Before You Leave for Uzbekistan

Before you leave for Uzbekistan: tips and preparation

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Preparing for your trip to Uzbekistan means taking into account the specific climate, the country's traditions and the practical realities on the ground, so you can travel with peace of mind. Our 20 years of experience in Central Asia have taught us that planning ahead and respecting local customs make all the difference in fully enjoying this fascinating destination.

What to pack

Uzbekistan experiences marked temperature swings, from very hot summers to harsh winters, and you'll also need to adapt your clothing to local customs, particularly in more traditional areas such as the Fergana Valley.

Expert tips for each season and respecting local codes

For a summer trip to Uzbekistan

• Choose loose-fitting cotton clothing that protects from the sun without being too short. It's best to avoid vest tops, tight-fitting outfits or low necklines, even in cities. Women should bring a headscarf so they can enter mosques and places of worship.
• Pack a hat or cap, good sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, as sun exposure is intense.
• Bring a reusable water bottle or a water filter, as tap water isn't drinkable.
• For footwear, choose a comfortable pair for walking and, if you like, a lighter pair for warmer spots.
• Round it off with a small first-aid kit (plasters, anti-diarrhoeal medication, insect repellent).

For a winter trip to Uzbekistan

• Bring a warm coat, woollen clothing, fleeces, thick socks, a hat, gloves and a scarf – Uzbek winters can see temperatures drop below -10°C, especially at altitude.
• Pack extra layers to adjust your outfit depending on the region or time of day.

For a spring or autumn trip

• Choose clothes that layer easily, as the difference between day and evening temperatures can be significant.
• A waterproof jacket or windbreaker is recommended, in case of rain showers.
• Once again, favour discreetly adapting to local customs: arms and legs covered as soon as you leave the big cities.

Specific recommended equipment

• A first-aid kit including your usual medications, remedies for digestive issues and protection against insect bites.
• Choose a practical, sturdy, well-organised backpack – a standard cabin bag (56x45x25cm, 7kg) and a checked suitcase (up to 23kg depending on the airline) are generally enough for a discovery tour.

Health

Uzbekistan poses no major health risks, provided you take certain region-specific precautions.

Vaccinations:

• None are mandatory, but make sure your hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and DTP vaccinations are up to date. On medical advice, consider hepatitis B or rabies vaccination for longer stays or higher-risk activities.

Water and food:

• Tap water is not drinkable. Buy bottled water (widely available) or bring water purification tablets/a portable filter, especially for treks or outside major cities.

Specific risks:

• Malaria exists but doesn't warrant routine preventive treatment for most travellers outside rural south-western areas.
• Dengue fever and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever may be present; protect yourself against mosquitoes and ticks.

Pharmacies and medication:

• Pharmacies are well stocked in towns, but certain medications (sleeping pills, codeine-based painkillers, anti-anxiety medication) are strictly regulated. Keep your medication in its original packaging along with your prescription if needed.

Emergency care:

• Outside Tashkent, medical facilities are limited. For any serious issue, repatriation may be the best option. At high altitude, ascend gradually to avoid altitude sickness.

A quick health checklist for your kit:

• Paracetamol, ibuprofen
• Painkillers, throat lozenges
• Medication for digestive issues (anti-diarrhoeals, digestive enzymes)
• Altitude sickness medication if trekking is planned
• Antiseptic and plasters
• Mosquito/tick repellent and suitable creams

Electricity

Electrical sockets are the same as in France (220V, European-style plug). No adapter needed.

Internet and phone

With the country's modernisation, staying connected is now easy:

• Local SIM cards are on sale at airports (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara) or in town. eSIMs are also available; check your device's compatibility.
• Internet speed is decent (38 Mbps on mobile, 79 Mbps on fixed lines). Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés and restaurants in major cities.
• Useful apps: Google Maps, messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram, offline translators (Google Translate), as many locals speak neither English nor French. A few local taxi apps are also available.
• Shanti Travel tip: download maps of the region and your favourite apps in advance in case of network outages.

To call France from Uzbekistan, dial +33 followed by the recipient's number. From France, dial +998 followed by the number.

Money

Local currency:

• The Uzbek som (UZS). Exchange your money at banks and official exchange offices. Keep your exchange receipts safe, as you may need them to convert currency back at the end of your trip.

Payments:

• Bank cards are accepted only in major hotels or high-end shops in Tashkent and a few other large cities. Always carry enough cash for daily expenses, especially in rural areas.

Expert tips:

• Favour small, recent banknotes, whether in euros or US dollars.
• Avoid any informal currency exchange: only official channels protect you from fraud or unpleasant surprises.
• Use or spend your soms before you leave, as the currency generally cannot be exchanged outside the country.

Tipping:

• Expected for guides (€4 to €8 per day) and drivers (€3 to €5 per day), at the traveller's discretion.

Time difference

The time difference with France is +4h in winter and +3h in summer (Uzbekistan does not change its clocks). So when it's midday in Paris, it's 3pm in Tashkent in summer and 4pm in winter. The time zone is UTC/GMT +05:00.

Passport and visa

French and other EU nationals:

• No visa required for stays of less than 30 days, provided your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

Beyond 30 days:

• An e-visa can be requested online or through the embassy.

On arrival:

• Carefully fill out the T-6 customs declaration form in duplicate (currency, valuables, prescription medication to be declared at the 'red line').
• Mandatory registration with the OVIR if your stay exceeds 72 hours, usually arranged by your hotel or accommodation.

Seismic risks and precautions

Uzbekistan lies in a zone of high seismic activity (earthquakes in Tashkent in 1966, Fergana in 2011).

Expert tips on earthquake safety:

• Find out before you leave about local guidance (hotel leaflets, consular websites).
• Prepare a small emergency kit (water, medication, torch, digital copies of travel documents).

In the event of an earthquake:

• Stay calm, take shelter under solid furniture, well away from windows.
• Never use lifts, and wait for official instructions before going outside.
• If there is damage, keep away from damaged buildings and stay alert for aftershocks.
• Keep local emergency numbers to hand and, if needed, contact the French embassy in Tashkent immediately.

Uzbekistan remains a highly hospitable and largely safe destination, but discretion and vigilance over your valuables are always advisable.

Emergency numbers to keep handy:

• 01: fire brigade
• 02: police
• 03: ambulance

A well-prepared trip, respectful of local customs and informed about realities on the ground, is the key to a peaceful and unforgettable stay. At Shanti Travel, we put our expertise to work for you, building a tailor-made itinerary with full respect for the spirit of Uzbekistan.