Group trips to Uzbekistan

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Uzbekistan, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Uzbekistan – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Uzbekistan operates on Uzbekistan Time (UZT), which is 5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5). Uzbekistan does not observe daylight saving time. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 5pm in Uzbekistan. For the USA, if it's 12pm Eastern Standard Time (EST), then it'll be 10pm in Uzbekistan. Keep this in mind when planning your activities or contacting someone there.

Uzbekistan uses the Uzbekistani som as its currency. The daily exchange rates can vary, but as an example:

• 1 GBP might convert to approximately 15,000 UZS
• 1 USD to around 11,000 UZS
• 1 EUR to about 12,000 UZS

You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. Keep small denominations handy for markets and local shops.

In Uzbekistan, you can pay using cash, credit cards, and sometimes mobile payments. Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller towns and markets. ATMs are available in cities, and you can withdraw the local currency, the Uzbekistani Som. We suggest you have some cash on hand, especially when visiting rural areas, as electronic payments might not be widely accepted.

Tipping in Uzbekistan is not mandatory, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, you can leave around 5 to 10 percent of the bill as a tip. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common. Hotel staff, such as porters or housekeeping, often receive small tips for their service. Since Uzbekistan is not a tipping culture like the USA, a simple thank you goes a long way too.

In Uzbekistan, Wi-Fi can be found in hotels and some cafes, but it's not always reliable or fast. For consistent access, we suggest you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Popular providers include Ucell and Beeline. These SIM cards offer good coverage and are available at airports and local stores. This way, you’ll have internet access on the go without relying on Wi-Fi, which can be spotty in more remote areas.

In Uzbekistan, the official language is Uzbek. It's a Turkic language, and you'll find it spoken widely across the country. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Salom
• Thank you: Rahmat
• Yes: Ha
• No: Yo'q

Russian is also commonly spoken, especially in urban areas, so you might hear it too. It's helpful to know a few basic phrases to communicate with locals.

In Uzbekistan, the plugs used are Type C and Type F, which are the same as those used in many European countries. The voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices are not compatible with these plug types, we recommend you bring a universal adapter to ensure all your electronics can be charged without hassle.

Uzbekistan's main religion is Islam, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. If you plan to visit, it's respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Important religious holidays include:

• Ramadan, a month of fasting
• Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan
• Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is also widely observed.

During these times, you might experience closures of some businesses or attractions, and you can enjoy local customs and celebrations.

For a trip to Uzbekistan, you'll want to pack wisely to ensure comfort and convenience. Here's a helpful list of what to put in your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight tops and shirts
  • Long pants or skirts for modesty
  • Warm layers for cooler evenings
  • A scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals for casual wear
  • A pair of dressier shoes for dining out
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
  • A universal adapter for charging devices
  • A power bank
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Travel-sized toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Basic first aid kit including band-aids and antiseptic
  • Common travel medication like pain relievers, antihistamines, and anti-diarrheal tablets

This list will help you stay prepared and enjoy your journey through Uzbekistan comfortably.

Uzbekistan experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Here's a regional breakdown:

• Tashkent (capital): Summers can be very hot, reaching up to 40°C, while winters are cold, with temperatures often below freezing. Spring and autumn are milder and more pleasant.
• Samarkand and Bukhara: Similar to Tashkent, these cities experience very hot summers and cold winters. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for visiting.
• Fergana Valley: Generally warmer and wetter than the rest of the country, especially in spring.
• Karakalpakstan (including Aral Sea): Summers are extremely hot, and winters are harsh and dry.

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is more moderate.