- Destinations
- Asia
- Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
Central Asia's most populous country is, besides Liechtenstein,
the only country in the world surrounded entirely by other
landlocked states, and is bordered by the '-stans' - Afghanistan,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. It also
borders the Aral Sea, which it shares with Kazakhstan.
Having declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991,
Uzbekistan has sought to increase awareness to its tourism
potential, boasting historical, archaeological, architectural and
natural treasures. Tourist activities range from outdoor pursuits
in the beautiful mountainous regions to exploring its rich
century-old history. Oasis towns like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
were once main points of trade on the Silk Road linking Eastern and
Western civilisations and are among the oldest towns in the world
with ancient mosques, grandiose madrasas (Islamic clergy academies)
and palaces, citadels, minarets, colourful bazaars, highly-adorned
mausoleums, and age-old traditions. Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent,
is the main point of entry and exit into and out of the country,
and although also formerly part of the Silk Road, it is usually
overlooked as a site of interest in favour of the historically
richer tourism centres such as Samarkand. The 2,750-year-old World
Heritage city was the greatest in Central Asia in its time, and
boasts one of the most impressive sights in the region, Registan
Square.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has cooled its relations with the
West, having closed the US airbase that was used for operations in
Afghanistan after 9/11, and favouring closer relations with China,
India and Russia following Western calls for investigation into the
bloody massacre at Andijon in 2005.
Uzbek hospitality is nevertheless unequivocal, and visitors to
the country will be overwhelmed with offers of tea or vodka, and
treated to a feast of architectural splendour in this most
historically intriguing of the Central Asian republics.
Information & Facts
Business
Office hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Men
greet each other with handshakes. Women are not traditionally
involved in business.
Climate
The continental climate brings long, hot and dry summers and
cold winters with snow. The south of the country is generally
warmer than the north with July temperatures that can reach in
excess of 113°F (45°C) in summer and winter temperatures of 18°F
(-8°C) in the north (can reach -13°F/-25°C) and 32°F (0°C) in the
south. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to travel to
Uzbekistan for mild weather, but trekkers are better off in the
mountains in summer (July/August).
Communications
The international dialling code for Uzbekistan is +998. The
outgoing code is 8-10 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
8-10 44 for the UK). City codes are in use, e.g. (71) for Tashkent.
International taxophones, using phone cards, are the cheapest way
to make calls. A GSM mobile network covers the cities, and Internet
usage is growing in the major cities, despite the tight controls
enforced by the government.
Customs
Elderly people are greatly respected and should be treated with
deference by foreigners. Most Uzbek people are Muslim and visitors
should dress modestly and be sensitive to religious customs,
particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when eating, drinking
and smoking in public is forbidden by the Muslim culture.
Homosexuality is illegal and public displays of affection are
frowned upon. Police will often ask to see proof of identity, and
foreigners are recommended to carry a photocopy of their passport
with them at all times.
Duty Free
Travellers to Uzbekhistan 16 years and older can bring in goods
to the value of US$10, 000 without incurring customs duty. They are
also entitled to import 1, 000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco
products; 1.5 litres of alcohol and 2 litres of wine, plus perfume
for personal use. The export of antiques or antiquities requires a
special permit. It is forbidden to import photographs and printed
matter critical of the country or its government; any live animals;
fruit or vegetables; weapons; or narcotics.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round, two-pin
plugs, as well as oblique flat-blade plugs with ground are in
use.
Health
No vaccinations are required by visitors to Uzbekistan. However,
outbreaks of Hepatitis A, meningitis and diphtheria occur, and
there is a risk of malaria in the south. Visitors should only drink
bottled water. Hospitals offer adequate basic medical care, but
serious cases will usually be treated outside of the country.
Visitors should ensure that they have comprehensive medical
insurance.
Language
Uzbek is the official state language, but Russian is used
in much day-to-day official and international
communication.
Money
The official currency is the Sum (UZS), which is divided into
100 tiyins. Foreign currencies (US dollars, Euros) can readily be
exchanged at banks, exchange offices, hotels and shops in the
cities, but many hotels and transport providers will require
payment in hard currency, like US dollars. Credit cards are
accepted in major hotels located in the tourist centres. Travellers
cheques have limited acceptance.
Passport Visa
Passports of all visitors should be valid for the period of
intended stay. All visitors staying longer than three days are
required to register with the local police on arrival, which should
be entered on their visa; this will be checked on departure from
the country. It is highly recommended that passports have at least
six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure
from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply
different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
Safety
Travel to Uzbekistan is generally problem-free, but foreigners
should avoid unnecessary displays of wealth and walking alone after
dark, as occasional muggings do occur. A general threat of
terrorism exists particularly in places frequented by expatriates
and foreign travellers. Planned demonstrations should be avoided as
they have become violent in the past.
Time
Tipping
Tipping is common in restaurants and bars, and is usually 5-10%.
Some tourist hotels and restaurants, and upmarket institutions will
usually include service charge in the bill.