UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL TIPS

HEALTH INFORMATION

No vaccinations are currently required for entry into Uzbekistan. However it is recommended that all international travelers ensure that their tetanus, Hepatitis A and polio vaccines are up-to-date. In addition, it is recommended that travelers visiting the independent states of the former Soviet Union ensure that their diphtheria immunization is up-to-date because of recent outbreaks of the disease.

It is also suggested that you assemble a traveler’s medical kit appropriate to your length of stay and general health. In general, you should travel with a small medical kit containing aspirin (or other headache remedy), antacid tablets, eye drops, band-aids, disinfectant, antihistamine cream, cold medication, throat lozenges, and remedies for minor stomach ailments and motion sickness. Your physician can advise you on specific items to include. You should also travel with an adequate supply of any prescribed medications you may require while traveling (Prescription medicines are very difficult to obtain in Uzbekistan.). Prescription medicines should always be carried in your hand luggage not in the checked baggage. It is also recommended that in addition to medical insurance that you have medical evacuation insurance as well. So, to protect yourself from unexpected disease please keep in mind the following tips: 1) Drink only tea, coffee, bottled mineral water or drinks. No tap water at all until it is boiled and filtered. Don’t ask for ice in your drink; 2) Avoid raw salads unless they have been washed carefully; 3) Peel fruit yourself before eating it.

ARRIVAL AND CUSTOMS INFORMATION

Please be advised that regulations at most points of international arrival do not permit passengers to be met inside secured passenger areas (such as the Customs area). If our representative is scheduled to meet you on arrival (at an airport, for example), you will be met after you have passed through the secured passenger areas (after Customs).

For entry into the country international traveler should pass through Passport Control and Customs. At the Customs you should submit (2) two properly filled up declaration forms (declaration forms are available on arrival or please see the attached copy of declaration form if you desire to fill it up in advance). Customs officer returns you one of the declaration forms with the stamp and it will be required at the Customs on departure again therefore please make sure not to lose it.

Please note that the purchase of “national treasures” for export from any country is strictly illegal and that the responsibility rests entirely on the buyer. In Uzbekistan, it is illegal to export items that are more than 50 years old or have cultural significance.

If you are taking foreign-made possessions on your trip abroad, you may want to carry copies of documents such as bills of sale, insurance policies, or receipts for purchase/repair as proof of your possession prior to travel.

Entering Uzbekistan, you can bring alcoholic beverages up to two bottles per person. It is also possible to get alcoholic beverages almost all over the country.

WEATHER

Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate. It is generally warmest in the south and coldest in the north. Temperatures in December average -8°C (18°F) in the north and 0°C (32 °F) in the south. However, extreme fluctuations can take temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F). During the summer temperatures can reach 45°C (113°F) and above. Humidity is low. Spring (April to June) and Fall (September through October) are in general the most pleasant times to travel. The weather is mild and in April the desert blooms briefly. In Fall it's harvest time, and the markets are full of fresh fruit. If you're interested in trekking, then summer (July and August) is the best time, because summers are almost dry. In recent years Uzbekistan was notably affected by the global warming and dry-out of the Aral Sea, which turned snowy cold winters to mild with less precipitation by allowing to travel in the wintertime.

Month

Avg. High

Avg. Low

Mean

Avg. Precip.

Avg. High

Avg. Low

Mean

Avg. Precip.

Jan

42°F

26°F

33°F

2.20 in.

6°C

-3°C

1°C

55.9 mm

Feb

46°F

29°F

36°F

1.90 in.

8°C

-2°C

2°C

48.3 mm

Mar

57°F

39°F

48°F

2.80 in.

14°C

4°C

9°C

71.1 mm

Apr

71°F

49°F

60°F

2.50 in.

22°C

9°C

16°C

63.5 mm

May

81°F

56°F

69°F

1.30 in.

27°C

13°C

21°C

33.0 mm

Jun

91°F

63°F

78°F

0.30 in.

33°C

17°C

26°C

7.6 mm

Jul

96°F

66°F

82°F

0.20 in.

36°C

19°C

28°C

5.1 mm

Aug

93°F

63°F

78°F

0.10 in.

34°C

17°C

26°C

2.5 mm

Sep

83°F

54°F

68°F

0.20 in.

28°C

12°C

20°C

5.1 mm

Oct

69°F

45°F

56°F

1.30 in.

21°C

7°C

13°C

33.0 mm

Nov

57°F

38°F

46°F

1.80 in.

14°C

3°C

8°C

45.7 mm

Dec

47°F

31°F

38°F

2.10 in.

8°C

-1°C

3°C

53.3 mm

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

Western dressing style is fine in Uzbekistan though it is suggested to dress modestly.

In general, 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.

Comfortable, soft-soled walking shoes (with low heels) are essential, and two pairs are recommended.

Please keep in mind that shoes, which must be removed when entering mosques, should also be removed when entering someone’s home. It is suggested that you carry a pair of socks to wear indoors when necessary.

 Warm coats, set or silk underwear, warm hat and gloves are recommended for winter period.

Warm jacket or sweater with lighter- weight accessories will suffice in spring and autumn.

For summertime we recommend good sunglasses, sun block lotion and fold- up sun hat brim are essential for protection from the sun. Also umbrella could be useful  at any time of a year.

4-5* Hotels possess a swimming pools, so you are advised to bring a swimsuit.

You can also bring following things: travel alarm clock, a roll of toilet paper, facial tissues, lip balm and moisturizing lotion. Dry snacks (such ass nuts, raisins, or granola bars) and hard candy, a Swiss army knife, a small flashlight, and supply of additional batteries for your camera and battery operated appliances.

