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SIM Cards in Uzbekistan: What to Choose and What to Do at the Airport

Practical mobile guide for Uzbekistan: which operators to compare, when eSIM makes sense, and the key IMEI/UzIMEI step for longer stays.

Trust note: Updated on .

SIM Cards in Uzbekistan: A Clear, Practical Guide

Short version: choose your mobile plan on official operator websites, and check IMEI rules only on UzIMEI.

If you want a no-stress setup, follow this order:

  1. Before departure: compare operators and decide SIM vs eSIM.
  2. At the airport: if you are not on roaming and plan a longer stay, prepare for device declaration.
  3. During the first weeks: complete IMEI registration steps in time if your case requires it.

Operators to compare

The national operators to check are:

  • Mobiuz
  • Beeline Uzbekistan
  • Ucell
  • Uztelecom (Uzmobile)
  • Perfectum

How to choose for your trip

  • Need a clearly published eSIM flow: start with Mobiuz and Beeline.
  • Need roaming details for intercity travel: check roaming sections at Mobiuz, Beeline, and Ucell.
  • Need a published tourist package: Mobiuz has a dedicated Tourist SIM page.
  • Need branch support in cities: choose your preferred operator office in advance and pin it in your map app.

Use rankings carefully. A large subscriber base does not automatically mean best fit for your route. For travel decisions, prioritize:

  • SIM/eSIM availability,
  • route coverage,
  • office/support accessibility in places you will visit.

Traveler profile matrix (fast choice)

  • City-break (3-5 days): prioritize fast eSIM activation and central-city support points.
  • Multi-city route (Tashkent + Samarkand + Bukhara): prioritize route coverage and roaming documentation between regions.
  • Long stay (30+ days): prioritize official IMEI compliance flow and office support for reconfiguration issues.
  • Late-night arrival: choose operator channels with clear self-service setup instructions and keep them offline.

What you must do about IMEI and airport declaration

Critical rule to remember:

  • if you are not on roaming and want to stay in Uzbekistan for more than one month (or return and keep using the same device), follow the flow: declare the device at the airport, then register it in UzIMEI.

For current deadlines and exact steps, use UzIMEI only.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a random “top operator” article instead of checking official operator pages.
  • Reading old IMEI posts without verifying current UzIMEI rules.
  • Choosing by city speed claims only, while your trip includes roads and smaller towns.

Fail-safe setup checklist (to avoid losing connectivity)

  1. Save at least two operator pages (tariff + activation) before departure.
  2. Keep one fallback option: local SIM plan + roaming fallback.
  3. Verify IMEI flow applicability before passing airport control.
  4. Screenshot activation steps while still on stable Wi-Fi.
  5. Keep support/office links accessible offline.

Pre-trip checklist

  1. Open 2-3 official operator sites and compare your needed setup (SIM/eSIM/roaming).
  2. Check office locations along your travel plan.
  3. Confirm whether your stay pattern triggers IMEI declaration and registration steps.
  4. Open UzIMEI once more 24-48 hours before departure and keep a dated screenshot.

Sources

Primary sources:

Historical context source:

FAQ

Which operator is “best” for travelers?

There is no universal best operator. Choose by SIM/eSIM availability, your actual route coverage, and support availability where you will be.

Do I need to do anything at the airport for IMEI?

In some cases, yes. If you are not on roaming and plan to use your device for more than one month (or across repeat trips), check UzIMEI and follow the declaration/registration flow.

Can I trust media explainers?

Use them as secondary context only. For binding current rules, always verify on operator official websites and UzIMEI.