Complete guide to money in Uzbekistan: ATMs, currency exchange, card payments, tipping, and common mistakes. Everything you need to handle cash on your Silk Road trip.
One of the most common questions travelers ask: "How do I get money in Uzbekistan?" This guide covers everything about handling money during your Silk Road trip.
Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Currency | Uzbek Sum (UZS) |
| Exchange rate | $1 ≈ 12,800 Sum |
| ATMs work? | Yes, Visa/Mastercard |
| Cards accepted? | Major hotels, some restaurants |
| Best to bring | USD cash (clean bills) |
| Cash or card? | Mostly cash outside big cities |
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The Currency: Uzbek Sum
Current Denominations
Banknotes in circulation:
- 1,000 Sum (rare, almost useless)
- 2,000 Sum
- 5,000 Sum
- 10,000 Sum
- 20,000 Sum
- 50,000 Sum (most common)
- 100,000 Sum (largest)
Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500 Sum (rarely used)
Real World Prices (What Things Cost)
| Item | Price (Sum) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle of water | 5,000 | $0.40 |
| Plov meal | 25,000-40,000 | $2-3 |
| Taxi (city ride) | 15,000-40,000 | $1-3 |
| Coffee (cafe) | 30,000-50,000 | $2.50-4 |
| Museum entry | 50,000-100,000 | $4-8 |
| Budget hotel | 400,000-600,000 | $30-50 |
How to Get Money
Option 1: ATMs (Most Convenient)
Where to find:
- Airports
- Major hotels
- Shopping centers
- Bank branches
- Near tourist attractions
Which cards work:
- ✅ Visa (best acceptance)
- ✅ Mastercard (widely works)
- ✅ UnionPay (Chinese tourists)
- ⚠️ Amex (rarely works)
- ❌ Discover (not accepted)
ATM Tips:
- Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees
- Always choose "without conversion" when prompted
- Check daily limits – usually 2-5 million Sum ($150-400)
- Use ATMs inside buildings for safety
- Have backup card – sometimes one network is down
Reliable ATMs:
- Kapitalbank – best for foreign cards
- NBU (National Bank) – widely available
- Hamkorbank – usually works
- Ipoteka Bank – good in cities
Option 2: Currency Exchange
Where to exchange:
| Location | Rate | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Airports | Okay | Very easy |
| Banks | Best | Slow (paperwork) |
| Hotels | Worst | Convenient |
| Official exchange points | Good | Quick |
| Bazaars (unofficial) | Varies | Risky |
What to bring:
- USD – universally preferred
- EUR – accepted but slightly worse rate
- RUB – only if coming from Russia
- GBP – harder to exchange
Bill condition matters!
- ✅ Crisp, new bills get best rate
- ✅ $100 bills get slightly better rate than $20s
- ⚠️ Worn/marked bills may be rejected
- ❌ Torn or very old bills won't be accepted
Option 3: Card Payments
Where cards work:
- International chain hotels
- Some upscale restaurants
- Large supermarkets (Korzinka, Makro)
- Some souvenir shops
- Tour agencies
Where cards DON'T work:
- Local restaurants/cafes
- Bazaars
- Small shops
- Taxis
- Most guesthouses
- Street vendors
- Museums (some accept, many don't)
Reality check: Outside Tashkent, expect to use cash for 80% of purchases.
Private Transfer
Uzbekistan · Door-to-Door
Need a private transfer across Uzbekistan?
Skip shared buses and unreliable taxis. Book a premium private car with fixed prices, professional drivers, and door-to-door service.
How Much Cash to Carry
Daily Spending Estimates
| Travel Style | Daily Cash Needed |
|---|---|
| Budget | 400,000-600,000 Sum ($30-50) |
| Mid-range | 800,000-1,500,000 Sum ($60-120) |
| Luxury | 2,000,000+ Sum ($150+) |
Recommended: Withdraw Strategy
Day 1: Withdraw 3-5 million Sum ($230-400)
- Enough for 3-5 days
- Keeps you covered if ATMs fail
- Not too much to worry about
Every 3-4 days: Top up as needed
Money Safety Tips
Carrying Cash
- Use a money belt for large amounts
- Keep daily spending in front pocket
- Split cash between bag and pocket
- Don't flash large bills in markets
Protecting Cards
- Enable travel notifications with your bank
- Know your PIN (chip+PIN required)
- Have 2 different cards from different banks
- Save bank emergency numbers
Common Sense
- Exchange only at official places
- Count your money immediately
- Get receipt for large exchanges
- Never exchange with random people
Tipping Guide
| Service | Tip Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | 10% or round up | Not required, appreciated |
| Hotel porter | 20,000-30,000 Sum | Per bag |
| Tour guide | $10-20/day | Standard for good service |
| Driver | $5-10/day | If going beyond |
| Taxi | Round up | Not expected |
| Spa/Hammam | 10-15% | If excellent service |
Currency Apps (Helpful)
- XE Currency – real-time rates
- Google – just search "USD to UZS"
- Revolut/Wise – if you have accounts
Common Money Mistakes
1. Not Bringing USD Cash
Problem: ATM down? Card declined? You're stuck. Solution: Always have $100-200 USD as backup.
2. Exchanging at Hotels
Problem: Rates are 5-10% worse. Solution: Use ATMs or official exchange points.
3. Not Telling Your Bank
Problem: Card gets blocked for "suspicious activity." Solution: Enable travel notifications before trip.
4. Only Bringing One Card
Problem: If it fails, you have no backup. Solution: Bring cards from 2 different banks.
5. Accepting Dynamic Currency Conversion
Problem: ATM asks "charge in USD or UZS?" – USD costs more. Solution: Always choose local currency (UZS).
Money in Different Cities
| City | ATM Availability | Card Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| Tashkent | Excellent | Good |
| Samarkand | Good | Moderate |
| Bukhara | Good | Limited |
| Khiva | Limited | Very limited |
| Nukus | Limited | Cash mostly |
| Fergana | Moderate | Limited |
Emergency: Out of Money?
- Check all ATMs in the area – one might work
- Ask your hotel – they may advance cash on card
- Western Union – receive money from home
- Contact TourFixer – we can help arrange solutions
Quick Reference Card
💵 UZBEKISTAN MONEY QUICK GUIDE
Currency: Uzbek Sum (UZS)
Rate: $1 = ~12,800 Sum
ATM Withdrawal: 2-5 million Sum limit
Best Cards: Visa, Mastercard
To Exchange: Bring clean USD $100 bills
Daily Budget: ~600,000-1,000,000 Sum
Tip: 10% at restaurants
Always have: USD cash backup
Need Help with Money?
TourFixer services:
- Airport pickup with ATM/exchange stop
- Cash payments accepted for all services
- Help if your cards fail
Contact TourFixer – We'll help sort it out!
Prices and rates updated January 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate daily.
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