wenaIf Uzbekistan is on your travel list, then there are a few things to know before you travel. Here are some useful information for the first-time visitor which includes visa, currency, culture and customs.
If someone had asked me if I had plans to visit Uzbekistan few years ago, my answer would have been no. I never thought I’d add this country to my travel bucket list – I know, it’s a shame.
After extensively traveling solo to some popular destinations over the years, I was itching for something more exciting. I discovered Uzbekistan while researching the Caucasus countries and became fascinated with post-Soviet countries and the Ancient Silk Road.
While mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon a photo of Registan Square in Samarkand. Boom! I was immediately blown away! How had this incredible historic place escaped my attention?
So after some research my next adventure was booked. And it did not disappoint!
So, where is Uzbekistan?
It is located in Central Asia and the former Soviet Republic borders all other infamous “Stans”– Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan.
What is Uzbekistan famous for?
The country is known for its blue mosque, mausoleums and was once a key stop on the Ancient Silk Road. The cities are a mix of modern and traditional, with bustling bazaars and ancient buildings alongside modern buildings.
Visa Requirements
For years, traveling to Uzbekistan took work. It required a lot of paperwork, and you needed to get a letter of invitation. But, until recently, that has changed. The Uzbekistan government opened this beautiful country and changed the rules in July 2018.
Citizens of the European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates (including UAE residents), and many more countries can travel to Uzbekistan visa-free for 30 days.
While citizens of other countries, including the USA, China, and India, can apply for an e-visa through the Official Electronic Visa Portal of Uzbekistan.
Is Uzbekistan open for UAE residents?
UAE residents who are citizens of other countries do not require a visa to enter Uzbekistan. Your UAE visa must be valid no less than 90 days from entry.
Currency
Uzbekistan uses Uzbekistan Som (UZS). It was introduced in 1994 after the country gained independence from the Soviet Union.
The US dollar (USD) and Euro (EUR) are widely accepted in Uzbekistan. Most establishments prefer to quote prices in USD rather than the local currency with the tourist. If you’re from UAE, bring USD, as the exchange center does not accept UAE Dirham.
There are ATMs available in most large cities and tourist areas. If you need cash from the airport, an ATM is available to withdraw some money. Major debit and credit cards are accepted in some places, but I recommend carrying cash as a backup.
It’s easy to get confused with Uzbekistan currency. You might pay more than you should (it almost happened to me). To avoid this, I recommend downloading a currency converter app to check the conversion rate.
Language
Uzbek is the official language in Uzbekistan, and most locals can also speak Russian. English is not widely spoken in most places, but the google translate app can help.
Learning some basic phrases in Uzbek or Russian can be very helpful when moving around the country. While the younger generation can speak English in urban areas, it can be challenging when you visit remote places.
I visited some outside tourist areas and managed with only English, with many hand movements and google translate.
Best time to Visit
Uzbekistan’s weather is diverse and can vary depending on where and when you visit.
The best time to visit Uzbekistan is spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to early November). The climate is pleasantly mild during these months, and you can enjoy exploring historical landmarks and outdoor activities.
But remember that the tourist season peaks during these months, so expect more crowds and higher prices when traveling to Uzbekistan.
It is worth noting that the weather in April is pleasant but also unpredictable. During my visit in April, I packed light clothes as the weather app suggested the weather was sunny. But the temperature dropped when I arrived in the country, and it was so cold day and night.
Is it safe to travel to Uzbekistan now?
Uzbekistan is generally considered a safe country to visit. The crime rate is relatively low, and violent crimes against tourists are rare.
As a solo female traveler, safety is always my top priority. I felt completely safe during my stay in Uzbekistan, even using public transportation, including overnight trains. I never encountered any unwanted attention, even when walking alone at night.
The locals are among the most hospitable and friendly people I have met. If there are certain things you should be aware of, taxi scams and overcharged prices. And, of course, road safety – drivers in Uzbekistan drive mad.
Moving Around Uzbekistan
Traveling around Uzbekistan is easy, affordable, and has a well-organized public transportation system, especially in tourist areas.
Getting around in most big cities is easy with taxis and buses. The train is popular with locals and tourists when traveling long distances between cities. Although buses and shared taxis are also an option, I have yet to have much experience with them as I took the train, which I highly recommend.
When taking taxis, it is recommended to download the Yandex app to avoid overpriced fares. If you don’t have the app, only take an official taxi and negotiate the fare beforehand.
Trains in Uzbekistan
There are three types of trains in Uzbekistan, the Afrosiyob (high-speed), the Sharq (the older train), and the overnight train (the slowest).
For overnight trains, booking your ticket in advance is important as popular routes like Tashkent to Khiva tend to sell out fast. I’ve learned that most tour companies buy bulk tickets for their group tours. You can purchase the ticket online 45 days in advance to secure your place. You can check out the train schedule through the Uzbekistan Railway website.
Accommodation in Uzbekistan
If you plan to visit during peak season, consider booking your accommodation in advance. Cities like Tashkent and Samarkand have plenty of budget-friendly options. In comparison, the prices of the guesthouses and hostels in Bukhara and Khiva are higher than in the big cities. But still, affordable than Western standards.
