Packing List for Uzbekistan — What to Pack by Season and Cultural Considerations

Why this list matters

Uzbekistan’s climate varies widely by season and region, and cultural norms affect what you should wear in cities, at monuments and in religious sites. This guide breaks down what to pack for each season, practical travel gear to keep you comfortable, and cultural considerations to help you show respect and stay safe.

Quick essentials (carry-on)

Passport, visa (if required), printed reservations and 1–2 photocopies of your passport.
Local currency and at least one widely accepted credit card; store separately.
Small first-aid kit, any prescription medicines (in original packaging) and a basic pain reliever.
Phone, unlocked if you plan to buy a local SIM, charger and a compact power bank.
Lightweight daypack, refillable water bottle and a travel umbrella or rain jacket.

Season-by-season packing

Spring (March–May)

Layers: mornings and evenings can be chilly; pack a light fleece or sweater and a packable waterproof jacket.
Comfortable walking shoes for city streets and uneven pavements.
A scarf or shawl (handy for dusty winds and modesty in religious sites).

Summer (June–August)

Breathable, lightweight clothing in natural fabrics; loose long sleeves and trousers protect from sun and respect local norms.
Wide-brim hat, strong sunscreen (SPF 30+) and sunglasses.
Lightweight sandals for short walks, but bring closed shoes for full-day excursions and market streets.

Autumn (September–November)

Layering pieces: long-sleeve shirts, a mid-weight sweater and a windproof jacket.
A mix of comfortable shoes; autumn can still be warm midday but cool at night.

Winter (December–February)

Warm coat, thermal base layers and insulated footwear in regions that see snow or long cold spells.
Gloves, hat and a scarf; indoor heating can be strong in hotels so layers are useful.

Clothing and cultural considerations

Modesty: Uzbekistan is generally conservative. While you will see western dress in cities, carry at least one outfit that covers shoulders and knees for visits to mosques, mausoleums and smaller towns.
Women: a lightweight scarf is useful for entering religious sites and for sun protection. It is not mandatory in most places, but appreciated in conservative areas.
Men: long trousers are recommended for religious sites and formal settings; avoid overly short shorts.
Footwear: choose comfortable, broken-in shoes for walking on cobblestones and uneven surfaces; a pair of slip-on shoes helps when entering religious buildings where you may need to remove footwear.

Electronics, money and documents

Power: Uzbekistan uses 220–240V. Bring a universal adapter and check whether your devices need a voltage converter.
Phone and connectivity: bring an unlocked phone if you plan to buy a local SIM; a small SIM-card guide or research on local providers ahead of time helps. Keep important contacts and reservation confirmations offline.
Cash and cards: carry some local currency for markets and smaller vendors; ATMs are common in larger cities but less so in small towns.

Health, toiletries and personal items

Medicines: pack a 3–5 day supply of any prescription medicines in original packaging and a note from your doctor if needed.
Toiletries: travel-sized shampoo, soap, toothpaste; hand sanitizer and wet wipes are useful in markets and on long journeys.
Sun and insect protection: sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent for rural or evening activities.

Packing strategy and luggage

Use packing cubes to separate seasons, clean and dirty clothes, and electronics.
Leave room for purchases; Uzbekistan has textiles, ceramics and food items you may want to bring home.
Security: use a small travel lock and keep valuables in a money belt or inside zipped compartments in your daypack.

Daypack essentials

Water bottle, compact snack, photo ID, small cash, map or downloaded offline maps, a compact rain layer and a portable charger.

Final one-page checklist

Documents: passport, visas, copies, travel insurance info.
Clothing: season-appropriate layers, modest outfit for religious sites, comfortable shoes.
Health: prescriptions, basic first-aid, sunscreen, insect repellent.
Electronics: phone, charger, power bank, universal adapter, camera batteries.
Money: local currency, card, secure wallet.
Extras: reusable bag, pen, small flashlight, travel-size laundry soap.

Packing for Uzbekistan is as much about practical choices (layers, sun protection, good shoes) as it is about respecting local culture (modest dress at religious sites). With a few season-appropriate pieces and the right travel essentials, you’ll be comfortable and prepared for city sightseeing, day trips and longer journeys across the country.

FAQ

Do I need to dress conservatively in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan is generally culturally conservative, especially in rural areas and at religious sites. For most tourist activities in cities you can wear Western-style clothing, but carry a modest outfit that covers shoulders and knees for mosques, mausoleums and small towns. A lightweight scarf is useful for women when entering religious sites.

What should I pack for summer travel in Uzbekistan?

For summer, pack breathable, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics, a wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and lightweight closed shoes for long days of walking. Carry a light scarf for sun protection and modesty; evenings can be significantly cooler in some regions, so include a thin layer.

Will I need a power adapter or voltage converter?

Uzbekistan uses 220–240V power. Bring a universal adapter for plug shapes you encounter and check your devices for dual-voltage compatibility. If a device is not dual-voltage, use a converter or bring a travel-safe replacement device.

Can I buy medicines and toiletries locally?

Basic toiletries and over-the-counter medicines are available in larger cities. For prescription medicines bring enough for your trip in original packaging, plus a copy of the prescription. Some brand-name drugs may be harder to find in smaller towns.

How should I secure valuables while traveling in Uzbekistan?

Use a money belt or hidden pouch for passports and cash, keep copies of important documents separately, and use a small lock for checked luggage. In crowded markets and transport hubs, be mindful of pickpocketing and keep bags closed and in front of you.