The information about Uzbekistan, which will be very useful for you to avoid some misunderstanding. By familiarizing more in details with this information, essentially will facilitate your stay.
Capital – Tashkent city. Republic of Uzbekistan is located in vast territory in the middle of Central Asia, mainly between Amudarya and Sirdarya rivers. It is bordering with 5 neighbor republics: Kyrgyzstan in north-east, Kazakhstan in north-west, Tajikistan in south-east, Turkmenistan in south-west, in south, on short section, with Afghanistan.
Languages
The official language is Uzbek (Turkic origin), but the main part of the population speak Russian (Slavonic origin). In some areas (Samarkand, Bukhara) people also speak Tadjik (Persian origin). English is getting popular among young
Religion
Islam – 88%, Christian (orthodox) – 9%
Climate/Weather
Climate in Uzbekistan is sharply continental, it varies from dry and arid, with warm summers and cool winters in the west to moderate rainfall, with temperature summers and bitterly cold winters in the east. Temperature in Uzbekistan ranges during the year, from +40˚C in summer (July and August) and -20˚C in the middle of winter (January and February). Humidity is fairly low. In spring and fall temperatures are of a more moderate nature (mid 20˚C to 30˚C)
Tourist seasons
Because of the peculiarity of climate, first half of tourist season falls on spring months: March, April, May, and the second half is in August, September and October. Also there is tourist activity in winter months for the lovers of mountains and winter sports (ski, snowboard)
Population
The population of Uzbekistan is over 25 mln. The density of population is 52, 8 people per 1km2. Ethnically the peoples on the territory of Uzbekistan are Uzbek (80%), Russians (5%), Tadjik (5, 5%), Kazakh (0, 8%), Karakalpak (3%), Tartar (1%) and others. Population is concentrated in the plains around water sources, in the valleys and deltas of the big rivers.
Currency Exchange
National currency is sum. 1 sum = 100 tiyin.
$1 = 8420 sums (as of April 2019)
All foreign currencies can be exchanged in major banks. The preferred currencies are US dollars and Euros (Cash). In country cities there are difficulties with exchange, advice to do all changes in Tashkent so at the end of the tour you can return local currency back to same exchange office (need to save exchange order). Tourists should have enough cash US dollars (new dated notes in best condition) for most expenses.
Credit Cards
Credit cards VISA, MASTER CARD are acceptable in major banks and hotels in Tashkent. In country cities most used cash payments.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50 Am. Round 2 pin continental plugs are standard.
Cuisine
There are over one thousand dishes in Uzbek cuisine. Fruits and vegetables grown under the tender oriental sun are terrific in taste. There are about 500 varieties of Uzbek plow only cooked in its own way in every region. Calorie content and ecological cleanness of local ingredients is unique, Uzbek cuisine cannot be described and it should be tasted.
Health
No mandatory requirements for entry into Uzbekistan and no vaccinations are officially required. Tap water safe in most areas, but bottle water is recommended anyway.
Insurance
As this kind of services in Uzbekistan is still developing, it is advisable to be insured at home by your local insurance company.
Security
Individual safety boxes are not always available in Uzbekistan hotels. An essential part of your luggage is a comfortable money wallet, which may be worn under your clothing. At all times you should carry your main documents (i.e. currency, travelers’ cheque, air tickets, passports, visas etc.) In accordance with local laws, you will be required to hand in your passport to the hotel reception on arrival to allow registration of your passport details by the hotel. Your passport will normally be available again after a few hours. Do not forget to collect it before departure.
Photography in Uzbekistan
No difficulty is put in the way of visitors who wish to photograph places of historic interest.
Photography inside some religious monuments and in airports, railway stations or near military installation may not be allowed. If in doubt ask your local guide. Please also note that there is a fee for photography in most sightseeing places
Rent a car
International Permit required. Minimum age is 18 years. Drive on the right. Speed limits 50-70 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on highways. Car rent with driver is widely offered rather than without driver.
Tips
Tipping is widely used. If you are satisfied with service, you can leave some tips. It will be gladly accepted.
What to take
If you are coming to Uzbekistan as a tourist following items are essential to take while staying: a backpack is very useful in carrying personal things, a hat, sunglasses, light shoes, sun blocks and light colored cotton clothes during summer and hot periods; a light water and windproof jacket is useful during autumn and period of light showers and at nights in the desert. Uzbekistan is a conservative country, though with Muslim traditions; therefore clothes should be conservative. Women and men may wear long slacks and shirts or blouses with sleeves.
Tour leaders and Local guides
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.
Airlines in Uzbekistan
All domestic flights are operated by National Company Uzbekistan Airways. Flights schedule can be changed without prior notice. Maximum luggage limit – 20kg per person + 5kg hand luggage. Clients should be at the airport minimum 1.5 hours before for domestic flights; and 2.5 hours before for international flights.
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 Fergana 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
