Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Language and Communication

The country’s official language is Uzbek, although many people (especially the older population) also speak Russian. A small proportion of locals in the Samarkand and Bukhara regions additionally speak Tadjik. English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas such as Samarkand, Tashkent and Bukhara, so you may want to learn a few words of Uzbek or Russian before you go. While most signs are often in Uzbek or Russian, navigating the main sites is easy for travelers and local people are often very friendly and helpful. 

WiFi is available at public spaces, hotels and restaurants. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card, so you can use your mobile phone during your stay. These can be bought upon your arrival at Tashkent airport. Uzbekistan’s country code is +998.

Cash, Currency and Tips

The local currency is the Uzbekistan Sum (UZS), which comes in denominations of 1000 up to 200,000. You can easily withdraw cash from a local ATM or use a currency exchange at the airport, at malls or in the cities. The best currencies to exchange are US dollars or Euros. USD is widely accepted at large shops and market areas, with shopkeepers often taking USD and returning the change in local currency.

If you have any local money left at the end of your stay, you’ll find some currency exchange offices that will transfer it back to US dollars. To do this, you’ll need to provide your original certificate/receipt from when you first exchanged any money into Sum.

Credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and more upmarket souvenir stalls in larger cities. If you’re venturing into the countryside on an Uzbekistan private tour, you’ll want to withdraw some cash before you leave as ATMs are less widely available.

Tipping is not mandatory in Uzbekistan. Most restaurants will automatically add a 10-15% service charge to your final bill, while hotels will also include a service charge. You may want to give a small tip to your drivers or guides; this should be done at the end of your tour.

Health Information

Drugstores aren’t always well-stocked in Uzbekistan, so bringing your own medication is recommended. Note that there are restrictions on some pain relief drugs, such as codeine, so make sure you check what is and isn’t allowed in advance. For any prescription medication, you’ll need to travel with your doctor’s prescription note and declare it on your customs form when you arrive.

There are no specific vaccination requirements for visiting Uzbekistan. It’s still a good idea to visit your doctor before a trip and ensure you’re up to date with routine inoculations like typhoid and tetanus. Some areas of the country sit above 8000 feet which can sometimes cause Acute Altitude Sickness. If a high-altitude region is on your Uzbekistan travel itinerary, your Trip Coordinator will be able to provide information and assistance to help you acclimatize.

Drinking tap water in Uzbekistan is not recommended. You’ll find boiled and bottled water for sale in most shops. Similarly, it’s best not to ask for ice in your drinks except in a reputable restaurant or hotel.

Healthcare services are limited, especially in remote areas. It’s essential to invest in comprehensive travel insurance before you visit Uzbekistan in case of accidents or illness during your stay.

Emergency medical assistance is available at +103, and local police at +102.

Getting Around

Getting around on an Uzbekistan trip will be easy thanks to the country’s wide range of transportation options. Train travel is one of the best ways to trace the region’s Silk Road. Modern, high-speed railways run between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. You can also go as far as the lush Fergana Valley by train or hop on the sleeper service to venture further to Khiva. In Tashkent, you can use the modern public metro system. 

Taxis are also a popular mode of transport throughout Uzbekistan. It’s common for tourists to share taxis to get to popular attractions or for shorter journeys between cities. You can use a taxi stand or download a local taxi app such as MyTaxi or Yango. The latter can be easier as the prices will be set before your journey, avoiding any awkward negotiation with your driver who may not speak English. 

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