Uzbekistan FAQ
General information:
1. In order to travel in Uzbekistan, what documents do I need?
It is important to have a valid citizenship passport accompanied by their legal guardians. You can enter as well as stay in Uzbekistan for the validity period of the entry visa of the accompanying person. It must be no longer than 90 days from the date of entry into Uzbekistan.
2. Do copies of documents required to travel in Uzbekistan?
Copies of documents are important, if you lose your passport or have some issues in your tours. It will help you to avoid further troubles that may happen.
3. In case of problems in a tour, who can I contact?
You should inform your manager of the travel company as well as guide.
4. If I lost my passport, what have I do?
Contact with the local police and get certificate of loss. After that you should go to the embassy of your country and find out solution of returning home by copies of documents you made before.
5. Where can I exchange money in Uzbekistan?
Small exchange offices and banks are available anywhere. Banks works until 5 pm. Don't exchange money in the streets and bazaars.
6. Can I use credit cards and ATM in Uzbekistan?
Yes you can use them in restaurants, hotels and malls. ATM is available almost everywhere in big cities. There is no use of credit cards and ATM in villages.
7. What is a transfer?
Travel delivery services of passengers.
8. How much time it will take to drive from the airport to hotel and vice versa?
It will take you about 30 minutes to drive from airport and vice versa without traffic jam. In addition, it is recommended leaving 2 hours earlier to airport.
9. Is it better to take large or small amount of money while travelling in Uzbekistan?
You can take any amount of money. They must be new and clean.
10. Can we replace one traveller with another in case of unexpected case?
It is important to contact your manager. So you will get approval if it is possible.
11. Is it necessary to be vaccinated while travelling in Uzbekistan?
Yes, it is. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) recommend the following vaccinations for Uzbekistan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
12. What is the national currency of Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan National currency is so'm.
13. What is the official religion of Uzbekistan?
In general, there are 88 % of Muslims living in Uzbekistan.
14. What languages do Uzbeks speak?
Uzbek - national language
Russian - official language
The most popular is English.
15. What is an individual tour?
It is a type of tourism that involves traveling in a quantitative composition of no more than five people according to individual tourist programs, taking into account the individual preferences of the tourist.
16. What is homestay?
It is accommodating the guest in the family. Usually the receiving side is friendly people who care about the comfort of tourists. They are usually a member of CBT (Community Based Tourism) or Destinations (USAID project).
17. What is Single supplement?
A room without sharing with anyone. It is always given additionally by tour operator.
18. What do they mean? ROH, SGL, DBL, TRPL, QDPL, Ex. Bed, CHD, RO, RR, BB, HB, FB, ALL, Al, UAL, UAI.
ROH (run of the house) - accommodation in a room at the discretion of the hotel.
SGL (single) - single accommodation.
DBL (double) - double accommodation or a room can have either one double bed or two separate single (sometimes half) beds (twin).
TRPL (triple) - triple accommodation or a room can be both one double bed and one single bed, or three separate single beds (rarely).
QDPL (quadruple) - quad accommodation.
Ex. Bed (extra bed) - extra bed or folding bed or, more rarely, stationary.
CHD (child) - a child (usually up to 12 years old).
RO (room only) - accommodation without meals.
RR (room rate) - only accommodation without meals.
BB (Bed and Breakfast) - only breakfast is included.
HB (half board) - the price includes breakfast and dinner (sometimes breakfast and lunch).
FB (full board) - the price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
ALL, Al (all inclusive) - breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, snacks, drinks, various additional services.
UAL, UAI (ultra all inclusive) - an extended version of "All Inclusive" as breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, snacks, drinks, various additional services, an additional assortment of dishes and desserts, additional free food in a la carte restaurants.
