Essential Travel Recommendations for Uzbekistan

Required Documents and Items

For a trip to Uzbekistan, it is recommended to bring the following documents and items:

• Voucher for tourist services.
• Passport.
• Insurance policy.
• Medications for chronic illnesses.
• Doctor’s note, if you are taking medications containing psychotropic substances.

Recommended Items

• Raincoat or umbrella in case of rain.
• Hat or cap for sun protection.
• Sunscreen.
• Preferred drinks.
• Clothing: jeans, sports and seasonal clothes, wool socks, t-shirts, shorts, sneakers; women should also bring long skirts and scarves.
• Camera for capturing attractions.
• Money for souvenirs: books, postcards, local crafts, alcoholic beverages, confectionery, textiles.
• Gluten-free products (if needed).

Rules for Transport

• Stops: technical stops are made every 3–4 hours; adhere to the scheduled time.
• Moving inside the vehicle: prohibited during travel.
• Addressing the driver: do not distract them; address questions to the guide.
• Emergency stop: allowed when necessary.
• Smoking: strictly prohibited in the vehicle.

Recommendations for Excursions

• Start of the excursion: time and location are indicated in the voucher or communicated by the guide.
• Punctuality: being late may shorten the program.
• Time at sites: follow the schedule set by the guide.
• Visiting mosques: women should wear a headscarf and clothing that covers shoulders and knees; it is recommended for both men and women to remove shoes when entering.
• Behavior: in some places, being intoxicated, running, talking loudly, or taking photos is prohibited.
• Contact: for assistance, reach out to the guide or call +998 90 922 30 73.

Documents for Accommodation

• Passport: required for check-in at hotels, hostels, yurts, or guesthouses.

Tips for Staying in a Room and Checking Out

• Hot water: if unavailable, contact the hotel administration.
• Before leaving: double-check that nothing is left behind; place your luggage in the hallway.
• Keys: return them to the reception upon departure.

Safety Precautions

• Valuables: store them in the hotel safe or carry bags in hand, not over the shoulder.
• Passport: keep it separate from money, preferably in the hotel safe.
• In buses: do not leave valuable items behind.
• During excursions: do not leave items unattended.
• At the airport: do not accept items for transport from strangers.
• If lost: feel free to ask passersby for help.

Financial Matters

• Cash: it is recommended to carry cash, especially in remote areas. ATMs are available in major cities but may be scarce in smaller towns. US dollars and euros are easily exchanged for Uzbek soums; bills should be in good condition.
• Credit cards: accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash payments are often preferred. Visa cards are more widely used than MasterCard.

Communication and Internet

• Mobile communication: local SIM cards are available for purchase; major operators include Ucell, Beeline, and Mobiuz. Coverage is good in cities but may be limited in rural areas.
• Internet: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities, but speeds may be slower than expected.

Transport

• Taxis: widely available in cities; use official services or apps to book rides. Confirm the price or ensure the meter is used before starting the journey.
• Public transport: Tashkent has a metro system that is convenient and affordable. Buses and minibusses are also common but may be crowded.

Culture and Customs

Greetings: Men usually greet with a handshake, while women greet verbally or with a nod. It is customary to place the right hand on the chest and slightly bow as a sign of respect.

Clothing: Although Uzbekistan is a secular country, modest clothing is recommended, especially when visiting religious sites. Women are advised to carry a scarf to cover their heads in mosques.

Safety

General safety: Uzbekistan is considered a safe country for travelers. However, it is advisable to follow standard precautions: do not leave your belongings unattended and avoid walking alone at night.

Drinking water: Bottled water is recommended, as tap water may not be safe for drinking.

Holidays and Non-Working Days in 2025

The following national holidays will be observed in Uzbekistan in 2025:

• January 1: New Year
• March 8: International Women's Day
• March 21: Navruz (Spring Festival)
• March 27: Ramazan Hayit (Eid al-Fitr)
• May 5: Kurban Hayit (Eid al-Adha)
• May 9: Day of Remembrance and Honor
• September 1: Independence Day
• October 1: Teachers' and Mentors' Day
• December 8: Constitution Day

Religious holidays (such as Ramazan Hayit and Kurban Hayit) are based on the lunar calendar, so dates may vary. It is recommended to confirm these dates in advance.

During holidays, many establishments may be closed. When planning your trip to Uzbekistan, consider this factor and check the schedules of your desired destinations in advance.