The name of Uzbekistan Currency is “Som”, which can be pronounced as “Soum”. The value of 1 USD is equal to Rs.10, 160 Uzbekistan Som (UZS). The Uzbek Currency Information is essential for monetary transactions during Uzbekistan Tours, as “Som” is the only currency that will help you for a hassle-free smooth trip.
As several empires and dynasties left their marks and remnants as beautiful monuments with great architecture and elegant design, Uzbekistan with its monuments with prolonged history and vibrant cultures grab the attention of the world. Apart from this, other things such as traditional bazaars, natural sights, festivals, amusement centres and Uzbek foods make Uzbekistan a perfect tourist destination.
After the independence of Uzbekistan from the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan has been used “Ruble”, the currency of Russia as its Uzbek Local Currency till July 1993. On 26 July 1993, the ruble was ceased as a legal tender in Russia after the issuance of a new series of the Russian ruble. On 15th November of the same year, Uzbekistan replaced the ruble with Som and only banknotes were produced in different denominations.
To use “Som” as transitional currency for voucher based system, the design of its first currency was simple. All banknotes had printed Coat of arms as the state emblem of Uzbekistan on one side and the famous Sher-Dor Madrasah, in Registan Square, on its other side. But the coins were not issued.
The second Som was introduced on 1st July 1994 with a higher money value which is equivalent to 10, 000 old Som and three series of coin have been issued for new Som.
As Uzbekistan Currency- Som is a closed currency, it’s difficult to buy or exchange before leaving the country after enjoying Uzbekistan Tours. If you have some amount of Uzbekistani Som that has been left in your previous tour, then you will need a special allowance from Uzbekistan authorities to enter Uzbekistan.
While getting around Uzbekistan, you need to carry cash in both USD and UZS for Uzbekistan Money & Costs. You can use US Dollars for purchases in hotels or shops. If you are carrying Euros, British pounds, Japanese Yen or others, you can exchange it in airport exchange chamber, banks of Uzbekistan, private banks or any financial institutions.
Foreign Currency Exchange in Uzbekistan is easy and choosing the black market to exchange currency is not worthy to take risks. Other reason to avoid black market is because of lower exchange rate as the market collapsed after the regulation of reformed foreign currency policies in September, 2017.
Due to tie up with Visa, others with MasterCard, some banks or ATMs provide Uzbekistan Currency with a 3% commission rate. You can identify the ATMs by identifying the logo. But, the ATMs except few cities of Uzbekistan do not work in Sunday.
To exchange the currency in the bank of Uzbekistan, you need to show the Uzbekistan Visa, passport and even the customs declaration which confirms you brought the currency into Uzbekistan. After that, the cashier will stamp the declaration and list the amount of money exchanged.
For exchanging less common currencies, you need go to the branch of National Bank of Uzbekistan. The National Bank of Uzbekistan supplies dollars for credit cards and traveller's cheques at most of its branches around the country.
To change the cheques at a bank, you must declare travellers cheques on your customs form on your arrival. For cash requirements in smaller town, banks provide cash on a Visa or MasterCard in advance. You can also receive Western Union, MoneyGram and other money transfers.
We hope Uzbekistan Currency Guide will help you to make a hassle-free trip in Uzbekistan.
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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