If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, we recommend that you bring an extra pair of glasses, a copy of the prescription, and eye drops (for lubrication in especially dusty areas)

Prescription medicines are very difficult to obtain in Uzbekistan. You should, therefore , carry an adequate supply of prescribed medications you may require while traveling. Prescription medicines should always be carried in your hand luggage (not in checked baggage) in their original labeled containers only.  It is also suggested that you assemble a traveler’s medical kit appropriate to your length of stay and general health.

LAUNDRY

Laundry service is available at almost all hotels in Uzbekistan.

ELECTRICITY

The voltage is 220 V. To use a 110/120 volt appliance (U.S. appliance) where there is only 220/240 power available, you must use a step down or combination converter. Your appliance's wattage and circuitry will dictate the converter you need to purchase.

FOOD AND DRINK:

The seasons, specifically winter and summer, greatly influence the composition of the basic menu. In the summer, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are ubiquitous. Fruits grow in abundance in Uzbekistan - grapes, melons, apricots, pears, apples, cherries, pomegranates, lemons, figs, dates. Vegetables are no less plentiful, including some lesser known species such as green radishes, yellow carrots, dozen of pumpkin and squash varieties, in addition to the usual eggplants, peppers, turnips, cucumbers and luscious tomatoes.

In general, mutton is the preferred source of protein in the Uzbek diet. Fatty-failed sheep are prized not only for their meat and fat as a source of cooking oil, but for their wool as well. Beef and horsemeat are also consumed in substantial quantities. Camel and goat meat are less common.The winter diet traditionally consists of dried fruits and vegetables and preserves. Hearty noodle or pasta-type dishes are also common chilly-weather fare.

The wide array of breads, leavened and unleavened, is a staple for the majority of the population. Flat bread, or non, is usually baked in tandoor ovens, and served with tea, not to mention at every meal. Some varieties are prepared with onions or meat in the dough, others topped with sesame seeds or kalonji.

Central Asia has a reputation for the richness and delicacy of their fermented dairy products. The most predominant - katyk, or yoghurt made from sour milk, and suzma, strained clotted milk similar to cottage cheese, are eaten plain. In salads, or added to soups and main products, resulting in a unique and delicious flavor.

Palov, the Uzbek version of "pilaff", is the flagship of their cookery. It consists mainly of fried and boiled meat, onions, carrots and rice; with raisins, barberries, chickpeas, or fruit added for variation. Uzbek men pride themselves on their ability to prepare the most unique and sumptuous palov. The oshpaz, or master chief, often cooks palov over an open flame, sometimes serving up to 1000 people from a single cauldron on holidays or occasions such as weddings. It certainly takes years of practice with no room for failure to prepare a dish, at times, containing up to 100 kilograms of rice.

Uzbek dishes are not notably hot and fiery, though certainly flavorful. Some of their principle spices are black cumin, red and black peppers, barberries, coriander, and sesame seeds. The more common herbs are cilantro (fresh coriander), dill, parsley, celeriac, and basil. Other seasonings include wine vinegar, liberally applied to salads and marinades, and fermented milk products.

Tea is revered in the finest oriental traditions. It is offered first to any guest and there exists a whole subset of mores surrounding the preparation, offering and consuming of tea. Green tea is the drink of hospitality and predominant. Black is preferred in Tashkent though both teas are seldom taken with milk or sugar. An entire portion of their cuisine is dedicated solely to tea drinking. Some of these include samsa, bread, halva, and various fried foods.  

The "choyhona" (teahouse) is a cornerstone of traditional Uzbek society. Always shaded, preferably situated near a cool stream, the choyhona is gathering place for social interaction and fraternity. Robed Uzbek men congregate around low tables centered on beds adorned with ancient carpets, enjoying delicious palov, Kebab and endless cups of green tea.

It is not forbidden to have alcoholic food or beverage, to trade with alcohol, and to serve alcohol.
 

CURRENCY:

In Uzbekistan, the unit of currency is the Sum, which is divided into 100 Tiyin. Notes are issued in denominations of 1,3,5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000 Sum.

Foreign currency exchange is possible at exchange offices in hotels.

It is advisable to bring US dollars or Euro in cash. Notes should be in good condition, not older than 2003. Pounds, Yens are occasionally accepted in exchange offices in Tashkent.

Credit cards (Master Card, Visa Card) are occasionally accepted in hotels but not by vendors on the streets.

Traveler Checks are not accepted for payment but it is possible to exchange them for hard currency only in branches of National Bank of Uzbekistan the main cities.

SHOPPING

Traditional crafts, especially textiles, make wonderful souvenirs. Uzbek silk is a marvel -- it's bright, often with streaks of gold, ruby red and emerald green. You'll also see carpets and rugs being sold in most bazaars, in addition to beautiful suzanis (cotton wall hangings with silk embroidery). Also keep an eye open for ceramic pottery, national costumes, evil-eye charms, Astrakhan furs, wall plaques and tiles, wood and metal sculpture, gold embroidery work (skullcaps) and other handicrafts.

Please note that the purchase of “national treasures” for export from any country is strictly illegal and that the responsibility rests entirely on the buyer. In Uzbekistan, it is illegal to export items that are more than 50 years old or have cultural significance.

As for rules of import to your country of goods purchased in Uzbekistan please check with your agent.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Please note that it is forbidden to take photo of custom and police posts, borders, military and strategic objects (airports, inside of Metro, electric stations etc).

Photo fee is taken on the historical monuments. The approximate rate is 2-5$ per historical complex.

LANGUAGE

In Uzbekistan the official language is Uzbek, Turkic language.  Russian is also commonly spoken. It is possible to meet people who speak English, German or French.

COMMUNICATIONS

Uzbekistan operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 5 hours.

It is possible to call abroad from hotels. Tariff is usually about US$ 3-4 per minute. To call abroad from Uzbekistan you should dial 0-10 + code of country & telephone number.