The official exchange rate for September 2017 was about $1: 8000 som. Exchanging money on the black market is typical for local people and everybody does it but that doesn't change the way that you could at present actually find a good pace a very long time in jail for it.
As there is no more distinction between black market and official rates it just makes no sense. Simply go to any bank office or utilize the bigger hotels where they normally have official currency exchange kiosk and change cash there. The US dollar is certainly the foreign currency of choice.
ATMs do work with foreign cards, yet operate at the official exchange rate, and are typically vacant. Consequently it's smarter to get prepare with sufficient dollars to maintain a strategic distance from such circumstance. Visa Cash machines do dispense uzbeksoms and Mastercard cash machines dispence US dollars - be that as it may, be cautious about pulling back countless dollars and afterward leaving Uzbekistan with more cash than you declared when you entered.
In Uzbekistan people traditionally buy goods at bazaars. Costs are fixedin department stores only. Bazaars are the best spot to watch the day by day life of local people. The Alayski Bazaar is one of the most seasoned and most popular bazaars of Central Asia. You will discover wonderful carpets, silk, flavors, crafted works and customary garments in the EskiDjouva and ChorSu bazaars in the Old City of Tashkent.
Close to 90% of Uzbeks claim to be Muslim
About 10% of the population is Christian (mostly Eastern Orthodox)
5 hrs ahead of GMT
There is no any car hire chains available in the country. Car hire can be arranged distinctly with the driver as the government has strict driving guidelines.
The Uzbek language is the only the official language. Russian is additionally spoken generally in Tashkent and among more seasoned people across the country.Tadjik is helpful for the urban areas like Samarkand and Bukhara, English is comprehended by very few outside outside Tashkent, however in urban communities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva it ought not to be an issue.
Spring - first half of tourist season falls on spring months: March, April, May
Autumn -the second half is in August, September and October.
The international code for Uzbekistan is 998, then 71 for Tashkent, 93/94(Ucell), 90/91 (Beeline) or 98 (Perfectum Mobile) for mobiles.
In general most government workplaces and banks are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with 60 minutes (or two) off for lunch among early afternoon and 1pm, and potentially 9am to early afternoon on Saturday. All workplaces and a few shops are closed on Sunday. Exchange offices keep longer hours, including ends of the week.
No obstacles are displayed to guests who wish to photo spots of authentic intrigue. Photography inside some strict landmarks and in air terminals, railroad stations or close to army bases may not be permitted. If all else fails ask your local guide.
Travelers may wish to express their gratefulness - a compensation for additional assistance - to the porters, waiters, drivers and guides. The level of gratefulness may fluctuate, and our strategy is to leave this to your discretion. This is generally given exclusively in an envelope toward the finish of the visit/administration.
Many cafes and bars have a toilet facility, yet it is encouraged to stay away from unhygienic public toilets. Guests are encouraged togo to the nearest hotel, or if there is no other option, to utilize pay toilets. It ought to be noticed that toilet facilities are limited even in Tashkent, also common capitals or the territories along the motorways.
Guests who plan to remain in Uzbekistan for longer than a month are encouraged register with their Embassy/consulate. On the off chance that a guest is hospitalized, robbed, imprisoned or otherwise rendered helpless, consular authorities will help make courses of action to discover a translator or to offer advice. They can likewise re-issue passports or in some emergency cases, give cash to get guests home.
There is nothing as per law in Uzbek that a woman must wear, so you can bring your clothes that you love to wear. However, the country has its own culture and we believe you won’t like to offend it. So, we recommend packing some light shirts, t-shirts, jeans and long-sleeved dresses covering knees. You need to wear a scarf or something that covers your head while entering a mosque. You can pack some swim-dress to wear near your pool at your hotel.
Well, it’s really up to you. Bring as much as you want to spend in Uzbekistan. The country is not much expensive but most for paying most of the things you will need cash. Cards are not much accepted here. You can exchange your money at the airport or in any hotel or banks of Uzbekistan (both in private & govt. bank). Keep in mind that you need to pay tips in restaurants and to porters (not mandatory, but expected as it’s almost a custom to tip).
No, drinking tap water isn’t considered safe in Uzbekistan. We highly recommend using bottled water while you are in Uzbekistan. Also, make sure to eat clean and well-cooked food. If you are visiting Uzbek inn hot time make sure to keep big water bottles as you will feel thirsty due to the hot climate especially in the day time.
Well, the answer is No. Uzbekistan is not only a magical country with a rich history and spectacular natural beauty but also a very friendly country to visit. If you are afraid of if it is safe, then let us tell you even the country is safe for solo woman travelers. Uzbek people are warm and friendly. They will easily welcome you as their guest. Choose a reliable tour operator and explore the best of the country without any fear.
Of course, you can avail alcohol in Uzbekistan. It is kind of part of their life. Alcohol is taken by many Uzbek people especially, the Russians. Soviet people introduced Vodka and other alcoholic drinks that are now a part of their life. However, some very strict Muslims don’t prefer drinking. However, it is allowed and legal in the country.
Uzbekistan is famous for its ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, and Tashkent that are explained in many historical stories. These places have some stunning old Islamic architecture buildings that make it famous. As well, the natural beauty, mountains, and rich history of the country usually fascinate its travelers.
Uzbek people eat many types of food in their daily life. The dishes of Uzbekistan are delicious. Mostly they eat and drink soups, meat dishes, floury dishes, bread, milk, and oriental sweets. They share their culinary style mostly with Turkic people. Mostly they have a whole meal in one pot. You can try some local cuisine during your visit to Uzbekistan like; Plov, Shashlik, Lagman Soup, Shurpa, Dimlama, Chuchvara, Samsa, and more.
While visiting to Uzbek you are recommended to have the following vaccination-
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningitis
Polio
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
The country is best to visit at any time except the summer season (July & August). During these 2 months, the country is at its highest temperature that goes up to 40-degree Celsius. However, spring and autumn are a great time to visit Uzbek i.e. from April to May and September to early November. During this period the country remains dry with a clear sky and cool temp.
The tropical climate of the country is great for malaria mosquitoes; hence once malaria was the worst health threat in Uzbekistan. To protect people from falling ill in malaria the govt. of Uzbek has taken various steps and in 2010 the country became malaria-free. Now it has won the WHO certificate as a malaria-free country. Hence, you can stay stress-free about malaria.
In July 2018, Uzbekistan started an E-visa facility and there are 76 nationalists can apply for a visa online. You can go to the official E-visa site, and apply for your e-visa by filling a form online. The total cost is 20USD. It takes 2 to 3 working days for processing your visa and then you can get a confirmation in your mail. The payment you can do only in the working hours. If you are not from a country where you can go for e-visa, then you can go with the traditional way. You can book it from the embassy.
There are 21 countries that enjoy visa free entry to Uzbekistan. Here is the cost for Uzbekistan-
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa- US$60 to US$100 for most nationalities
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa - $160 for US nationalities
Additional entry cost- $10Per entry