FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to go to Uzbekistan?

Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October) are generally the most pleasant seasons to travel to Uzbekistan. The weather is clear and sunny and in deserts April is the period of brief and colorful spring. Fall is the harvest time and markets are full of fresh fruits. If you are interested in trekking, then summer (June and August) is the best time, due to almost dry weather.

Passports and Visas: What is required?

All foreign nationals are required to obtain an entry visa to Uzbekistan. To obtain a visa you need visa support from national tourism agency or from one of authorized independent travel agencies. Citizens of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland and UK do not need LOI, but they can be requested to obtain LOI, if they obtain Uzbekistan Visa outside of their country of citizenship.  Read more.

Who is tour-leader and what is difference in responsibilities from local guide?

Local guide provides historical, cultural and contemporary information, heritage interpretation to individual travelers and organized tour groups. Usually tour guides work in their home town and do not travel with the clients throughout the country. They typically work on a daily basis. Local guides have a recognized certificate. 

Tour leader: A person who accompanies a tour group or individual travelers throughout the country or region, usually with a particular knowledge of the region. Their job entails providing commentary, routing the tour, timing the tour and looking after logistics like hotel check-ins, local flight check ins, reservations for attractions, making arrangements for meals. In some cases tour leaders also act as a tour guide and provide sightseeing tours in some places. Tour leaders have a recognized certificate.

Below we give distances between the main tourist cities.

Tashkent is a modern city with an extensive public transport system and has a wide choice of vehicles. In addition to taxis, you can go by regular buses as well as by public minibuses, cost of which is 700 soums per trip (less than 50 cents). Also there is a "Gazelle" shuttle bus. And, of course, the subway!

Tashkent subway has three lines and 29 stations. You can easily reach the other side of the city for 40 minutes by the subway.

In such cities as Samarkand and Bukhara, it is recommended to go by taxi, because the distance from one tourist object to another is small enough, and public transport is not as comfortable as in Tashkent.

The average taxi in the cities of Uzbekistan costs $5-10 per trip. To order a taxi is much more convenient, in this case there is a probability that a driver will speak a foreign language. However, along with taxi companies there are a lot of private taxis. The price difference between private taxis and official taxi services is about $2-3 per trip.

Is there a car rental service in Uzbekistan?

No, there is not. But in Uzbekistan, you can rent a car with a driver. Here is a list of available models of cars for a rent, provided by our company.

What is the voltage in Uzbekistan?

The voltage is 220 V. In order to use 110/120-Voltage devices in places where there is only a 220/240V power you need to use step-down voltage converter or a combination converter. Buying a converter, you need to proceed from your appliance's wattage and circuitry.

Do women have clothing limitations?

Generally, there are no strict limitations on clothing, especially in Tashkent and other major cities, where particularly young people enjoy full liberty with clothing. You can frequently encounter young ladies wearing traditional Islamic covers, but this is a personal preference rather than a must.

In some provinces, however, such as Ferghana Valley, it would be better to avoid wearing shorts. Same rule is applied when visiting religious places, mosques, mausoleums, etc. Also, ladies should cover their shoulders and chest and preferably wear a hat or a headscarf.

In summer time it would be advisable to follow the above recommendation to protect yourself from the sun. Also, sun protection lotions can be used.

Can I take alcoholic drinks?

In Uzbekistan it is not forbidden to take, sell and deliver alcoholic beverages.

Can I bring alcoholic beverage to Uzbekistan?

Entering Uzbekistan, you can bring alcoholic beverages up to two bottles per person.
Important: For citizens flying from Uzbekistan to the EU, there is a limitation on the number of exported liquids in hand luggage: the volume of containers that contain liquids (alcohol, lotions, perfumes, etc.) should not exceed 100 ml, and the total liquid volume should not be over one liter.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

Drinking tap water is not recommended but you can use boiled water. Bottled water can be bought throughout the country. During our tours drinking water is provided free of charge.

In Uzbekistan cities there are a lot of private restaurants to suit every taste. Almost every street has a chaykhana (cafe) or a bakery. Average lunch costs from $4 and upwards, depending on what you order and where. Below there is a list of restaurants, food quality and service level of which, according to our experience, are most suited to tastes of tourists.

In Tashkent we can offer your such restaurants as Jumanji, Manas, City Grill, Afsona, Caravan, Italiano Vero.

In Samarkand: Astoria, Dastarkhan, Karimbek, Platan, Registan cafe, Old Arba, Zlata Praga

In Bukhara: Bella Italia, Doston-Khauz, Caravan, Olmos, Suzanne Art in the house-museum of Fayzulla Khodjaev.

In Khiva: Khorezm Art cafe in the Alakulikhan Madrassah, Asia Khiva Hotel’s restaurant, cafe of Zarafshan-opa, Malika Kheivak Hotel’s restaurant, National house Zaynab, Malika Khiva Hotel’s restaurant.

Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan?

Vegetarians have to order specially prepared food, as there is usually no vegetarian food available. There is a wide range of fresh vegetables and fruits in local markets.

Is there coffee in Uzbekistan?

Unlike tea, coffee is not a popular drink among the Uzbeks. In some areas it is very difficult to get coffee. Rare hotels offer French coffee, instead instant coffee offered.

What language do people speak?

The official language is Uzbek (Turkic origin), but the main part of population can speak Russian (Slavonic origin). In some areas (Samarkand, Bukhara) people also speak Tadjik (Persian origin). English is getting popular among young people. Excellent multilingual speaking guides and escorts are easily available throughout the country.

What is the Uzbek currency?

Uzbekistan's official currency is Soum. Soums come in banknote denominations of 100, 200, 500, and 1.000. Coins, although exist, are rarely used.

Can I pay by a credit card?

In some places, it is possible to pay by credit cards. Master Card and Visa are accepted.

Why don't you offer international flights with your tours?

We believe that offering a tour without the flight gives you several advantages. You are able to look around for the best deals on offer, probably saving yourself a lot of money. Also you have far greater flexibility in deciding which airline you might prefer to book with, where you want to come from, or where you might want to stop off en-route. As well as these, many people join our tours when they are already in the country, removing the need for a flight altogether.

I like your tours but would like to do it a little differently. Do you make tailor-made tours?

If you have a group that is interested in adventure travel, which is associated with the activities or places with which we work, please contact us we will try to provide you exactly what 're looking for. We will gladly help you with this issue, as many tours that we made for customers has given us new ideas for tours to run permanently.

I'm really interested in one of your packages; I'm just not sure whether I'm fit enough or if it's right for me?

Each of our tours is graded, allowing you to define prior to booking a place whether is suitable for you. You should be fairly confident that you match our criteria for taking part in that particular activity.

At what time usually sightseeing tours start?

Regular start time is 09.00. Upon your request a tour can be started earlier or later.

In Uzbekistan there are following mobile operators:

Ucell (trade mark of JV LLC “Coscom”)
Beeline-Uzbekistan (VimpelCom Ltd. Group)
Perfectum Mobile
UzMobile

Can foreign citizens become subscribers of cellular operators in Uzbekistan?

Foreign citizens can become subscribers of any cellular company operating in Uzbekistan, in case if they have temporary residence permit or registration in hotel.

What are the Uzbekistan phone code and city codes?

Uzbekistan phone code is +998. Click here for city and mobile phone codes.