Jurisdiction Guide

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November) offer the best weather, with mild temperatures ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, especially in desert cities, while winters are cold but less crowded.

Cash dominates, so bring dollars or euros to exchange, but ATMs are slowly becoming more common in big cities. SIM cards are easy to buy at airports or phone shops, bring your passport. Tashkent has a metro, but elsewhere shared taxis or buses work best. Russian will help more than English, though younger Uzbeks may know basic English. Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill in restaurants or giving small change is welcome.

Handshakes are common among men, always with the right hand, physical contact between genders in public is rare. Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural areas, women should cover shoulders and knees. Guests are usually offered tea, and it's polite to accept at least one cup. Avoid talking politics openly, especially about recent history. Showing the soles of your feet is considered impolite.

Petty theft and pickpocketing can happen at bazaars or crowded places, so keep valuables secure. Traffic accidents are common, and pedestrian crossings may not always be respected. Some tap water is unsafe, stick to bottled water in smaller towns. Watch for taxi scams, agree on the fare before you start or use apps like Yandex Go.

Visit the ancient desert fortress ruins of Ayaz Kala in Karakalpakstan for a bit of adventure. Take a stroll in the old mahallas (neighborhoods) of Khiva for a glimpse of daily local life. South of Samarkand, Shahrisabz sees few tourists but has stunning monuments and mountain scenery.

Citizens of the EU, UK, much of Asia, and a few other regions have visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Americans and Canadians need e-visas, which are straightforward to apply for online. Long-term digital nomad visas do not exist, but it's possible to extend stays or arrange business visas with local sponsorship if needed.

The high-speed train between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara is fast and comfortable, book tickets ahead, especially during holidays. Marshrutkas (shared minivans) and taxis connect smaller towns. Domestic flights run between major cities, but train travel is often more reliable. Ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go work in Tashkent but are limited elsewhere.

Plov, a rice dish with lamb and carrots, anchors local cuisine, try it from a local oshkhona for the best taste. Manty (steamed dumplings) and shashlik (meat skewers) are also common. Bread (non) is sacred and never thrown away. Vegetarians may struggle outside big cities, as most meals include meat, ask for salads, lentil soup, or somsa filled with pumpkin or potato. Tap water quality varies, so stick to bottled water.

Travel can be very affordable outside the most touristy areas; budget travelers can get by on $25-40 a day, while mid-range comfort in Tashkent or Samarkand might set you back $60-100. Street food costs $1-3, and a meal in a mid-range restaurant is $8-15. Tashkent is pricier than the rest of the country, while cities like Nukus or Termez are much cheaper.