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Uzbekistan

Travel Dos and Don'ts in Uzbekistan

Khiva
Eastexplorer

Tour Guide, Khiva, Uzbekistan

| 2 mins read

Travel Dos and Don'ts in Uzbekistan


Dos:

  • Respect Local Customs – Dress modestly, greet politely, and remove shoes indoors.

  • Carry Cash – Credit cards aren’t widely accepted; exchange money at official places.

  • Use Official Transport – Use Yandex Go or official yellow taxis.

  • Try Local Food – Enjoy plov, shashlik, and lagman; drink bottled water.

  • Visit Major Attractions – Explore Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent.

  • Keep Registration Slips – Hotels register stays; keep records until departure.

  • Learn Basic Uzbek/Russian – English isn’t widely spoken.

  • Dress for the Climate – Wear light clothes in summer, warm layers in winter.

  • Use Public Transport Wisely – Tashkent Metro is efficient; minibuses can be crowded.

  • Ask Before Taking Photos – Some sites prohibit photography; respect locals' privacy.

Don'ts:

  • Avoid Political Discussions – Stay clear of government-related topics.

  • Don’t Exchange Money Illegally – Use only official exchange offices.

  • Don’t Drink Tap Water – Stick to bottled or filtered water.

  • Respect Religious Norms – Be mindful in mosques; avoid PDA in conservative areas.

  • Don’t Rely on Internet – Wi-Fi is slow; get a local SIM card.

  • Follow Local Laws – Drug possession and unauthorized photography are illegal.

  • Bargain Politely – Haggling is fine but be respectful.

  • Don’t Depend on Credit Cards – Many places accept only cash.

  • Don’t Assume English is Common – Learn basic Uzbek or Russian phrases.

  • Stay Alert with Belongings – Crowded areas may have pickpockets.

By following these tips, you'll enjoy a smooth and memorable trip to Uzbekistan!