Welcome to Uzbekistan 😊

Quick Facts About Uzbekistan

Money and Finances

The national currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani soʻm (UZS). Denominations of coins include 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 so'm. Denominations of banknotes include 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 500,000 so'm.

ATM Network

ATMs are available in major cities in Uzbekistan, but it is recommended to keep cash on hand as not all places accept credit cards.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Uzbekistan, although some hotels and restaurants in Tashkent may take Visa or Mastercard. American Express is seldom accepted.

Internet and Phones

In Uzbekistan, the average internet speed for uploads and downloads is around 7.5 Mbps, which is relatively slow compared to some other countries. The government has been known to restrict access to certain websites and social media platforms at times, which may impact internet usage.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Uzbekistan are Ucell, Beeline, and Uzmobile. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 100,000-150,000 Uzbekistani soms (approximately 10-15 USD) per month. There may be sim compatibility issues for those using foreign mobile phones, so it's recommended to purchase a local sim card.

Dialling to Uzbekistan

To call Uzbekistan from another country, you'll need to dial +998 followed by the area code and local number. The area codes used within Uzbekistan include 71 for Tashkent, 75 for Samarkand, and 65 for Bukhara, among others.

Transport Around Uzbekistan

Air Travel

Uzbekistan has multiple international airports, with the largest being Tashkent International Airport. Other major airports include Nukus International Airport and Samarkand International Airport.

Train Travel

Uzbekistan has a good inter-city train network managed by Uzbekistan Railways. Example ticket prices for a journey from Tashkent to Samarkand vary from 20 to 45 USD, depending on the class of travel and time of day. Journey time is approximately 4-5 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Tashkent has a metro system known as the Tashkent Metro, which is the only metro system in Uzbekistan. It has three lines and fares are very cheap, with a one-way ticket costing approximately 0.20 USD.

Buses

There are some bus services in Uzbekistan, mainly used for inter-city travel. Example ticket prices for a journey from Tashkent to Bukhara vary from 5 to 20 USD, depending on the quality of the bus and distance travelled. Journey time is approximately 7-8 hours.

Rideshare

There are some rideshare companies operating in Uzbekistan, including Yandex.Taxi and UzAuto Taxi. Average prices for a 10 km journey are around 2-3 USD.

Driving by Car

Driving in Uzbekistan can be challenging due to poor road conditions and aggressive driving culture. Speed limits are generally 60 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways. Uzbekistan drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Uzbekistan, tipping is not a common practice and is not expected. When greeting each other, locals traditionally shake hands, though women may nod and smile instead. Bowing is not common. Uzbekistan has a conservative culture, and it is customary for men and women to dress modestly. When speaking with strangers, it is respectful to address them using formal titles like 'sir' or 'madam'. Women may also use 'sister' to address other women and 'brother' for men. It is considered polite to avoid physical contact with the opposite sex in public.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The healthcare system in Uzbekistan is improving rapidly, thanks to government investment in modernizing hospital facilities and staffing. However, medical care is still generally private and not publicly funded, so patients will have to pay out of pocket for treatment. The average cost of a visit to the doctor is around $10-$20 USD.

COVID Situation

Uzbekistan imposed strict measures early on to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including closing its borders and implementing a lockdown. As a result, the country has had relatively low rates of infection compared to other countries. However, it is important for visitors to continue to follow recommended guidelines for mask-wearing and social distancing while traveling in Uzbekistan.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in Uzbekistan include food and water-borne illnesses such as hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Visitors are also advised to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, especially during the summer months. It is also important to note that air pollution in major cities like Tashkent can pose risks to respiratory health.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption is legal in Uzbekistan, but it is prohibited for those under the age of 21. Drinking in public places is also illegal.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use is strictly prohibited in Uzbekistan, and those caught possessing or using drugs can face severe punishment including imprisonment and fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Uzbekistan is a conservative country where pre-marital relationships are not encouraged, but not necessarily illegal. However, public displays of affection are frowned upon.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

LGBTQ relationships are not recognized in Uzbekistan, and homosexuality is illegal. LGBTQ individuals may face discrimination and persecution.

Firearms / Guns

Possession of firearms in Uzbekistan is strictly regulated and requires a license. It is illegal to carry a firearm in public without proper authorization.