Uzbekistan travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round, two-pin plugs, as well as oblique flat-blade plugs with ground are in use.
Language
Uzbek is the official state language, but Russian is used in much day-to-day official and international communication.
Money
The official currency is the soum (UZS), which is divided into 100 tiyins. Credit cards are not widely accepted beyond Tashkent and the main tourist areas of Samarkand and Bukhara, and there are very few ATMs, so visitors should bring enough cash for the duration of their stay. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Travellers should only change money through official exchange booths, as harsh penalties will be imposed on those caught changing money on the black market. Damaged or marked bank notes will not be accepted at official exchange locations.
Tipping
Tipping is common in restaurants and bars, and is usually 5 to 10 percent. Some tourist hotels and restaurants, and upmarket institutions will usually include service charge in the bill.
Health
No vaccinations are required by visitors to Uzbekistan. However, outbreaks of Hepatitis A, Hepatitus B and Tetanus are possible, and there is a risk of malaria in the south. Visitors should only drink bottled water. Hospitals offer adequate basic medical care, but serious cases will usually be treated outside of the country. Visitors should ensure that they have comprehensive medical insurance.
Safety
Travel to Uzbekistan is generally problem-free, but foreigners should avoid unnecessary displays of wealth and walking alone after dark, as occasional muggings do occur. A general threat of terrorism exists, particularly in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Planned demonstrations should be avoided as they have become violent in the past.
Local customs
Elderly people are greatly respected and should be treated with deference by foreigners. Most Uzbek people are Muslim, so visitors should dress modestly and be sensitive to religious customs, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when eating, drinking and smoking in public is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal and public displays of affection are frowned upon. Police will often ask to see proof of identity, and foreigners are recommended to carry a photocopy of their passport with them at all times.
Doing business
Office hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Men greet each other with handshakes. Women are not traditionally involved in business.
Duty free
Travellers to Uzbekhistan 16 years and older can bring in goods to the value of US$1,000 without incurring customs duty. They are also entitled to import 200 cigarettes; 2 litres of beer and 2 litres of other alcohol beverages, plus 2 bottles of perfume. The export of antiques or antiquities requires a special permit. It is forbidden to import narcotics, pornography, explosives and any materials that incite violence or direct hatred toward the country, or any religion practiced within it.
Communications
The international dialling code for Uzbekistan is +998. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; hotels and restaurants offer WiFi in the bigger cities.
Passport & Visa
Passports of all visitors should be valid for the period of intended stay. All visitors staying longer than three days are required to register with the local police on arrival, which should be entered on their visa; this will be checked on departure from the country. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US nationals require a visa and a passport valid for duration of stay for entry to Uzbekistan.
UK nationals do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport that is valid for at least three months after they enter Uzbekistan.
Canadians do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport valid for the duration of their stay to enter Uzbekistan.
Australians do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport valid for the duration of their stay to enter Uzbekistan.
South Africans require a visa and a passport valid for duration of stay for entry to Uzbekistan.
Irish nationals do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport valid for the duration of their stay to enter Uzbekistan.
New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport valid for the duration of their stay to enter Uzbekistan.
Useful contacts
Tourism Information, Tashkent: +998 (71) 133 5414
102 (Police); 103 (Ambulance); 101 (Fire)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Uzbekistan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 887 5300.
Uzbekistan Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7229 7679.
Embassies / consulates in Uzbekistan
United States Embassy, Tashkent: +998 (71) 120 5450.
British Embassy, Tashkent: +998 (71) 120 1500.
Canadian Consulate, Tashkent: temporarily closed. Please contact moscoconsular@international.gc.ca for further assistance.
Australian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Uzbekistan): +7 (495) 956 6070.
South African Honorary Consulate, Tashkent: +998 (71) 137 0170.
Irish Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Uzbekistan): +7 (495) 937 5911.
New Zealand Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Uzbekistan): +7 (495) 956 3579.