£1 UZS 16,225.14
Today
7:57 am
+5h from you
Weather in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
28°
Overcast
Fri
14
28
Sat
13
26
Sun
15
21
Mon
13
23
Tue
14
26
SPF level in Uzbekistan
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Uzbekistan
Tipping in Uzbekistan
Tipping is becoming more common in Uzbekistan, especially in tourist areas, but is not always expected. It is a way to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service, or rounding up the bill.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or a small tip for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
10,000-20,000 UZS per bag (~£0.8 - £1.6).
Hotel Housekeeper
10,000-20,000 UZS per day (~£0.8 - £1.6), left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good guide.
Safety in Uzbekistan
Tips for British travellers
Uzbekistan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
You must carry your passport with you at all times, as it is a legal requirement and police frequently check.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded areas like bazaars and on public transport.
Only change money through official exchange booths, as changing money on the black market is illegal and carries harsh penalties.
It is illegal to sell alcohol and tobacco to anyone aged 20 or under.
Be careful when taking photographs, especially near government buildings, airports, police stations, and bridges, as this can upset authorities.
Bonus tips:
Same-sex relationships are illegal, and showing affection in public could lead to social disapproval or legal issues.
Be mindful when posting about your visit on social media, as content deemed disrespectful about public buildings or customs could result in fines or detention.
Driving in Uzbekistan
A UK driving license is valid for tourists for a limited period, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially for longer stays.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
70 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0‰
Remember: Uzbekistan drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
101
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Save 101 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Uzbekistan
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Uzbekistan operates on 220V and 50Hz. Plug types C and F are most commonly used. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is growing, but still limited outside major hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops in large cities like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Always ask if cards are accepted before making a purchase. Cash is still king.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Uzbekistan
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural areas. Ensure you have cash, especially when travelling outside major cities.
Local name
Bankomat
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs dispense Uzbekistani Som (UZS). It's advisable to carry smaller denominations as change can be difficult to obtain. Check with your bank about international withdrawal fees before travelling.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high in Uzbekistan. Check with your UK mobile provider about international roaming packages before you travel to avoid unexpected costs. EU roaming regulations do not apply in Uzbekistan post-Brexit.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 100,000 UZS (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Ucell, UMS, Beeline
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in larger hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, but it's less common in rural areas. Speeds can be variable.
Average speed
20 Mbps
While internet access is improving, it is not as widespread or reliable as in Western countries. Purchase a local SIM card for more consistent access.
Health & vaccinations in Uzbekistan
As a British tourist, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before travelling to Uzbekistan. While Uzbekistan doesn't have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, your travel insurance will provide necessary coverage. Check the policy details carefully to ensure it covers all planned activities.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions for Uzbekistan. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid traveller's diarrhea. The risk of malaria is low, and usually only relevant if visiting the south of the country.
Calling Uzbekistan
Country code
+998
To call Uzbekistan from the UK, dial 00 998 followed by the local number.
To call a Tashkent number (e.g., 123 4567) from the UK, you would dial 00 998 71 123 4567.
The country code for Uzbekistan is 998. When calling from abroad, you need to dial the exit code of your country, followed by 998, and then the local number. Mobile numbers usually start with 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 97, 99, 33.
UK Embassy in Uzbekistan
British Embassy Tashkent
67, Gulyamov Str., Mirabad district, Tashkent, 100047, Uzbekistan
Airports in Uzbekistan
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.