Name and capital
The official name is the Republic of Uzbekistan. The capital is Tashkent. When checking an address, distinguish between Tashkent city and Tashkent Region: they are separate administrative areas.
Uzbekistan: essential information for travellers
Uzbekistan getting to know the country
What to know before you travel
Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country with its capital in Tashkent. Visitors come for the architecture of its Silk Road cities, craft workshops, bazaars and local food. If nature is your main interest, you can plan a trip around mountain areas, valleys or desert landscapes. Start with what interests you most: this will help you choose a cultural itinerary, time outdoors or a combination of activities.
Updated on 17 September 2026. This page covers the country, seasons, money and everyday practicalities. For choosing cities and planning each day, see our separate guide to itineraries for a first visit.
Country and regionsLanguage and communicationCulture and daily life
Tashkent
the capital
the capital
Som
national currency
national currency
Daily life in Uzbekistan
Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent: a place to discover local produce and everyday life.
Where is Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan borders Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Its landscapes include plains, deserts, valleys and mountains. A trip through its historic cities therefore calls for different planning from a visit to a mountain area.
The country has a continental climate, with a marked difference between summer and winter temperatures. Check the weather and choose clothing for your specific region and dates: a forecast for the capital does not cover all mountain and desert conditions. Links to detailed geography and seasonal guides appear below.
Essential facts for visitors
Language
The state language is Uzbek. Agree on the language of your tour and communication with your guide in advance. Save your hotel's name and address on your phone to show your driver.
Currency
The national currency is the Uzbek som. Allow for cash for everyday expenses and ask your bank in advance whether your card can be used in Uzbekistan. A card network's name alone does not guarantee that a particular card will work.
Time and phone numbers
The time zone is UTC+5. The international calling code is +998. When arranging a meeting, specify the date and local time; save phone numbers in international format.
Understanding the country's regions
Uzbekistan is divided into 12 regions, the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the city of Tashkent. Nurafshon is the administrative centre of Tashkent Region; the national capital and the regional centre are different cities.
When booking, check the exact town or village, address and map location as well as the region's name. A hotel that mentions a well-known city in its description may be outside that city, and your airport and overnight stop may be in different places.
A closer look at Uzbekistan: the capital and cultural heritage
Monument of Independence and Humanism, Tashkent
Tashkent offers an introduction to modern life in the country, with broad avenues, public spaces and urban transport. The photograph shows the Monument of Independence and Humanism. Include it as part of your exploration of the capital, while also leaving time for the old neighbourhoods.
Magoki Attori Mosque, Bukhara
Magoki Attori Mosque reveals another side of Uzbekistan: the layered heritage of its historic cities. Look closely at the brick façade and carved portal. A stop here lets you appreciate architectural details; check admission arrangements and current exhibitions before visiting.
Culture and everyday encounters
Meeting people and visiting places
Check the rules of each museum, workshop or religious building you visit. Ask permission before photographing people or work in progress. Before entering an active place of worship, find out about dress requirements and which areas are accessible.
Getting to know the food
Start with a dish you would like to try, such as plov, samsa or manti. If you want to watch it being prepared, ask in advance what the visit involves: a meal, a cooking demonstration or a separate class. Check ingredients and portion sizes before ordering.
Dietary needs and accessibility
If you have dietary requirements, check ingredients and the availability of a suitable menu in advance. If you have limited mobility, ask about steps, lifts, walking distances and vehicle access at each place. Discuss these arrangements before confirming a tour or hotel.
Cultural openings in 2026
Two major sites for exploring Islamic cultural heritage opened in Uzbekistan in 2026. They are in different parts of the country: the new centre is in Tashkent, while the renovated memorial complex is in Samarkand Region.
Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent
Opened on 17 March 2026 Museum and cultural heritage
The Center's exhibitions explore the region's history, science and cultural heritage. Its Quran Hall houses the Quran of Uthman (Mushaf of Uthman), previously kept in the Muyi Muborak Museum at the Hazrati Imam complex.
The renovated Imam Bukhari complex
Opened in March 2026 Samarkand Region
The Imam Bukhari memorial complex is in Payaryk District, Samarkand Region. It includes a mausoleum, a mosque and a museum devoted to the scholar's life and legacy.
