Uzbekistan Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Tashkent
- Currency
- Uzbekistani Som (UZS so'm)
- Best time to visit
- Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) bring ideal temperatures for sightseeing.
Visa requirements
Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 30 days, while others can use a simple e-visa.
Getting around
Fast Afrosiyob trains link the Silk Road cities, while shared taxis, marshrutkas, and Tashkent's ornate metro handle the rest.
Safety
Uzbekistan is welcoming and broadly safe with low violent crime, though petty theft can occur in crowded bazaars. Reforms have made travel far easier in recent years.
Tipping customs
Tipping is not deeply rooted but rounding up and 10% in tourist restaurants is appreciated.
Travel tips
Carry som in cash as card use is growing but inconsistent; bring US dollars to exchange. The high-speed Afrosiyob train between cities is excellent. Buy a local SIM for cheap data.