Tashkent Uzbekistan Travel Tips

Travel Tips for Tashkent:

Before You Go:

  • Visa: Check visa requirements for your nationality as they vary. Many nationalities require a visa to enter Uzbekistan, but the e-visa system makes it easier and faster to obtain travel authorization.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Uzbek som (UZS). It’s best to exchange currency upon arrival in Tashkent for the most favorable rates. While US dollars are widely accepted, you’ll usually get a better deal using the local currency.
  • Language: Uzbek is the official language, but Russian is also commonly spoken.

Learning about the Local Culture:

  • Respect: Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, so dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) outside of tourist areas is appreciated.
  • Hospitality: Uzbeks are known for their warmth and hospitality. Don’t be surprised if you are invited into someone’s home or offered food and drink by strangers. It’s polite to accept the offer, even if it’s just a small bite.

Practical Tips:

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather in Tashkent.

  • Getting Around:

    • Taxis: The most common and affordable way to get around. Download the “Taxi Uzbekiston” app for a reliable and safe experience.
    • Metro: One of the best metro systems in the world, it’s clean, efficient, and a great way to see the city while avoiding traffic.
    • Walking: Tashkent is a walkable city, with many attractions within walking distance of each other.

  • Transportation:

    • Buses: Frequent and cheap but can be crowded and unreliable in terms of schedule.
    • Marshrutkas (shared minibuses): A popular and efficient way to travel shorter distances within Tashkent.
    • Uzbekistan Railways: Offers online booking for train tickets.

  • Getting Around:

    • Taxis: While convenient, make sure to agree on a price before starting the ride or use the meter.

  • Negotiating Prices:

    • Prices are often negotiable, especially in markets and with taxi drivers.

  • Safety: Tashkent is generally a safe city for tourists.

    • Transportation:
      • Be aware of pickpockets on public transportation.

  • Accommodation:

  • Hotels: You can find a variety of accommodation options in Tashkent, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels.

  • Guesthouses: Offer a more personal and local experience.

  • Homestays: These are becoming increasingly popular for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in Uzbek culture.

Other Considerations:

  • Accommodation:

  • Travel: The Tashkent Metro is a great way to get around the city, as it’s clean, efficient and cheap.

  • Language: Keep in mind that while English and Uzbek are spoken, learning a few basic Russian phrases will be helpful for navigating outside of major tourist areas.

Food and Drink:

  • Be prepared for delicious Uzbek cuisine!

    • Food: It’s a good idea to try traditional Uzbek dishes like “plov” (a rice dish with meat, vegetables and spices), “shashlik” (grilled kebabs) and “non” (traditional flatbread).

  • Language:

  • Activities:

  • Travel:

    • Visit the Chorsu Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this local market and experience a variety of Uzbek goods.
    • Explore the Tashkent Metro: Take a ride on the “People’s Subway” and admire the unique architecture and mosaics of its stations.
    • Discover the Old City: Wander through the narrow streets and alleyways, explore the historic mosques and buildings

Accommodation:

  • Consider visiting local markets (like the Chorsu Bazaar) for a taste of Uzbek culture.

  • Respecting local customs: Avoid public displays of affection. Dress modestly, especially women. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious sites or visiting conservative areas.

  • Travel:

    • Use the “Taxi” app: It’s generally safer and easier to use a taxi app like “Taxis Uzbekiston”.

Transportation:

  • Public transportation: Consider using this for a more authentic experience, but be aware that it can be crowded and confusing.**

  • Travelers’ cheques: Travelers’ cheques are not widely accepted in Uzbekistan. It’s best to use cash (Uzbek som) or credit cards with the e-visa system.**

  • Respect local laws:

Be mindful of these things while traveling:

  • Dress code: Dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing.
  • Photography: Be cautious about taking pictures in public, especially of military installations, government buildings, and religious figures.

Accommodation:

  • Currency exchange: It’s best to bring enough US dollars for your entire trip.** You can exchange them at banks or money changers.

  • Photography:

  • Travel:

  • Carry Uzbek Som: While USD are widely accepted, it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand.

  • Local customs and traditions: UZBEKISTAN is a country with a rich culture and history.

  • Respect:

    • Be respectful of the local culture and traditions.

  • Travel:

  • Photos are generally discouraged in public places, especially when taking pictures of people or religious sites.

Tips for Dealing with Money Matters:

  • Carry cash: Many people believe that US dollars are the best currency to use in Uzbekistan.

Other:

  • Currency exchange:

You can usually get a good rate at banks and money changers.

  • Bargaining: It’s expected when shopping at bazaars.**

Important Considerations:

  • Respect local customs: This is crucial for understanding the cultural context of your interactions.

  • Learn basic Russian phrases: While Uzbek is the official language, many locals speak Russian and knowing basic phrases like “skolko stoit?” (how much does it cost?) can be helpful.

  • Transportation:

    • Public transportation:

Carrying some local currency for smaller purchases and tips.

  • Currency exchange:

Other Considerations:

  • Dress code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. This means covering your shoulders and knees.**
  • Clothing: Avoid wearing clothing with offensive slogans or images.

Language:

  • Learn a few basic phrases:

    • “Skolko stoit?” (How much does it cost?) is crucial for negotiating prices at markets, as they are often not clearly marked.

  • Carry the local currency: The Uzbek som (UZS) is the preferred currency for everyday transactions.

Safety:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: While Uzbekistan is generally a safe country, petty theft can be an issue in crowded areas.

  • Public Displays of Affection:

Keep the following tips in mind when traveling:

  • Transportation: Avoid flaunting expensive belongings and be mindful of scams.**
  • Stay vigilant: Be aware of potential scams at markets and from unofficial taxi drivers.

General Safety Tips:

  • Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.**

  • Safety in the Bazaar:

    • Use common sense: Just as with any market, be aware of pickpockets and potential scams.

  • Carry enough local currency:

Uplands:

  • Use a money belt or secure bag: This is a good idea for all your valuables, not just cash.
  • Be aware of pickpockets: Keep your phone and wallet close to your body and be aware of your surroundings.

Local Culture Tips:

  • Respect for Islam: Be mindful of local customs and traditions when traveling in Uzbekistan.
  • Dress code: Dress conservatively, especially women.

It’s important to note that these are just a few tips.

Remember:

  • Always be aware of your surroundings: This is essential for staying safe.

  • Respecting local customs:

    • Avoid wearing clothes with offensive slogans or images. ** **

  • Learn the phrase “skolko stoit?” (How much does it cost?) and “spasibo” (Thank you) in Uzbek.

You’ll need to know the following:

  • Currency: The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek som (UZS).
  • Local transportation:

The following are some general tips for tourists visiting Uzbekistan:

  • Learn basic phrases: “Salam” (hello), “Rahmat” (thank you), and “Hayr” (goodbye) are a good start.

  • Learn the phrase “Bekar” (No/not needed) for “no” or “enough,” and “Sizga rahmat” (Thank you) for “thank you.”

  • Respect local customs: It’s important to be respectful of local customs when traveling in Uzbekistan. Dress modestly, especially when entering religious buildings.

Remember to always respect the local culture and customs.

Additional Tips:

  • Pack a phrasebook: While many people speak Uzbek, English is not as widely spoken, especially outside major cities.

  • Be aware of cultural sensitivities: When visiting a mosque, remember to dress appropriately (covering shoulders and knees) and remove your shoes before entering.**

  • Learn about local etiquette: It’s generally considered polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or a place of worship.

Enjoy your travels!