Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities, ornate mosques, and desert landscapes create a journey full of wonder – but managing money in Uzbekistan and understanding how currency works will help you avoid unnecessary stress. Whether you’re exploring the bazaars of Bukhara, visiting Samarkand’s monuments, or riding local transport, knowing how to pay is essential. This guide explains what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Uzbekistan (Uzbekistani Som – UZS), safe payment tips, and important dos and don’ts. With this knowledge, you’ll travel smarter and enjoy Uzbekistan to the fullest.
How to pay in Uzbekistan – cash or card?
In Uzbekistan, cash is still the most commonly accepted form of payment – especially outside big cities and hotels. Most everyday needs like markets, taxis, and street food run on cash.Visa is accepted more often than Mastercard, especially in hotels, restaurants, and some shops. The Uzbekistani som (UZS) is the official currency.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation: Buses, marshrutkas (minibuses), and shared taxis are cash-only.
- Street Vendors and Markets: All bazaars and street food stalls work with cash.
- Small Businesses: Local cafés, small shops, and services usually prefer cash.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Budget stays often require cash payment.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tips are customary for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Rural Areas: Card facilities are rare outside cities.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: Mid- and high-end hotels in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara accept cards.
- Restaurants: Upscale dining spots in cities often take cards.
- Retail Stores: Large supermarkets and chain stores in urban areas may accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tours: Reputable agencies in cities typically accept cards.
- Online Bookings: Flights, hotels, and tours can be paid for online by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Uzbekistan?
The Uzbekistani Som (UZS) is the official and only accepted currency in Uzbekistan. It is the best – and only – currency you should use for spending in the country.
Direct payment in foreign currencies like USD, EUR or GBP is not legal, and vendors will usually refuse.
Where to get currency in Uzbekistan?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Uzbekistan. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Uzbekistan
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Uzbekistan
If you’re withdrawing money in Uzbekistan from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay cards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. However, note that some ATMs accept only Visa and some only Mastercard or UnionPay cards. Others like JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Uzbekistan?
It’s wise to bring US Dollars (USD) in clean, recent notes when traveling to Uzbekistan, as the local currency – the Uzbekistani Som (UZS) – is not easily available outside the country.
ATMs are increasingly available in Tashkent and major cities, and many accept Visa and Mastercard, but connectivity issues and withdrawal limits are common. Always have backup cash, especially for travel outside urban areas.
You can exchange USD or EUR at official exchange bureaus or banks – do not use street money changers. Keep receipts, as they may be needed to re-exchange leftover cash.
Where to withdraw money in Uzbekistan
You can withdraw money in Uzbekistan at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Uzbekistan are those owned by popular banks such as:
- UNB,
- Agrobank,
- Hamkorbank,
- Kapitalbank,
- Infinbank, and
- Ipak Yoli.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Uzbekistan.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Uzbekistan.
Where to exchange currency in Uzbekistan
Common places to exchange currency in Uzbekistan are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency exchange offices: Since currency regulations were liberalized, these offices offer market-aligned rates and transparent services. Many are located in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.
Banks: Leading banks such as National Bank of Uzbekistan, Kapitalbank, and Asaka Bank provide exchange services. Branches in major cities are reliable and require ID for large transactions.
Pro Tip: Bring USD in new, unmarked notes for the best exchange rates. Don’t exchange with street vendors – it’s illegal and risky. Always check for official licenses at exchange counters.
You can find good currency exchanges in Uzbekistan using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Uzbekistan. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Uzbekistan safe?
Carrying cash in Uzbekistan is essential, especially outside major cities where card acceptance is still limited. While the country is generally safe for tourists, you should still take care in crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing.
To carry cash safely in Uzbekistan:
- Bring enough Uzbekistani Som for your trip – especially for rural travel.
- Keep your cash split between a money belt, wallet, or zipped pouch.
- Avoid flashing large sums of money in public places or bazaars.
- Use ATMs inside banks or hotels; outside of cities, ATM access may be limited.
- Carry small denominations for food stalls, taxis, and market vendors.
- Be alert in busy spots like Chorsu Bazaar or metro stations in Tashkent.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Uzbekistan
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
