Before You Book

PREPARING TO GO TO UZBEKISTAN

CAPITAL 

Tashkent

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE 

Uzbek (Cyrillic: Ўзбек)

RELIGION 

The predominant religion in Uzbekistan is Islam, mainly Sunni Islam. There are also minority communities of Russian Orthodox Christians, Jews, and other religious groups.

ELECTRICITY 

Electrical sockets in Uzbekistan usually supply electricity at 220V, 50Hz, and use Type C and Type F plugs. Travelers may need an adapter and a voltage converter depending on their home country’s electrical system.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Please ensure that passport/s are valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended date of return and contain between 2-6 blank “Visa” pages. You should have at least two free pages in your passport.

Please access our link to the Travel & Visa Requirements Section in our Before You Go page available in each itinerary web page for the latest visa entry requirements for the country/ies you are visiting.

Electronic visas (e-Visa) are available online for eligible travelers. Check with the Uzbek consulate or visit the official government website for the latest visa requirements

CURRENCY INFORMATION

Official Currency: Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
Banknotes: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000, and 100,000 UZS
Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500 UZS

CREDIT CARDS & ATMS

Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, but cash is preferred for most transactions.
ATMs are available in cities, but it is advisable to carry enough cash, especially in rural areas.
Currency exchange is available at banks and exchange offices.
Exchange offices are open 24/7 in some hotels.

BANKING HOURS

Generally, Mon-Fri: 09:00-18:00
Some banks may be open on Saturdays for limited hours.

CLOTHING

Lightweight clothing is recommended during summer, while warm clothing is necessary for winter.
Modest attire is advisable when visiting religious sites.

COMMUNICATION & EMAIL

Country Code: +998
Emergency Numbers: Police - 102, Ambulance - 103, Fire - 101
Internet access is available in hotels, cafes, and public places, though speeds may vary.

WEATHER & CLIMATE

Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate. The country is part of a vast lowland plain consisting of desert and semi-arid grasslands. Mountains on the eastern border shelter it from rain, leaving it a dry country.

Summer (June-August): Hot and dry, temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F).
Winter (December-February): Cold, with temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F) or lower.
Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November): Mild temperatures, ideal for travel.

MEAL COSTS

Inexpensive Restaurant: 50,000-60,000 UZS
Mid-range Restaurant for Two: 150,000-300,000 UZS
Fast Food Meal: 50,000-100,000 UZS

FOOD & DRINKS

Specialties:

Plov: Traditional rice dish with meat, carrots, and spices.
Shashlik: Grilled skewered meat.
Samsa: Baked pastry filled with meat or vegetables.
Lagman: Noodle soup with meat and vegetables.
Navat: Traditional crystallized sugar.

Regional Drinks:

Green Tea: A staple in Uzbek culture.
Kefir: Fermented milk drink.
Local Wines & Vodka: Uzbekistan has a growing wine industry.

SUGGESTED TIPPING SCALE

Restaurants: 10-15%
Hotel Staff: 20,000-50,000 UZS per service
Guides: $5-10 per day
Drivers: $3-5 per day

HEALTH & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

As a general recommendation, it is advisable to check with your family doctor or travel clinic for the latest health information.

It's not recommended to drink tap water in Uzbekistan. You should only drink bottled water.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Your home country health plan may only provide limited coverage while traveling outside of the country. Indus Travels can offer you a complete travel insurance package. Some credit cards do offer travel insurance; however, they do not always provide adequate coverage. Review and understand the terms of your credit card insurance policy. Extra travel insurance can be purchased. Most insurance companies do have exclusions in their coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions are not insurable.