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Money & Currency in Uzbekistan: UZS, ATMs, Exchanges and Card Acceptance

Practical money guide for Uzbekistan: how the Uzbek som (UZS) works, where to exchange cash, using ATMs and cards, safety tips, and what to carry for city and r

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Money & Currency in Uzbekistan (UZS): ATMs, Exchanges, and Card Use

Overview

The official currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbek som (ISO code: UZS). Travelers should plan for a mix of cash and cards: cash remains essential in markets, small shops and many rural areas, while cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and some stores in major cities.

Before you go

  • Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling and enable international ATM withdrawals and chip-and-PIN.
  • Carry at least one widely accepted card (Visa or Mastercard) and a backup card in case of problems. American Express is less commonly accepted.
  • Bring a small amount of major-currency cash (USD or EUR) as a fallback — it’s useful if you arrive late or need to exchange outside bank hours.

Fast decision framework: cash vs card by trip style

  • City-only trip (Tashkent + Samarkand centers): cards for hotels/restaurants, cash for taxis/markets.
  • City + regional day trips: increase cash buffer before leaving major city zones.
  • Mixed comfort levels (budget + mid-range): keep two payment rails active at all times (primary card + local cash).
  • Late-arrival itinerary: prioritize immediate airport cash buffer, then switch to bank/official exchange in the city.

Exchanging money on arrival and during your trip

  • Exchange money at banks or official exchange bureaus (look for signs or a bank branch). Rates vary; compare if you need a larger sum.
  • Airport exchange counters are convenient but often offer weaker rates — change a small amount there for immediate expenses and wait to exchange larger sums in city banks.
  • Avoid informal or street exchangers. Official points may ask to see an ID when handling larger transactions, so carry your passport.

ATMs and withdrawing cash

  • ATMs are common in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara but become sparse in smaller towns and rural areas. Plan ahead when leaving cities.
  • Use ATMs located at or inside bank branches or well-lit, busy areas. These are generally more reliable and may display the issuing bank’s logo.
  • Expect your home bank and the ATM operator to possibly charge fees; open your bank app and confirm foreign ATM limits/fees before travel. Withdraw larger amounts in fewer transactions to reduce per-withdrawal fees, while balancing safety concerns.

Card acceptance and tips for paying by card

  • Hotels, many mid-to-upscale restaurants, supermarkets and some souvenir shops in major cities accept cards. Small vendors, bazaars and rural guesthouses usually accept only cash.
  • Always have some small-denomination cash for taxis, tips and market purchases even if you plan to use cards for bigger payments.
  • Carry both chip-and-PIN and contact-capable cards if you prefer contactless; acceptance of contactless varies.

Practical safety and handling

  • Keep cash and cards in separate places and use a money belt or a secure inner pocket for large sums.
  • Check ATMs for tampering before use; shield your PIN when entering it.
  • Keep digital and physical copies of important card numbers and your bank’s international emergency contact.

Arrival playbook (first 90 minutes after landing)

  1. Secure one small cash buffer for transfer/food/small purchases.
  2. Keep primary card hidden and use backup card only if needed.
  3. Confirm hotel payment method before check-in.
  4. Plan first ATM stop in a bank-branch location during daytime.
  5. Avoid ad-hoc currency decisions when tired after a flight.

Managing leftover som and departures

  • If you have leftover som when leaving, you can exchange small amounts back at city banks or, in many cases, at airport exchange counters. Check rates and opening hours to avoid last-minute issues.

Quick checklist

  • Bring one Visa or Mastercard plus a backup card.
  • Notify your bank of travel dates and region.
  • Carry some USD/EUR for emergencies and exchange in official locations.
  • Withdraw cash while in cities; carry small notes for markets and local transport.
  • Keep two independent payment options active every day (cash + card).

Where to learn more

Consult our first-time Uzbekistan guide for arrival logistics and practical travel planning, and check local hub pages for city-specific ATM and payment details.

FAQ

What currency should I bring to Uzbekistan as a backup?

Bring a small amount of USD or EUR as a backup. These major currencies are widely accepted for exchange and useful if you need cash immediately on arrival or in places where card acceptance is limited.

Are ATMs widely available across Uzbekistan?

ATMs are common in major cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara but become less frequent outside urban centers. If you plan day trips or rural travel, withdraw sufficient cash before you leave the city.

Will restaurants and shops accept my debit or credit card?

Hotels, many restaurants, supermarkets and larger shops in cities usually accept Visa and Mastercard. Smaller vendors, markets and many rural businesses often require cash, so carry small-denomination som for everyday purchases.

Is it safe to use ATMs in Uzbekistan?

Using ATMs in bank branches or well-lit, busy locations reduces risk. Check machines for tampering, shield your PIN, and split cash and cards between secure locations. Also inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks.