Planning a trip to Uzbekistan? These Uzbekistan travel tips will help you get the most out of your journey through this amazing Central Asian country.
From navigating train travel and booking accommodations to tasting the best local dishes and getting around safely. This guide brings together everything I learned during my adventure through Uzbekistan.
Whether you’re following the classic Silk Road route or venturing out to the Aral Sea, these Uzbekistan travel tips will help you plan your trip with confidence.
Also read: Uzbekistan Itinerary | 10 Days Of Silk Road Cities & The Aral Sea
Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan
The best time to visit Uzbekistan is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). These months typically offer:
- Mild weather – ideal for sightseeing and long train journeys
- Clear skies – perfect for photography at places like Registan Square and Khiva’s Itchan Kala
- Less chance of extreme temperatures – summers can reach 40°C+, especially in the desert regions, while winters are cold and snowy
Bonus tip: Spring is also when you’ll see Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations, which bring music, food, and festive events to many cities.
How Many Days Do You Need in Uzbekistan?
While you could visit in as little as a week, to truly experience Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities and unique landscapes, you’ll want at least 10–14 days. Check out my Uzbekistan 10-day itinerary right here.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Tashkent | 1–2 days (modern capital, metro, museums)
- Samarkand | 2–3 days (Registan, Gur-e-Amir, Shah-i-Zinda)
- Bukhara | 2–3 days (historic old town, mosques, hammams)
- Khiva | 1–2 days (walkable walled city, sunset views)
- Aral Sea/Nukus | 2 days for a yurt stay and ship graveyard tour
- Extra time? Add day trips to Nurata mountains, Fergana valley, or continue to neighbouring countries.
If you’re short on time, a 7-day Uzbekistan itinerary focusing on Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara is still a great introduction. Or fly into Samarkand and out of Urgench (near Khiva) to combine all three major Silk Road Cities.
Also read: 15 Incredible Things To Do In Uzbekistan You Shouldn’t Miss
Uzbekistan Travel Tips for Getting Around
Book trains in advance
Uzbekistan’s high-speed Afrosiyob trains are fast, reliable, and popular — especially on routes like Tashkent to Samarkand, Samarkand to Bukhara, and soon also from Bukhara to Khiva. Tickets often sell out weeks ahead.
If you don’t find any tickets available anymore, then you can book the slower Sharq and Sleeper trains. Many Sleeper trains also ride during the day-time by the way.
Tip: Book Afrosiyob trains 6–8 weeks in advance through the official Uzbekistan Railways website or app. If you encounter issues, check 12go.asia as an alternative.
Consider shared taxis or marshrutkas
If the Afrosiyob trains are full or you’re travelling shorter distances, shared taxis and marshrutkas (minibuses) are a good fallback. They’re cheap, frequent, and typically depart when full. Negotiate your price before departure.
Allow time at stations
Train stations have airport-style security. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, especially if you’re travelling with luggage. Platforms usually open only shortly before departure.
Also read: Uzbekistan Train Travel Guide | What To Know Before You Go
Download offline maps
Use Google Maps offline or Maps.me to avoid wasting data. It’s a lifesaver when navigating cities or remote stops. You can also use Yandex Go to get public transportation options (see next tip).
Use Yandex Go for cheap taxis
Install the Yandex Go app (like Uber/Bolt). Taxi rides are incredibly cheap, usually just €1-€2 for a trip within the city. Set your pick-up and drop-off on the map and avoid language issues or fare haggling.
Yandex Go is also an amazing app for navigation, public transportation options, scooters (in Kazakhstan), ordering food and much more.
Smart tip: Download the app right now, and register your creditcard so you’re ready to go upon arrival in Uzbekistan.
Money & Connectivity Tips for Travelling in Uzbekistan
Understand the Currency & Exchange Rates
Uzbekistan uses the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Here are the current exchange rates (June 2025):
- 1 USD ≈ 12,500 UZS
- 1 EUR ≈ 14,500 UZS
Why this matters:
- When you exchange or withdraw 1 million UZS it would cost you around €70 or $80.
- Price check: a typical local meal might cost 20,000–50,000 UZS (about €1.40–€3.50).
- ATMs often use official rates without major fees (usually 10,000 UZS), but street vendors/shops may add a markup. So, compare before you exchange.
Pro travel tip: Some ATMs in Uzbekistan also exhange USD to UZS and vice versa.
ATMs aren’t always reliable
In major cities, you’ll find plenty of ATMs, but they don’t always work. And on top of that some only accept local cards. So, get cash before you need it, and always carry some USD or EUR in small notes as backup.
Many ATMs don’t always work, so get cash before you need it.
Also note that Uzbeks (or rather their banks) are quite picky when it comes to accepting USD bills. They need to be new, or at least without any tears, wears or big creases.
Smart tip: Withdraw larger sums to avoid ATM fees, and exchange your leftover currency before departure, as rates at banks or airport kiosks can be poorer.
Pay in cash
Card payments are still rare outside of Tashkent and large hotels. Carry small-denomination bills for taxis, tips, and street food. Most hotels in Uzbekistan also accept USD cash, but do verify with them if that is really the case.
Get a reliable eSIM
I used Saily eSIM, which was super easy to install and top up. In 10 days I only used 4GB since most hotels also had decent enough WiFi.
What I like about Saily is that you only have to install an eSIM once, and then buy top-ups for each new destination you visit. The eSIM connects as soon as you enter your destination. Easy!
Tip: Sign up for Saily here and fill out my referral code MARTIN84627 under coupon code at check-out to get 5 USD off your first eSIM purchase.
Learn a few local phrases
Most Uzbeks don’t speak English. Download Google Translate with Uzbek and Russian offline, and learn basic greetings like Salom (hello) or Rahmat (thank you).
Uzbeks might start speaking Russian to you if you don’t look local. It’s not that they automatically assume you’re Russian, but because it’s the only foreign language they speak and they think you’re more likely to speak some Russian than Uzbek.
Accommodation Travel Tips for Uzbekistan
Book early – guesthouses fill fast
The best family-run guesthouses are often small and book out quickly, especially in cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Book accommodation in advance to secure a spot in places with warm hospitality and traditional breakfasts.
Confirm registration
Uzbekistan still requires foreigners to be registered during their stay, but most hotels and guesthouses handle this automatically. It’s rare that you’re asked for it, but it’s wise to check that they actually do it and to keep your confirmations saved digitally.
Expect basic standards in rural areas
In cities, most accommodation is modern and clean. In remote areas like the Aral Sea, standards are more basic — but the experience of staying in a yurt for example is totally worth it.
Curious about where I stayed and which places I recommend? Check out my full article: Where To Stay In Uzbekistan | My Favourite Hotels & Guesthouses
Food & Drink Tips in Uzbekistan
Eat local as it’s cheap and delicious
Uzbek cuisine is hearty, flavourful, and affordable. Don’t miss:
- Plov | the national rice dish, often served with lamb and carrots
- Manti | large steamed dumplings filled with meat or pumpkin
- Shivit Oshi | green dill noodles from Khiva
- Kebabs | grilled meats on skewers found in most restaurants
- Lepyoshka | round flatbread served with nearly every meal
- Lagman | hand-pulled noodles in a rich broth, often with beef and vegetables
Drink tea, avoid tap water
Tea (usually green) is served everywhere and is often free with meals. Avoid tap water and drink bottled or filtered water instead.
Try a home-cooked meal
Many guesthouses offer home-cooked dinners on request. It’s a great way to experience real Uzbek hospitality.
Also read: Uzbek Food Guide | 13 Traditional Dishes To Try On Your Trip
Aral Sea Tours & Other Travel Planning Advice
Book your Aral Sea tour early
A 2-day tour to the Aral Sea is a highlight, but should be arranged in advance. Most tours depart from Nukus, but if you’re short on time, Islambek Travel in Khiva can arrange a tour starting there.
Alternatives: Oxus Travel also runs reliable tours from Khiva and can be booked directly here on Viator.
Also read: Visiting The Aral Sea & Karakalpakstan | A 2-Day Trip From Khiva
Pack smart for the desert
Nights at the yurt camps near the Aral Sea can be surprisingly cold, even in summer. Bring layers, snacks, and water. Also bring some extra cash if you fancy celebrating your arrival to the Aral Sea with a cold beer.
Multi-Country Travel Tips from Uzbekistan
Combine Uzbekistan with neighbours
Uzbekistan makes a perfect base to explore more of Central Asia. Connect your Uzbekistan itinerary to neighbouring countries with these travel tips:
- From Khiva or Bukhara, you can arrange overland travel into Turkmenistan (with an LOI). Check out my Turkmenistan travel tips to plan a trip to this fascinating country.
- From Samarkand, day trips into Tajikistan’s Seven Lakes are possible.
- From Tashkent, cross easily into Kazakhstan by train or car to reach Shymkent or Turkistan.
Also read: Kazakhstan Itinerary | 9 Days Of Cities, Canyons & Culture
Border crossings can take time
Overland border crossings are doable but often slow. Be patient, and allow buffer time in your itinerary. Especially the border crossing to Turkmenistan can take long and is very chaotic. It took us 3 hours to get into the country!
In contrast, crossing the border from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan (from Tashkent to Shymkent) took me only 30-minutes. However, I’ve also heard some first-hand horror stories about this border crossing, so again plan enough time in your itinerary.
Final Uzbekistan Travel Tips to Keep in Mind
- Keep copies of your documents – especially your passport, visas, and hotel bookings.
- Travel insurance is essential, especially if visiting remote areas. Readers of Next Journey Ahead get 5% off Heymondo travel insurance that covers Uzbekistan.
- Respect local customs, particularly around dress (especially at religious sites), and always ask before photographing people.
- Most citizens from Western countries like the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can travel visa free to Uzbekistan for up to 30 days. But double check what applies to you here.
Ready to Explore Uzbekistan?
I hope these Uzbekistan travel tips help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of Central Asia’s most fascinating countries.
If you’ve got questions or want to share your own tips, leave a reply in the comments, or reach out to me on Instagram.
And don’t forget to sign up for the Next Journey Ahead newsletter to follow along as I publish more articles about Uzbekistan and beyond.
Planning your trip to Uzbekistan? Then check out my Uzbekistan Travel Guide, or continue reading the latest articles below.
- 15 Incredible Things to Do in Uzbekistan You Shouldn’t Miss
- Uzbek Food Guide | 13 Traditional Dishes to Try on Your Trip
- Uzbekistan Train Travel Guide | What to Know Before You Go
- Visiting the Aral Sea & Karakalpakstan | A 2-Day Trip from Khiva
- What to Do in Khiva | Exploring Uzbekistan’s Open-Air Museum
- What to Do in Bukhara | A Guide To The Soul Of The Silk Road
- Samarkand Travel Guide | Uzbekistan’s Stunning Silk Road City
- What to See and Do in Tashkent | One Day in Uzbekistan’s Capital
- Where to Stay in Uzbekistan | My Favourite Hotels & Guesthouses
- Uzbekistan Itinerary | 10 Days of Silk Road Cities & the Aral Sea
- Uzbekistan Travel Tips | What You Need to Know Before You Go
