Notifications
Clear all

Reflections from a visit to Uzbekistan

4 Posts
4 Users
0 Reactions
64 Views
(@bridie)
New Member
Joined: 3 weeks ago
Posts: 1
Topic starter  

“Two friends, 9 days, the tourist classics – Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva. Here’s what stood out!”

First off, a huge shoutout to this forum—it made planning our trip so much easier. Now that we’re back, I figured I’d share a few of our own tips!

SIM Cards & Phones:
So, the plan was to grab a local SIM card at the airport, but… the line? Insane. And when we tried at our hotel, they were sold out. Gave up after that! Turns out, WiFi is everywhere anyway—hotels always had it, and even if cafes didn’t advertise it, the staff would often let us use their private network if we asked nicely. My UK phone (Sky) had zero signal the entire trip, so I relied on maps.me for offline navigation. It was mostly reliable but got a bit confused in the twisty alleyways.

Taxis:
Couldn’t download Yandex because of my UK phone, but Yango worked perfectly (downloaded it before leaving home). Taxis were super easy to book through the app, and if you’re stuck, hotels will happily book them for you too. Only had one ride that didn’t show up in Bukhara, but we flagged down a taxi without a problem.

Trains:
Booking train tickets online through the Uzbekistan Railways website was a breeze. The old “exchange your booking for an actual ticket at the station” thing is definitely outdated. We just showed our digital bookings, and that was it—straight onto the train. And the trains? Fantastic.

Toilets:
Public toilets cost 2,000 som almost everywhere, so keep some small notes handy.

Shopping & Souvenirs:
By the time we reached Khiva, it was almost the end of the tourist season, so we scored some great deals on textiles and coats. Haggling is the norm but super relaxed—none of the aggressive bargaining you might encounter in other countries.

Safety:
Honestly, I’ve never felt safer traveling anywhere.

Places We Loved:

  • Samarkand & Bukhara: Exactly what we expected—stunning architecture and just lovely to wander around.
  • Khiva: Gorgeous but felt over-restored, like it was built for tourists. It’s all beautiful, but I couldn’t shake the “Disneyland” vibe.
  • Tashkent: Total surprise! We only planned to stop there for convenience but ended up loving it. The Chorsu Bazaar was so much fun, and I wish we’d had more time to explore the city.

Food:
Amazing overall, but don’t count on finding plov in the evenings—it’s more of a lunchtime thing. Best meal? A random roadside spot in Samarkand where the owner didn’t speak a word of English. We just smiled and nodded, and the food was absolutely incredible (and dirt cheap!).

Final Thoughts:
We had a brilliant time, and the people we met—hotel staff, drivers, locals—were so kind and helpful. My only regret? Not venturing out of the cities more. Next time for sure!


   
Quote
(@expat19)
New Member
Joined: 3 weeks ago
Posts: 1
 

We did a similar trip, just in reverse (Khiva to Tashkent), and here’s what worked for us.

SIM Cards:
We got a Ucell SIM card at the airport—50,000 som for 60GB, which was plenty. BUT… even with a local SIM, I couldn’t download Yandex from the App Store. Ended up using the Yandex website for taxis, which worked fine most of the time, though setting up exact locations could be tricky.

WiFi:
WiFi is everywhere—restaurants, cafes, you name it. It’s usually good enough for messaging and browsing unless you’re doing something sensitive like online banking.

Cash & Currency:
Uzbekistan is definitely a cash-based country, and USD is king. Euros had terrible exchange rates (especially in Samarkand), so stick to dollars. Best exchange rate we got was actually at the airport, though the banks were good too—just don’t count on them being open on weekends. In Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar, you’ll find lots of unofficial exchangers (mostly gold dealers).

Overall Vibes:
Our experience was pretty similar to others—Samarkand and Bukhara were magical, though Khiva felt a little too polished for my taste. Tashkent ended up being the surprise highlight, and I’d love to spend more time there next time.


   
ReplyQuote
(@brun066)
New Member
Joined: 3 weeks ago
Posts: 1
 

I'll add my 5 cents to the thread. When I began organizing my journey to Uzbekistan, I struggled to find current information regarding some of the practical aspects of travel. To help others who may face similar challenges, I decided to share my firsthand experiences.

About Me: I’m a 43-year-old male traveler embarking on this journey solo. (Finding a travel companion was quite the task; people often looked puzzled when I mentioned Uzbekistan—it's not the most common destination, after all!)

General Impressions: If you’re contemplating a visit but have reservations about whether it’s worth your time, let me assure you: it absolutely is! Uzbekistan is a captivating country brimming with remarkable sights, a rich and intricate history, delectable cuisine, and the warmest, most welcoming people you could hope to meet.

