Find a travel partner in Uzbekistan

Money and staying connected

Uzbekistan uses the som (UZS), which comes in large numbers (the days of needing a bag of cash are thankfully over since reforms). Cards are increasingly accepted in city hotels and restaurants, but cash still rules bazaars, smaller eateries and many guesthouses: carry som, with some USD as backup (ATMs in cities can be hit-or-miss; withdraw enough). Tipping ~10% is appreciated. SIMs/eSIMs (Beeline, Ucell, Uzmobile) are cheap with decent city and intercity coverage; download offline maps for the desert stretches. Wi-Fi is common in hotels. Many nationalities now enjoy visa-free entry or a simple e-visa: the reforms have made this one of the easier "stans" to visit. Hotels register you automatically (keep the slips).

Culture and etiquette

Uzbek hospitality follows the Silk Road code: a guest is sacred, and you'll be welcomed with green tea (poured in a specific ritual, a little at a time), bread (never place it upside down or waste it; it's revered), and plov (the national rice-and-meat dish, often shared from a communal platter and eaten with the right hand or a spoon). Accept what's offered graciously. It's a moderate Muslim society: dress modestly, especially at the many mosques and mausoleums (cover shoulders and knees; women may want a headscarf for active religious sites), remove shoes entering homes and prayer halls, and keep public affection low-key. Respect for elders is important. Useful phrases: "Assalom alaykum" (greeting), "Rahmat" (thank you), "Iltimos" (please), "Qancha turadi?" (how much?), "Yoqimli ishtaha" (bon appétit). Praise the tilework, the plov and the tea, and you've made friends.

Health and safety

Uzbekistan is a safe and hospitable country for travelers: violent crime against tourists is rare, the cities feel calm and orderly, and the welcome is warm. The everyday considerations are practical: intense desert heat and sun in summer (hydrate, hat, shade midday), the usual stomach precautions (drink bottled/filtered water: tap is not recommended; eat busy, fresh, hot food), and assertive driving (use app taxis, avoid rushing rural night drives). Pharmacies are reasonable in cities; bring any specific medications you rely on. Police presence is heavy but generally courteous: carry your passport and registration slips. The far west near the Aral Sea is remote: go prepared. Politically the country is stable and reform-minded.

General guidance, not medical or security advice. Check your government's travel advice and a travel clinic before you book.