Budgeting

Uzbekistan is, on the whole, a cheap country in which to travel. Yes, it is possible in Tashkent to spend upwards of US$500 a night in a hotel, eat in expensive restaurants, and a hire a car and driver to escort you to every last lamp post, but fortunately this is a lifestyle choice only, and in many parts of the country it would be an impossibility in any case as top-end facilities with top-end prices are simply not there.

In Tashkent it is possible to get a dormitory bed for US$10-15, a clean budget double room for US$40 and a mid-range room with breakfast included will set you back between US$60-80. Upwards of US$200 a night is not uncommon for the top-end hotels. The price of meals is similarly varied: cafe snacks start at around
$1.50, and for a meal in a hotel restaurant with wine you can easily be looking at $70.

Outside of Tashkent your money will go noticeably further. This is particularly true out of the tourist season when room rates fall significantly. Other than accommodation, transport and meals will be your greatest expenditures. If you are travelling on a budget you will survive on US$25 a day but this will restrict your sleeping options and require you to travel solely by public transport. A budget of US$50 would give you far greater flexibility.

Prices start rising dramatically when you make special arrangements. Car and driver hire is particularly expensive if you only plan to travel in one direction as you may end up paying for the drivers return journey too. Guides, trekking guides and pack animals are reasonably cheap by international standards, but the costs quickly add up if you are trekking for a protracted period or are part of a very small group.

Museum and theatre tickets are an absolute steal in Uzbekistan, so even budget travellers should be able to enjoy plenty of culture and entertainment. You will rarely pay more than US$2 to visit a museum or cultural site, and seats at theatrical performances, including the opera and ballet, typically also start at around US$2.