Depending on where you come from, Uzbekistan might feel either quite exotic or somewhat familiar. For those hailing from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or other post-Soviet regions, you’ll notice many elements that evoke a sense of nostalgia—be it the architecture, vintage Soviet vehicles, or the overall vibe of Tashkent.

Safety Considerations: Throughout my travels, I never once felt unsafe or worried about the security of my belongings. The only notable exception was the traffic—drivers in Uzbekistan don’t seem to slow down for pedestrians; they prefer to honk instead!

There were tales from years past about police stopping tourists to check their passports and visas in the Tashkent metro and other public areas. However, it appears those days are behind us. Every official I encountered was courteous and friendly.

Entry and Exit Procedures: As a holder of an EU passport, I enjoyed the convenience of entering Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Upon arrival, my passport was inspected, a photo was taken, and I answered a few simple questions like, “Is this your first visit?” and “Are you planning to go to Samarkand?” The entire process took just five minutes.

Leaving the country, however, took significantly longer, with additional scrutiny of my passport, another photo, and long queues. I recommend arriving at the airport well in advance—at least two hours before your flight.

During my stay, every accommodation provided a registration card upon checkout, detailing my stay dates. It’s crucial to have these cards covering your entire time in Uzbekistan. If your accommodation forgets to give you one, be sure to ask for it. Despite this, I found that no one asked for these cards at the airport, leading me to wonder if they are even checked anymore. A receptionist informed me that these printed cards are somewhat obsolete since everything is now recorded online. I collected them regardless, as past travelers have faced hefty fines for not having them.

Transportation Insights: Navigating transportation proved to be a bit challenging, but ultimately rewarding. My plan was to touch down in Tashkent, fly to Khiva (there are numerous domestic flights with modern aircraft and good service), and then take the train back between cities.

In Uzbekistan, train travel resembles air travel in some ways: tickets must be purchased online, and there are passport and security checks at the stations, along with assigned seating. Tickets are available several weeks in advance, and the fast trains sell out quickly. I encountered issues booking tickets online through both the website and app, as they crashed during the process. Ultimately, I managed to secure my Khiva-Bukhara train ticket with assistance from my accommodation and opted for shared taxis for the Bukhara-Samarkand and Samarkand-Tashkent legs.

Details on Travel Between Cities:

  • Khiva to Bukhara: The train journey lasts nearly eight hours and costs around $10. It’s a slower, older train filled with locals, and the scenery is mostly desert with sparse vegetation. The seating is akin to bunk beds, and while they provide sheets, comfort is lacking. It’s a rustic experience, with locals inviting you to share meals, but in hindsight, I would recommend flying or finding a shared taxi instead.
  • Bukhara to Samarkand: Shared taxis depart from the Bukhara Bus Station (Buxoro Avtoshov Bekati) and typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on your negotiation skills. The ride takes about four hours. There are buses available, but services are limited, so it’s wise to call ahead if you prefer that option. In Samarkand, shared taxis usually drop you off at Registan Square.
  • Samarkand to Tashkent: Shared taxis can be found near the Ulugh Beg Observatory, and they drop you off at Olmazor metro station in Tashkent. The journey takes around four hours and costs about $10.
  • Side Trip to Shahrisabz: Taxis depart from Registan in Samarkand. I opted for a private car for $40, which took about 1.5 hours each way and the driver kindly waited for me for two hours while I explored the site. While this was a bit pricey by Uzbek standards, I felt it was worth the convenience for this particular excursion.

For intercity travel, you can always choose a private car, which is available at various price points. Negotiating with drivers is common, and even if you’re not fluent in Russian, you can still manage to get by. Shared taxis usually depart once they have four passengers, which typically doesn’t take long since locals frequently use them.

City taxis often pick up and drop off passengers en route, so don’t be surprised if the ride isn’t exclusively for you. Airport taxis or pre-arranged private cars are the exception, as those are just for you.

At the time of my visit, the local ride-hailing app, YandexGo, had been removed from Western app stores, and installation was blocked if you tried to download it from third-party sites (though I heard it’s possible to bypass this with some research, I didn’t delve into it).

Accommodation Experience: I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of accommodations, which exceeded my expectations. The staff were typically professional, and in smaller establishments, they were often friendly and eager to chat. I opted for boutique hotels and a guesthouse in Khiva, and there are plenty of options in each city, usually clustered in specific areas.

