First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Uzbekistan

Quick overview

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country known for its Silk Road cities, grand Islamic architecture, and lively markets. This guide is for travelers visiting for the first time and who want clear, practical advice: what to prepare before you go, how to get around, what to eat, and how to stay safe.

Before you go: documents and planning

Check entry requirements with your country’s embassy or the official government website well before your travel date; rules for visas and registration change over time and can vary by nationality.
Make photocopies or photos of your passport and travel insurance and store them separately from the originals.
Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and theft.

When to visit

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summers can be hot and dry inland; winters are cold, especially in the desert and higher-altitude areas.

Money and costs

The local currency is the Uzbek som (UZS). Cash remains essential outside big cities; carry small notes for markets and taxis.
ATMs are common in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, but may be scarce in smaller towns. Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling to avoid card blocks.
Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for guides; small, reasonable amounts are standard.

Getting around

Trains link major cities and are comfortable for medium- to long-distance travel. High-speed options operate on some routes between major centers.
Marshrutkas (shared minibuses), local buses and taxis cover shorter distances; negotiate fares for private taxis or insist the meter is used where available.
For rural legs or desert drives, consider organized tours or trusted drivers; distances can be long and services sparse.

Top places for first-time visitors

Tashkent: the capital and main transport hub—museums, modern markets and easy onward connections.
Samarkand: famed for Registan Square and monumental mausoleums—plan time to explore several historic sites.
Bukhara: a compact old town with bazaars, madrassas and atmospheric streets ideal for walking.

Food and dining

Try plov (rice and meat), shashlik (grilled skewers), and non (local bread); street food stalls and chaikhanas (tea houses) are a good way to sample local flavors. If you have dietary restrictions, learn a few phrases or carry a translated card explaining what you can’t eat.

Culture and etiquette

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; a headscarf for women can be useful at some mosques.
Greet hosts with a handshake; in more conservative contexts, wait to see whether a same-sex handshake is offered.
Bargaining is normal in bazaars; approach it with good humor and a clear idea of what you’re willing to pay.

Connectivity and phones

Use operator official channels when choosing local mobile service. For Uzbekistan, check only official sites for SIM/eSIM/roaming details: Mobiuz, Perfectum, Uztelecom, Ucell, and Beeline. Free Wi‑Fi is common in hotels and some cafes but may be limited outside urban centers.

Safety and health

Uzbekistan is generally safe for tourists. Use normal precautions against petty theft, carry valuables discreetly, and be cautious with unmarked taxis. Drink bottled or boiled water in places where tap water is unreliable, and schedule routine vaccination review with your clinic before travel.

Practical packing tips

Pack layers for temperature swings, comfortable walking shoes for uneven pavements, a small daypack, a refillable water bottle, and a compact first-aid kit. If you’ll be photographing historic sites, a lightweight tripod and extra batteries are handy.

Sample 5-day itinerary (starter)

Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent, rest and explore local markets. Day 2: Train to Samarkand, visit Registan in the afternoon. Day 3: Full day in Samarkand—museums and mausoleums. Day 4: Travel to Bukhara; evening walk through the old town. Day 5: Explore Bukhara and return to Tashkent or continue overland.

Final tips for first-timers

Allow extra time for travel between cities—distances and schedules vary.
Learn a few Uzbek or Russian phrases; they go a long way with locals.
Respect local customs, be patient, and leave room in your plan for spontaneous discoveries.

For more detailed, practical resources—packing lists, city-specific tips, food guides and safety pages—follow the links below to plan each part of your trip with confidence.

FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Uzbekistan?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the length of stay. Many travelers must apply in advance or use an electronic visa system; others may enter visa-free for limited periods. Check the official Uzbek government website or your embassy for the exact rules that apply to your passport and travel dates.

What is the best time of year to travel to Uzbekistan?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures and comfortable conditions for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, especially inland, while winters can be cold in many regions—pack layers accordingly.

Is Uzbekistan safe for solo travelers and families?

Most visitors find Uzbekistan safe. Standard travel precautions—watching belongings in crowded places, using reputable transport and avoiding poorly lit streets at night—are advised. For family travel, plan accommodation and transport ahead to reduce stress.

Should I carry cash or rely on cards?

Carry local currency (UZS) for markets, taxis and small purchases; cards are accepted in big hotels and some restaurants in major cities but are less reliable outside urban centers. Keep a mix of cash and at least one internationally accepted card.

Do I need a local SIM card or will roaming suffice?

A local SIM is often more practical for stable data during daily travel, while roaming may be enough for short stays. Compare official operator roaming and SIM/eSIM pages in advance, especially if your route includes smaller towns.