

We sent our drone home before arrival rather than risk having it confiscated.

What Types of Souvenirs Can You Buy in Uzbekistan?

Some of the main souvenirs and items that you’ll find being sold in Uzbekistan are:

• Silk scarves
• Rugs
• Ceramics
• Puppets
• Cotton scarves
• Hats
• Knives and
• Copperwork.

What Should You Wear in Uzbekistan?

Local Attire:

• Older Locals: Many older residents dress conservatively. Men often wear suits, while women opt for long velour-type pants paired with colourful long dresses and bright headscarves.
• Younger Locals: The younger generation’s fashion aligns more with Western styles, including jeans, the latest sneakers, and trendy brand t-shirts.

Tourist Attire:

Tourists generally wear what they find comfortable, but there are specific guidelines for visiting religious sites:

• Mosques: When visiting mosques, respectful attire is required. Women should cover their shoulders and heads (carrying a light scarf is advisable) and wear long pants or skirts. Men should wear long pants and a shirt (no tank tops). Definitely, an important Uzbekistan travel tip.
• Less Strict Sites: Some mosques that are no longer active have more relaxed dress codes.

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you will likely walk a lot around the cities.

Entering and Travelling Within Uzbekistan – Our Experience

Uzbekistan Airways Flight Into the Country

Many airlines fly to the international airport in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The airport is about 7.5 miles (12km) from the city centre.

We flew Uzbekistan Airways, and as this was our first flight with this carrier, we didn’t know what to expect. As it turned out, the plane and crew were more than up to scratch – no complaints from us.

There was one small mix-up.

We were emailed some days before the flight requesting us to order our plane food. Thinking that we had to purchase our food on the flight, we didn’t respond and instead bought sandwiches at the airport.

Obviously, the email was to clarify our meal preferences. We gratefully received a hot meal each onboard.

Arrival at Tashkent Airport

Entry into Uzbekistan at Tashkent Airport was very easy. We stood in line for about half an hour to have our passports checked at Customs. We were asked where we had flown from; our passports were stamped.

SIM or e-SIM?

Now, in the baggage collection area, we spotted a round kiosk signed as UCell in the middle of the hall. After considering several plans and alternative networks and explaining our 2-week itinerary to the salesman, we settled on a prepaid UCell Uzbekistan SIM card and plan.

50GB at USD $8; really, it was peanuts. We could have paid in USD but withdrew local currency at the nearby Tashkent airport ATM machine. We were all up and running in 20 minutes.

These were the different UCell plans we were offered, all valid for one month, including unlimited calls:

• 20 GB data (+ 1500 SMS) for USD$4
• 35 GB data (+ 2000 SMS) for USD$6
• 50 GB data (+ 2500 SMS) for USD$8
• 100 GB data (+ 3000 SMS) for USD13

Using an e-SIM is also an option if you have a compatible phone. Independent reviews have recommended these e-SIM providers: Airhub, Airalo and Alosim.

Using Uzbekistan Taxis

Once we exited the airport, we didn’t need to find a taxi. Drivers were waiting with their apparent best offer for a journey to the hotel. We weren’t offered local taxi rates and predictably paid the higher tourist rate, which was still value for money for us.

Many of the locals used an app called Yandex Taxi to order their taxis in Uzbekistan.

Download the app before you get to Uzbekistan, and you will be ready to use it as soon as you arrive — no need to barter with the cab drivers at the airport. The app states exactly how much the fare is, and you can link payment to your credit card, so there is no need to pay cash.

There are yellow-marked taxis and also unmarked taxis. We were told that the only difference between the two is that the yellow ones are licenced to stop and pick up extra people, so they can be considered shared taxis.

Whether a shared or non-shared taxi, you still barter your price. However, in a shared taxi, you may have more bartering leverage as you are often with locals and local fares as likely to prevail.

We found that short trips in the city were priced roughly the same, but longer trips from train stations or airports increased the price disproportionately. This is when your bartering skills come in handy.

The price was still very reasonable.

Using Trains in Uzbekistan

A fun, inexpensive and stress-free way to travel to Uzbekistan is by train.

You can book the trains online in advance or buy your tickets directly at the train station. However, we would advise booking in advance to avoid missing out and impacting your schedule.

A few websites sell online Uzbekistan train tickets—the official one – http://railway.uz/en/, we found to be the most unreliable, with the site often unable to load.

An alternative and improved experience is using the tutu.ru site to book train tickets. However, ticket bookings are only available online 45 days before the actual train journey, so you can’t buy tickets outside this window.

You can set up an email notification that advises you when the window opens. When we received the notification, we immediately booked our online tickets to avoid missing out.  

NOTE: Keep hard copies of your train tickets on you.

We booked Tashkent to Samarkand then Samarkand to Bukhara online. Unfortunately, our Bukhara to Khiva leg couldn’t be booked online (reasons unknown).

We approached a local Uzbekistan travel agency, Advantour, who arranged the tickets at no additional cost. They had forwarded them to our hotel in Bukhara before our arrival.

Summary of our Train Travel in Uzbekistan

Tashkent to Samarkand

• Cost: USD $17
• Travel Time: 3 hours
• Class: Business, in old-fashioned train cabins
• Booking: Online

Samarkand to Bukhara

• Cost: USD $8
• Travel Time: 2.5 hours
• Class: Economy (more comfortable than business class in Tashkent and half the price)
• Booking: Online

Bukhara to Khiva

• Cost: USD $40
• Travel Time: 5 hours
• Class: Business class on a fast train (offers more legroom and a table)
• Booking: Through Advantour, tickets were delivered to our hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Okay to Wear Shorts in Uzbekistan?

Yes, it’s ok to wear shorts in Uzbekistan if you’re a man, but it is frowned upon if you’re a woman due to Islam being widely practised. If you intend to enter a place of religion, wearing long pants is expected and a show of respect for both males and females.

Is Uzbekistan Safe To Travel?

Yes, generally, Uzbekistan is safe to travel; however, some areas on the borders should be avoided due to political tensions. These are the border regions with Afghanistan, the eastern region of the Ferghana Valley, and the areas bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

What Should Female Tourists Wear in Uzbekistan?

Islam is a significantly practised religion in Uzbekistan. Women should refrain from wearing shorts, low-cut tops and revealing clothing as a show of respect.

What Is Not Allowed in Uzbekistan?

Photographs of military installations, military, police and security personnel, as well as the import, sale, and usage of drones, are prohibited in Uzbekistan.

Can You Drink Alcohol in Uzbekistan?

Yes, you are permitted to drink alcohol in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan Travel Tips … That’s a Wrap

We hope this guide helps you navigate Uzbekistan smoothly and affordably. With its rich culture and stunning landscapes, Uzbekistan is full of opportunities for adventure and discovery.

From practical tips to personal insights, we’ve shared everything to prepare you for the journey.

Pack your bags, keep these tips in mind, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of Central Asia’s most captivating countries. Safe travels!

Have you visited any other Central Asian countries? What makes you want to travel there? We’d love to hear what you think – drop us a comment below.

Why not Pin and Save for Later?