Uzbekistan Travel Tips

The currency of Uzbekistan is the sum (CYM). One sum is equal to 100 tiyn. Banknotes are found in denominations of Sum 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 3 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 tiyn.

Tourists and those travelling for business purposes must pay for hotels, hotel services and transportation in hard currency (USD preferred). Note that it is illegal to change money on the local black market and penalties for doing so can be severe. Banks and currency exchanges located in the major hotels are able to change money at official rates.

Banks in Uzbekistan are open Monday through Friday, from 09:30 to 17:30.

The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but should be declared. Anyone importing currency in excess of US$1000 may be subject to a body search; and anyone importing currency in excess of US$2000 is required to provide proof of legal exchange of the funds into local currency otherwise a fine of 30 percent of the amount imported is levied. The export and import of local currency is unlimited.

The following goods may be brought into the country without incurring customs duty: 1000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco products, 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages and two litres of wine, perfume for personal use and other goods for personal use not exceeding a total value of US$10,000. All valuable items, including cameras, computers and jewellery should be declared on arrival and you must take them out of the country with you otherwise duty will be charged.

Items that cannot be imported include: firearms and ammunition, drugs, live animals, fruits and vegetables and photographs and printed matter which are considered politically objectionable.

Items that require certification and special permission for export include objects more than 100 years old and/or having cultural significance. Precious metals and stones, furs, firearms and ammunition cannot be exported.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin European-style plugs are standard.

Although emergency health care is provided to visitors free of charge, you are advised that medical care in Uzbekistan is not at a standard that would be considered acceptable to most western tourists. In the event of emergency, it is recommended that you request a referral from the Tashkent International Medical Clinic or from your country’s embassy. For major illness, treatment outside the country will most likely be required. For routine medical services, doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash. The country faces a serious shortage of basic medical supplies and travellers are advised to take with them a well-equipped first-aid kit containing basic medicines and any necessary prescription medication. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

All water should be regarded as a potential health risk and should be boiled or otherwise sterilised before use. Milk sold in shops is safe to drink as it is pasteurised and dairy products are also safe for consumption. It is best to eat only well-cooked meats and fish. Note that fruits should be peeled and vegetables should be cooked before eating. Pork, mayonnaise and salads potentially carry increased risk.

Immunisation against hepatitis A and meningococcal meningitis is advised and typhoid and cholera vaccinations are also recommended.

Medical Emergency Number: 03

Travellers will find that Uzbekistan is a relatively safe destination, but petty crimes against tourists are reported, with a few violent incidents reported as well. Using unofficial taxis and travelling on overnight trains are potentially risky, as there have been reports of tourists being robbed. There have also been reports of visitors being robbed by off-duty police or criminals posing as police. Incidents are more prevalent at night. 

Driving at night is also a potential safety hazard, due to the poor driving standards and road conditions. Hiring a car with a driver is a recommended alternative to driving on your own. 

Police: 03

People in Uzbekistan are known for their hospitality and delighted to have guests in their homes. If you are invited to someone’s home, you can expect an overly-generous feast, accompanied by lots to drink. As much food as they have available will be served and although this may seem excessive to a visitor, it is meant as a sign of respect for the highly-valued guest. It’s not important to eat everything you’re served, as the convention dictates that plates should never be empty and there should never be an indication of a possible shortage of food.

Drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages on the street is not acceptable, although this behaviour is tolerated with foreign guests. Smoking in public places is not prohibited, but a woman smoking in public will probably receive unwanted attention. In general, women enjoy equal rights with men, but a tradition of modesty and conservatism are the basis of traditional behaviour for young women and girls.

The VAT rate on goods and services is 20 per cent. Tipping is a matter of choice. If you would like to express your appreciation for special service provided by drivers, guides, porters or waiters, a tip in the range of 10 to 15 per cent would be appropriate.

The country access code for Uzbekistan is +998. Internet cafés are plentiful in Tashkent and other major cities, but be advised that the government does block sites which are not approved by the authorities.

GMT +5

Visas are required by all visitors with the exception of most nationals of the CIS and transit passengers continuing on their journey within 24 hours, who do not leave the transit area.