Food:
19. Can I find vegetarian food in Uzbekistan?
Generally difficult, but not impossible, if you eat salad and bread only. Most if not all local treats contain meat. I don't think there would be a day when you'll find a vegetarian restaurant in Uzbekistan. It's better to procure food yourself from a supermarket while in Tashkent, and in other parts, you would have to cope with salad. Vegetarianism is not really understood in Uzbekistan, especially in the regions.
20. I have a special diet. Is it possible to organize it?
Yes. But first you should inform your manager. We will try to organize healthy eating.
21. What do Half Board and Full Board mean?
Half board - dinners
Full board - all lunches and dinners
You can choose any of them during your tour.
Entertainments:
22. Where can I get acquainted with traditional way of Uzbekistan?
In a tour, you will find it anywhere. If you are in Bukhara and Samarkand you will see production of national felt carpets as well as national decoration like coats made of wolves, horse saddle decorations, carpets and others. Being Gijduvan village, you can see masterpiece of ceramics.
23. Where is the horse riding games (Uloq) held?
In Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya and Jizzakh regions.
24. Where can I buy souvenirs?
They are sold almost everywhere in Uzbekistan. It is better to buy them in traditional markets in Samarkand, Bukhara Tashkent and Khiva with special certificates.
25. I would like to walk among bazaars. Are there any rules?
Just be careful of your bags. As in any crowded bazaars, there are many thieves. Also if you want to take photos, you should ask permission.
26. What are national holidays in Uzbekistan?
There are seven public holidays:
1st of January - New Year
8th of March - International Women's Day
21st of March - Navruz
9th of May - Memorial Day
1st of September - Independence Day
1st of October - Teacher's Day
8th of December - Constitution Day
Also the Day of Defenders of Motherland on January 14 and the Day of Remembrance for the victims of political repressions, observed on August 31. These holidays are not free days.
Two major Muslim holidays in Uzbekistan:
Ramadan Khait
Kurban Khait.
The dates are chosen according according to the lunar calendar.
Transport:
27. What cars are used in Uzbekistan?
Transport:2 pax - Sedan (Lacetti Chevrolet)
4-8 pax - Minivan (Grand Starex, Istana)
10-14 pax - Midibus (Mitsubishi Rosa, Sprinter)
15 and more pax - Big Bus (Yutong, Higer)
28. Is it possible to travel in Uzbekistan with my pets?
Bringing pets into Uzbekistan; Cats, dogs, and birds (not pigeons) are allowed into the country provided that they are accompanied by the following certificates. Pets must be accompanied by an export health certificate signed, stamped, and dated by a licensed government veterinarian within 7 days in country of origin.
Other:
29. It is allowable to bring alcoholic drinks in Uzbekistan?
It is legal to import 2 liters of alcoholic beverages (2 bottles) or 2 liters of wine.
30. Is it allowed to buy alcohol in Uzbekistan?
Alcohol is part of daily life for many people in Uzbekistan - particularly Russians. The Soviets introduced vodka and other alcoholic drinks and today it forms a part of the culture. You can buy alcohol being over 18 years old.
31. What type of power socket is used in Uzbekistan?
There is the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F in Uzbekistan. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
32. Is it allowed to take photos in Uzbekistan?
Tourists are now allowed to take pictures and videos in more places in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
33. Is it safe to have a walk in the evening in Tashkent, Uzbekistan?
Yes, it is if you walk in company. Actually, it is safe in Uzbekistan.
34. Is tap water dangerous in Uzbekistan?
Tap water in Uzbekistan isn't safe to, so it is better to buy bottled water.
35. Can I take money with me as a souvenir?
Of course, but not in big amount.
36. What is forbidden to do in Uzbekistan?
- Illegal currency exchange is prohibited by law, so it's better not to change money on the street.
- Import undeclared currency
- Ignore registration upon arrival in the country
- Taking pictures at train stations and airports
- Buy draft drinks and cut melons / watermelons
- If you leave the country with more money than you came in with, they're gonna think it's suspicious
- it's strictly forbidden to import porn in the country
- you can't bring your drone
