Traveling in Uzbekistan is much easier than you might expect, especially once you understand how the trains work, how to book tickets, and what to keep in mind before your trip. It’s one of the most rewarding countries to visit in Central Asia, but there are a few practical things that are good to know before you go.
From getting around by train and using cash to choosing the best time to visit, staying connected, and planning your route between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, a little preparation makes the whole trip a lot smoother.
In this guide, I’m sharing my best practical tips for traveling in Uzbekistan, based on our own experience. These are the things I wish I had known before our trip and the small details that can make planning your Uzbekistan itinerary so much easier.
#1 This is the best travel time for Uzbekistan
The best time to travel to Uzbekistan is in spring or autumn, especially from April to June and from September to October. These months offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, with warm days, cooler evenings, and plenty of sunshine.
This is especially important because most of the main sights in Uzbekistan are explored on foot. In cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, you’ll spend a lot of time walking between mosques, madrasahs, bazaars, and historic squares, so mild temperatures make a big difference.
July and August are best avoided if possible, as it can get extremely hot, especially in Bukhara and Khiva. Winter is much quieter and can be cheaper, but temperatures can get cold and some days feel less pleasant for exploring.
🗓️ For a first trip to Uzbekistan, I’d personally choose May, September, or early October. You’ll get good weather, long enough days, and a much more comfortable experience overall.
#2 Which kind of plug do they use in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan uses type C and type F plugs, which are the same two-pin and Schuko-style plugs used in many European countries. The standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz.
If you’re traveling from Belgium or most other European countries, you usually won’t need a travel adapter for Uzbekistan. Your chargers for phones, cameras, laptops, and other electronics should fit without any issues.
If you’re traveling from the UK, the US, Canada, or another country with a different plug type, you’ll need a universal travel adapter. I’d recommend bringing one with multiple USB ports, especially if you’re charging several devices during your Uzbekistan itinerary.
💡 TIP – Before traveling you can already buy an eSim for Uzbekistan online. You activate this digital sim card right before your departure and this way you can make use of mobile internet once you land in Uzbekistan.
#3 Taste the Uzbek cuisine
Trying the local food is a big part of traveling in Uzbekistan, and I’d definitely recommend making time for a few proper sit-down meals during your itinerary. Uzbek cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and very meat-heavy, with dishes that are perfect after a long day of sightseeing.
The most famous dish is plov, a rice dish usually made with lamb or beef, carrots, onions, and spices. You’ll find it all over the country, but Tashkent and Samarkand are especially good places to try it. Other dishes to look out for are shashlik, which are grilled meat skewers, lagman, a noodle soup with vegetables and meat, and manti, steamed dumplings filled with minced meat or pumpkin.
Bread is also a big part of every meal in Uzbekistan. Each region has its own style of non, the round Uzbek bread you’ll see in markets, restaurants, and bakeries everywhere. Add a pot of green tea, some fresh salads, and a few local sweets, and you’ll quickly realize that food is one of the easiest ways to experience Uzbek culture.
#4 Can you drink alcohol in Uzbekistan?
Yes, you can drink alcohol in Uzbekistan. Even though Uzbekistan is a majority Muslim country, it’s also a secular country, and alcohol is available in many restaurants, bars, hotels, and supermarkets.
That said, alcohol isn’t always served everywhere, especially in smaller local restaurants or more traditional places. In cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, you’ll usually have no problem finding beer, wine, or vodka, but it’s always worth checking the menu first.
I’d recommend being respectful and discreet, especially around religious sites, local neighborhoods, and during Ramadan. Drinking in restaurants or hotels is completely fine, but walking around with alcohol or drinking loudly in public isn’t a good idea.
The legal drinking age and alcohol rules can change, so it’s worth checking the latest local advice before your trip, but for most travelers, having a drink with dinner in Uzbekistan is perfectly possible.
#5 Traveling in Uzbekistan is safe
Uzbekistan is generally considered a safe country to travel in, and we felt comfortable traveling around independently. The main tourist route between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva is well set up for travelers, and getting around by train is straightforward.
Like anywhere, it’s still important to use common sense. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy places like bazaars and train stations, don’t leave valuables unattended, and use official taxis or ride-hailing apps when possible.
I’d also recommend checking the latest travel advice before your trip, especially if you’re planning to visit border areas or more remote regions. Most first-time visitors stick to the classic Silk Road route, where travel feels easy, organized, and comfortable.
#6 What to wear in Uzbekistan as a woman
As a woman traveling in Uzbekistan, I’d recommend dressing modestly but comfortably. You don’t need to cover your hair and there’s no strict dress code for tourists, but Uzbekistan is still a fairly conservative country, especially around religious sites and in smaller towns.
Lightweight trousers, long skirts, midi dresses, loose blouses, linen shirts, and T-shirts that cover your shoulders are all good options. I’d avoid very short shorts, crop tops, low-cut tops, or anything too tight when visiting mosques, madrasahs, bazaars, and historic areas.