Seasons, documents and connectivity: where to start
These short answers will help you make your first decisions. Follow the links to detailed guidance so you can check the requirements that apply to your own trip.
Geography and natural areas
The country on a map Terrain and borders
Our separate geography guide explains where to find the country's valleys, mountain areas and deserts.
When to visit Uzbekistan
Choosing your dates Cities and nature
Consider spring and autumn first if you want to spend long days walking around historic cities. In summer, plan outdoor visits for the morning and evening; base winter and mountain trips on conditions in the area you choose. Check the forecast before departure.
Connectivity and navigation
SIM card or roaming Offline maps
Before flying, decide how you will stay connected and save your hotel's address, your meeting contact's details and an offline map of the area. If choosing a SIM or eSIM, check activation requirements for foreign visitors and compatibility with your phone.
Entry and documents
Nationality Length of stay
Check entry requirements for your nationality, passport type, purpose of travel and length of stay. Rules that apply to one traveller cannot automatically be applied to another.
Money and shopping: what to know in 2026
Consider payment arrangements and tax refunds on purchases separately. Being able to pay by card does not mean that a purchase has been registered for Tax Free.
Cash, cards and currency exchange
Everyday expenses Check before you fly
Allow for cash for your first expenses and check your card's limits and conditions. Use a bank or authorised exchange office to change money. Compare the buying or selling rate and any commission, not just the prominent figure on the board. Follow the link for a detailed checklist on money and cards.
Tax Free: changes from 1 April 2026
For foreign citizens Departure through an airport
The VAT refund system has been extended to all international airports in Uzbekistan. The minimum purchase value including VAT is 300,000 som; food products are excluded. The refund is 85% of the VAT amount, not 85% of the purchase price; payment may be made in cash or to a card. Before paying, ask the retailer about Tax Free registration, keep your receipt and check how to present the goods at the airport. These conditions do not mean that every purchase qualifies without the required paperwork.
Planning a trip to Uzbekistan in 2027?
Start with the season, your interests, the approximate length of your trip and who is travelling. Discuss your preferred language, dietary needs and any assistance in advance. Use this country guide for your initial decisions, then compare cities and overnight stops in the itinerary guide.
Before paying for services for 2027, recheck entry requirements for your passport, the terms of the service you choose and cancellation conditions. Closer to departure, confirm whether your bank card will work, your connectivity arrangements and the Tax Free procedure if you plan to shop. Changes described for 2026 do not automatically confirm the conditions for your future travel dates; retain current replies from your bank, carrier and organiser.
Questions before getting to know Uzbekistan
Are Tashkent and Tashkent Region the same place?
No. Tashkent is the capital and a separate administrative area. Nurafshon is the centre of Tashkent Region. You need an exact address for a meeting, accommodation or transfer.
Do I need to speak Uzbek to take a guided tour?
You can choose a tour in a language you are comfortable with. Confirm the guide's language before booking; do not assume it will match the language of the website or your correspondence.
Where can I choose cities and the length of my trip?
Open the guide to itineraries for a first visit. It helps you compare trips of 5–10 days, allocate your time and decide whether to include Khiva. You will find links at the beginning and end of this page.
Where can I check baggage and customs questions?
Use the traveller's checklist to prepare: it includes a customs section and a link to detailed rules. Before departure, check the conditions for your own belongings, cash and medicines separately.
Help with organising your trip
Once you have decided on your interests, tell CAJ your dates, number of guests, preferred guide language and style of travel. These details will help us discuss an itinerary, accommodation and transport.
Ready-made tours of Uzbekistan
Compare published programmes by length, destination and style of travel. Check the services and conditions in the programme you select.
What to see and how to plan your days
The guide will help you choose between a short trip through a few cities and a longer journey that includes Khiva.
Explore further and prepare for your trip
Read about traditions and everyday life in Uzbekistan's culture. For dishes and local food, see our guide to Uzbek cuisine.
For documents, luggage and practical details, use the travel preparation checklist.
For the history of the national currency and information on banknotes and coins, read about the Uzbek som.