Cost of Living: Once you arrive, you’ll find Uzbekistan to be quite affordable. Accommodation costs are at the lower end of the European spectrum, providing excellent value for money. Meals in local restaurants range from $4 to $5, while more upscale dining can cost between $10 and $15. Bottled water or soft drinks in shops are around $0.50 to $0.80, metro tickets in Tashkent are just $0.10, and a can of beer is approximately $1 to $1.50, rising to $2 to $3 in restaurants. Taxi fares within cities are typically $1 to $2, and entrance fees for attractions range from $2 to $5, with higher prices granting access to multiple sites (like the old town of Khiva).

The USD is widely accepted and preferred almost everywhere, so it’s wise to carry smaller denominations (like $5-$20 bills). Hotels and money changers will also accept larger bills, but the exchange rate tends to be less favorable. While euros can be exchanged, the rates are reportedly not as good. Exchanging money is straightforward; many hotels will assist with this or call in a local money changer, and you can find merchants along bazaars eager to help. I also used a European-issued VISA card without any issues.

Health Precautions: Stick to freshly prepared food, avoid unwashed fruits and vegetables, and steer clear of bats—typical travel advice! In Tashkent, tap water is drinkable, but it’s best to avoid it elsewhere. I experienced minimal stomach issues, but Central Asia does have a reputation for such problems, so it’s best to exercise caution.

Alcohol Availability: Alcohol is readily available in dedicated shops and sometimes in regular convenience stores. I found plenty of places to purchase drinks, and I sampled local beers like Sarbast and Pulsar, which were decent, while a few others were less impressive. Drinking in public is illegal, but I never witnessed anyone doing so.

Culinary Delights: The food in Uzbekistan is absolutely fantastic! From plov and shashliks to hearty soups and an array of sausages, the cuisine is predominantly meat-centric. However, if you’re not a meat eater, you’ll still find a diverse selection of salads, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and sweets. Breakfasts at my accommodations were generous, varied, and utterly delicious.

Duration of Stay: I spent a full ten days exploring the country, which was sufficient to see everything I wanted and travel between locations. For a well-rounded experience, I’d suggest a minimum of two days in Tashkent, one day in Khiva, one day in Bukhara, and two days in Samarkand. Tashkent and Samarkand offer the best opportunities for additional exploration, while Khiva and Bukhara are smaller with limited options. I noticed many recommendations online suggesting more time in Bukhara, but I found it less engaging and more touristy than the other cities, which I enjoyed much more.

Language Considerations: If you speak Russian (which I don’t), you’ll have no trouble communicating. In hotels and tourist-centric areas, English is generally acceptable, but outside of those places, you may encounter a language barrier. A lot of pointing, gesturing, and smiling will go a long way, and I found everyone to be quite accommodating. Many locals even enjoyed chatting, despite the language gap, which led to some entertaining interactions. It’s beneficial to learn some basic Russian phrases and numbers to help you navigate.

Telecommunications: The internet connectivity was impressive, with Wi-Fi available almost everywhere, and hotel Wi-Fi was particularly strong in the places I stayed. If you're inclined, you can purchase a local SIM card, which are readily available in various shops throughout the country. I opted not to get one, so I can't provide personal insights on that front, but I've heard from other travelers that it's a straightforward process.

Final Thoughts on Travel in Uzbekistan: Traveling through Uzbekistan was not only easy but also immensely enjoyable. The friendliness of the locals made every interaction pleasant, and I felt welcomed wherever I went. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for an adventure off the beaten path, Uzbekistan has something to offer everyone.

If you're planning a trip, just be prepared for some of the quirks of travel—like the occasional hiccup with transportation or language barriers—but don't let that deter you. Embrace the journey, and you’ll find that the rewards of exploring this beautiful country far outweigh any minor inconveniences.


   
ReplyQuote
(@sebhoff)
New Member
Joined: 3 weeks ago
Posts: 1
 

In May 2024, we opted for a private taxi from Khiva to Bukhara through Islambek Travels, and it was a fantastic choice! We selected an option that allowed us to stop at five ancient fortresses along the way. If you're interested in the history of the Silk Road and exploring ruins, these fortresses are a must-see—there are about 50 of them scattered throughout the region.

The agency provided a professional service, and the journey was quite comfortable. Since it was a direct point-to-point transfer, it took about the same time as a slow train would have, but we appreciated the flexibility of our schedule. Just a tip: it’s best to start early to avoid the intense afternoon sun.

For local transportation within Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent, we found the Yandex taxi app to be incredibly convenient and reasonably priced. You pay the driver in Uzbek SOM, and we had no issues using bank ATMs to exchange our USD bills for local currency. The app offers language options, and navigating it was straightforward, making it easy to get around.

I hope you have a wonderful trip! Uzbekistan is a hidden gem that deserves to be explored. Enjoy the adventure!


   
ReplyQuote