Uzbekistan travel information

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Time: Local time is GMT +5.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round, two-pin plugs, as well as oblique flat-blade plugs with ground are in use.

Language: Uzbek is the official state language, but Russian is used in much day-to-day official and international communication.

Health: No vaccinations are required by visitors to Uzbekistan. However, outbreaks of Hepatitis A, meningitis and diphtheria occur, and there is a risk of malaria in the south. Visitors should only drink bottled water. Hospitals offer adequate basic medical care, but serious cases will usually be treated outside of the country. Visitors should ensure that they have comprehensive medical insurance.

Tipping: Tipping is common in restaurants and bars, and is usually 5-10%. Some tourist hotels and restaurants, and upmarket institutions will usually include service charge in the bill.

Safety: Travel to Uzbekistan is generally problem-free, but foreigners should avoid unnecessary displays of wealth and walking alone after dark, as occasional muggings do occur. A general threat of terrorism exists particularly in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Planned demonstrations should be avoided as they have become violent in the past.

Customs: Elderly people are greatly respected and should be treated with deference by foreigners. Most Uzbek people are Muslim and visitors should dress modestly and be sensitive to religious customs, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking in public is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal and public displays of affection are frowned upon. Police will often ask to see proof of identity, and foreigners are recommended to carry a photocopy of their passport with them at all times.

Business: Office hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Men greet each other with handshakes. Women are not traditionally involved in business.

Communications: The international dialling code for Uzbekistan is +998. The outgoing code is 8-10 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 8-10 44 for the UK). City codes are in use, e.g. (71) for Tashkent. International taxophones, using phone cards, are the cheapest way to make calls. A GSM mobile network covers the cities, and Internet usage is growing in the major cities, despite the tight controls enforced by the government.

Duty Free: No import duty is required by passengers older than 16 years for 1,000 cigarettes, 2 litres of wine and 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages, perfume for personal use, and personal goods up to the value of US$10,000.