#7 Using an ATM in Uzbekistan
Using an ATM in Uzbekistan is fairly straightforward in the main cities, especially in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. You’ll find ATMs at airports, banks, hotels, shopping areas, and near some tourist streets.
Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, but it’s always a good idea to try bank ATMs first, as they tend to be more reliable. For daily expenses, you’ll mostly need Uzbek som.
I’d recommend withdrawing money in larger cities before traveling to smaller towns or more remote areas, where ATMs can be less common or occasionally out of cash. It’s also useful to carry some cash with you for taxis, markets, entrance fees, small restaurants, and guesthouses.
💡 TIP – To avoid paying too much, I’d recommend withdrawing larger amounts at once instead of making many small withdrawals. Just make sure you keep your cash safely divided between your wallet, bag, and accommodation.
#8 Booking a train in Uzbekistan
We traveled around Uzbekistan entirely by train, and honestly, it was one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to see the country. Since this itinerary connects Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, you don’t need to rent a car or rely on long bus journeys.
Uzbekistan has a surprisingly good train system, especially between the main Silk Road cities. The fastest option is the 🚆 Afrosiyob high-speed train, which runs between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. These trains are modern, comfortable, and the best choice if you want to save time.
There are also slower trains, such as the Sharq and Sleeper trains, which are useful for longer routes or when high-speed tickets are sold out. When boarding overnight, you can travel in 14 hours from Tashkent to Khiva. You can choose between first class (a 2-person sleeper cabin), a 4-person cabin or the shared sleeper wagon, where the entire cabin is full of beds.
💡 TIP – Don’t forget to bring your passport cause you need it for booking your ticket!
💡 TIP – On the day of departure, arrive 1 hour in advance at the train station. There might be long queues at the entrance (especially in Tashkent) where your luggage and passport get checked.
#9 Uzbekistan is easy to explore independently
Uzbekistan is a very easy country to explore by yourself, especially if you’re following the classic route between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. You don’t need to book a full tour package or travel with a guide to visit the main highlights.
The train system makes traveling between the main cities straightforward, and once you arrive, most hotels can help with taxis, transfers, or basic local information. In cities like Bukhara and Khiva, many of the main sights are also within walking distance, which makes planning your days very simple.
Of course, hiring a local guide for a few hours can still be worth it if you want more historical context, especially in places like Samarkand or Bukhara. But it’s definitely not necessary for getting around or organizing your trip.
📖 READ MORE – The Ultimate Uzbekistan Travel Itinerary
#10 Do you need a visa for Uzbekistan?
Whether you need a visa for Uzbekistan depends on your nationality, so this is something you should always double-check before booking your trip. Many nationalities can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for a limited period, while others need to apply for an e-visa in advance.
Uzbekistan does have an official e-visa system, which makes the process much easier if your nationality requires a visa. You apply online before your trip and present your passport together with the e-visa when entering the country.
There generally isn’t a standard visa on arrival system for most travelers, so don’t just assume you can arrange everything at the airport. Check the official Uzbekistan visa website or your local embassy before departure, since visa rules can change and depend on your passport.
If you’re from Belgium or another EU country, you can currently visit Uzbekistan visa-free for short tourist trips, but always verify the latest entry rules before you travel.
#11 Uzbekistan is still a low budget travel country
Uzbekistan is still a very affordable country to travel in, especially compared to many other popular travel destinations. Accommodation, train tickets, taxis, entrance fees, and food are all reasonably priced, which makes it a great destination if you want to travel on a lower budget without feeling like you’re missing out.
You can easily keep costs down by staying in guesthouses or mid-range hotels, traveling between cities by train, eating at local restaurants, and using taxis or ride-hailing apps for short distances. Even in popular cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, it’s still possible to find good value accommodation and inexpensive meals.
That said, Uzbekistan isn’t as dirt cheap as it may have been years ago. Tourism is growing, and prices for boutique hotels, guided tours, and popular experiences have gone up in the main tourist cities. But overall, it’s still a budget-friendly destination, especially if you plan ahead and don’t rely on private transfers or organized tours for everything.
#12 The ultimate travel itinerary for Uzbekistan
What makes our Uzbekistan itinerary so good is that it follows the most logical and comfortable route through the country, without trying to squeeze in too much. You’ll start in Tashkent, continue by train to Khiva and Bukhara, and then end with the magical city of Samarkand, which honestly feels like the perfect grand finale. This way, you get a great mix of modern city life, impressive Silk Road architecture, historic madrasahs, lively bazaars, and quieter old towns, all without wasting too much time on complicated transfers. It’s an itinerary that’s easy to follow independently, works really well by train, and gives you enough time in each place to actually enjoy Uzbekistan instead of just ticking off the sights.
📖 READ MORE – The Ultimate Uzbekistan Travel Itinerary
If you have any questions about how to visit Uzbekistan or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Uzbekistan
All rights reserved © Charlies Wanderings. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
Read our full story here
Related
