Uzbekistan for Tourists: Tips Before Your Trip 2026
When to Visit Uzbekistan
The best time is April–May and September–October. In spring, gardens are in bloom, temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are still manageable. In autumn, the bazaars overflow with harvest: grapes, melons, figs, pomegranates — all at their finest.
In summer, temperatures climb above +40°C. Humidity is low, so the heat feels less intense than in humid countries, but walking across open squares in the middle of the day is tough. Summer has its own advantages though: monuments stay open late, evenings outdoors are delightful, and tourist numbers are noticeably lower than in peak season. Many monuments and squares are beautifully lit at night.
Winter in Uzbekistan is always unpredictable. Often cold, sometimes windy, but there can also be very warm and sunny spells — it's a matter of luck. On the plus side, there are very few tourists, no queues at monuments, and you can soak up the atmosphere of the ancient cities in peace.
What to Wear
In the shoulder seasons, dress in layers — mornings can be cold while afternoons can get quite hot. The climate is sharply continental, with daily temperature swings of up to 15 degrees. A jacket with a sweater over a t-shirt is the ideal combination for a comfortable day of sightseeing.
At mosques, mausoleums, and religious complexes, both men and women must keep their shoulders and knees covered. Women should carry a light scarf: at mosques and holy sites (especially Shah-i-Zinda and the Imam al-Bukhari complex) you may be asked to cover your head.
In warm weather, bring a hat, sunglasses, and water — there is almost no shade on open squares. Sunscreen is a good idea too, as the UV index is high.
Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Money: Where to Exchange Currency and How to Pay
The national currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek som. Most restaurants and hotels accept Visa and Mastercard, but at bazaars, in oshkhonas (canteens where you can eat plov) and small shops, cash is the only option.
Exchange currency at official exchange points rather than with private individuals. The rate difference is minimal. You'll find the first exchange office right at the airport upon arrival.
Taxis and Transport
Ride-hailing apps such as Yandex Go, Wb Taxi and others operate in Uzbekistan. They are affordable and far more convenient than negotiating with street drivers. Private drivers sometimes quote inflated prices to foreigners, so if you hail a cab on the street, agree on the fare in advance. A city ride costs between 15,000 and 40,000 som depending on the distance.
The airport has official transfer services to hotels (around 100,000 som to the city centre). There are also drivers who approach you outside — this is the least favourable option.
SIM Cards and Internet
The quickest way to get connected right after landing is to buy a SIM card at Tashkent Airport. Several operators have desks in the arrivals hall: Ucell, Beeline, and others. Compare their plans — they differ, and you can pick the best one in just a few minutes. The main operators with good coverage along the Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara tourist route are Ucell and Beeline. Local tourist plans are significantly cheaper than roaming — check the current offers at the airport desk. Purchase requires a passport and biometric identification, which takes 15–40 minutes at the airport depending on the queue. You can do this while waiting for your luggage.
If you missed it at the airport, SIM cards can be obtained in Tashkent at the Hotel Uzbekistan or at the operators' main offices in the city centre.
IMEI Registration. If you plan to use a local SIM card and stay in Uzbekistan for more than 30 days, you will need to register your phone by IMEI at uzimei.uz. The fee is around 75,000 som (≈$6) when registered within the first 30 days. Foreign tourists using only roaming without a local SIM do not need to register — in that case the phone can be used without restrictions for up to 60 days.
An alternative is an eSIM, which can be activated before departure through services like Airalo, Yesim and others. No queues, no biometrics — just scan a QR code and you're online. Slightly more expensive than a local SIM, but much more convenient for short trips.
Language
Many residents of Uzbekistan speak Russian. English is less widely known. At bazaars and in oshkhonas you may not find either — but that's no problem: gestures and a smile work everywhere. Uzbeks are traditionally hospitable and will happily help you out even without a common language.
Safety
Uzbekistan is considered one of the safest countries for tourists in the region. Read more in our article Is Uzbekistan Safe?
How to Choose a Guide in Uzbekistan
In cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Kokand, a good guide makes all the difference. Behind the facades of madrasas and mausoleums lie layers of history, legend, and detail that are simply invisible without explanation. Uzbek guides are generally outstanding: many have deep expertise, an engaging style, and a genuine love for their city. A guided tour is the only way to hear stories and facts that you won't find online.
Don't hire a guide at the train station or at the entrance to a monument. People who solicit tourists right at the ticket office or car park typically have no professional training. At best you'll get a superficial commentary; at worst, pushy souvenir shops and wasted time.
How to find a good guide:
The best way is through a personal recommendation. Ask people who have already visited Uzbekistan and came away satisfied. Good guides work by word of mouth and are booked months in advance.
How to verify a licence:
Guides in Uzbekistan undergo state certification. You can check whether a guide holds a licence at gidlar.uz. One important note: due to postponed certification deadlines, many experienced and highly competent guides may have a formally expired licence. This does not indicate poor preparation — look primarily at experience and reviews rather than just the date on a document. A licence is a good sign, but not an absolute guarantee of quality.
Book in advance. During peak season — April–May and September–October — good guides fill up very quickly. Many have their calendars booked two to three months ahead. If you have a particular specialist in mind, don't wait.
What does a guide cost in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva?
A full-day city tour costs on average $80–150, depending on the guide's qualifications, experience, language, and availability.
If a Guide Is Unavailable — City Insider Audio Guide
A good guide is busy in season. A bad one will ruin the experience. There is a third option: the City Insider audio guide — a complete city tour of Samarkand that is always available and never turns you away.
This is not a dry recording rattling off facts. A live voice of a licensed guide leads you along the route — with stories, legends, and details you won't find in any guidebook. You can ask questions directly in the chat and receive answers, just like with a real guide.
You can adapt the tour to your own schedule, interests, and route. Cut it down to a few hours by visiting only the highlights, or spread it across two days by exploring the nearby spots recommended along the way. City Insider will tell you where to eat on the route, and where the nearest exchange offices and restrooms are.
The tour also includes a wealth of bonus material: archive photos and videos, and fascinating facts. The tour remains accessible for 30 days after purchase, so back at the hotel or at home you can refresh your memory, read more, or revisit the moments that stayed with you.
Two formats:
- Telegram bot — opens without downloading, ready to use immediately.
- Mobile app — with offline mode, works without internet.
Languages: Russian, English, German, French, Chinese.
Price — a fraction of a live guide: $15–20 for a full city tour. Go at your own pace, at any time of day, stop whenever you like, and return to any point along the way.