Tashkent and Samarkand have different hotels ranging from budget-friendly to popular five-star hotel chains. However, Bukhara and Khiva have limited hotel options but plenty of family-owned guesthouse options.
All the hostels and guesthouses I’ve stayed at are clean, comfortable, and budget-friendly making them an excellent choice for solo travelers.
Places where I stayed in Uzbekistan:
Samarkand – Registan Hostel (9.2/10)
Khiva – Guest House Orzu (9.8/10)
Bukhara – Art Guest House Usto (9.5/10)
Registration Card
When you stay at any accommodation, ask reception for a registration card to verify your stay. Although most of the places where I booked, they automatically handed it over to me during checkout. I was told that these cards might be inspected when departing the country, so it is important to keep them.
While I wasn’t asked for any documents during my departure, it’s better to be safe because you never know when they will ask.
Uzbekistan Cuisine
Uzbek cuisine blends different cultures, influenced by its location on the ancient Silk Road. As a result, it has a rich and flavorful cuisine that every foodie would love.
One of the signature dishes that everyone should try is the Plov, a rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, and spices.
Some of the must-try dishes that I personally enjoyed are Shashlik (skewered meat grilled), Samsa (savory pastry filled with meat), and Mantu (dumpling).
Uzbekistan also has a strong tea culture. Any meal starts and ends with tea, a true paradise for tea lovers. It is served in a ceramic pot without sugar, usually enough for 3-5 cups.
In local houses, guests will be offered a cup of tea with sweets and snacks to signify their hospitality.
Culture and Tradition
Uzbekistan is a diverse country with a population of over 34 million people, made up of Uzbeks, Russians, Tajiks, and Kazakhs. Persian, Arab, and Turkic civilizations influence the country’s rich culture and traditions.
During the Soviet rule, Uzbekistan was forced to conform to a uniform identity for easy governance.
Uzbekistan is a country that is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. Most women dress modestly, cover their heads, and wear conservative clothes in public. They also celebrate the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, fasting during the day and breaking their fast with their family and friends.
What tourist should wear in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country. Therefore, it is important for tourists to dress appropriately out of respect for local customs. You can wear normal clothing that covers your arms and knees. When visiting a mosque, women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.
Is it expensive to visit Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is generally an affordable destination. Of course, this will depend on your budget and travel style.
There are plenty of budget-friendly options available. For example, in most tourist areas, you can find decent hostels for around $10 per night and $35 per night for mid-range hotels.
For food, it is possible to spend around $15 per day for three meals, especially if you opt for local eateries. It is worth noting that eating at restaurants near tourist areas can be more expensive.
The entrance fees of most top attractions expect to pay between $3 and $5 USD.
Sightseeing and Activities
Uzbekistan has plenty of famous sights and activities for everyone. Historical landmarks and cultural sites are the highlights of any trip to Uzbekistan.
The country is home to stunning Islamic architecture and intricate tilework. If you are a history buff and architecture enthusiast, ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are a must-visit.
If you like shopping, Uzbekistan bazaars are a shopper’s paradise. The Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent and the Siyob Bazaar in Samarkand are famous for tourists and locals.
This country also has plenty of activities and adventure options for outdoor enthusiasts. Chatkal Mountains is a popular hiking, camping, and mountain biking destination.
SIM CARD and Internet Access
Do you need a local SIM Card when traveling to Uzbekistan? Yes! Buying a local SIM card is recommended if you are exploring the country independently. It will be handy when booking taxis, finding good restaurants, and navigating big cities.
While network connections are fast and reliable in Tashkent and Samarkand, expect slower and less reliable in Bukhara, Khiva, and other rural areas.
You can easily purchase a SIM card upon arrival in Uzbekistan. But it is worth noting that only cash payments are accepted – that was the case in Samarkand airport. There is an ATM machine and exchange in the arrival hall.
There are several network providers, and you can opt for regular SIM or eSIM. For example, I used Ucell and got a 22 GB data package for 80,100 som ($7).
Recommended Apps to Download
Here are some useful apps that I highly recommend downloading before you travel.
Yandex Go App
It’s like Uber for Central Asia and the easiest way to book a taxi. Yandex Go App will save you from bargaining with taxi drivers and getting ripped off, especially when arriving at the airport.
Maps.me
Another app that came in handy during my trip when traveling in Uzbekistan. It’s a navigation app that you can use offline. While Google Maps works, too, this app is more reliable in remote areas. It will help you find your way around Uzbekistan easily. This will also give you some restaurant recommendations, near ATMs, and even bus numbers at your current location.
XE Currency Conversion
This app will help you convert the prices from your own currency to local currency. I found the money in Uzbekistan very confusing. I almost paid double when paying in taxis or restaurants.
Google Translate
If you don’t speak basic Russian or Uzbek, this app is a must-have when traveling to Uzbekistan. While younger generations can speak English, it is still not widely spoken in the country. This will save you when asking for directions, ordering food, or connecting with locals.