10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
Uzbekistan is an incredible destination, but like any country, it has its quirks. Save yourself time, money, and awkward moments with these essential travel hacks.
1. Yandex Go is a Lifesaver 🚕
Don't haggle with street taxis. Download the Yandex Go app (like Uber). It works in all major cities. The price is fixed, it's dirt cheap ($1-2 per ride), and you don't need to speak Russian or Uzbek to explain where you're going.
2. Plov is for LUNCH, Not Dinner 🕛
If you go to a Plov Center at 7:00 PM, you will go hungry. Plov is traditionally cooked in the morning and eaten for lunch. By 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM, the giant cauldrons are empty. Eat Plov at noon!
3. Registration Slips Matter (Kind of) 📄
Hotels will give you a small paper slip (registration). Do not lose these until you leave the country. While border control checks them less often nowadays, the law still requires you to have them. Better safe than sorry!
4. Cash is King (Outside Tashkent) 💵
In Tashkent, you can pay with cards almost everywhere. In Bukhara, Khiva, or local bazaars? Cash only. Always carry 200,000-500,000 UZS in your wallet.
5. Download a VPN BEFORE You Arrive 📲
Some social media or news sites can be glitchy. More importantly, if you need to access specific banking apps or work tools, a VPN is essential. Download and install it while you still have fast home WiFi.
6. The "Handshake" Rule 🤝
Men: Always shake hands with other men when greeting (even strangers). It's rude not to. Women: Men usually put their hand over their heart to greet a woman, rather than shaking hands, unless she offers her hand first. It's a sign of respect, not exclusion.
7. It Gets HOT (and Cold) ☀️❄️
Uzbekistan has a continental climate. Summer (July/Aug) is scorching (40°C+). Winter (Jan/Feb) can be freezing (-10°C). The best times? April-May and September-October.
8. Don't Slam the Taxi Door! 🚪
Local drivers are very protective of their cars. Closing the door too hard is considered extremely rude. Close it gently!
9. Green Tea is the Water of Life 🍵
You will drink liters of it. It's served with every meal. Don't ask for milk or sugar—it's drunk plain to help digest the fatty food. And turn your cup upside down when you're finished!
10. People Are Incredibly Friendly ❤️
If a stranger invites you to their home for tea or food, it's likely genuine hospitality, not a scam. Don't be too guarded. Accepting an invitation can be the highlight of your trip.
Ready for your trip? Don't forget to book your trains in advance—the Afrosiyob tickets sell out weeks ahead!
