What had planned to be a 14-day Uzbekistan trip turned into a 30-day stay in Uzbekistan, only leaving because our visas were up.
Needless to say, we loved our visit to Uzbekistan and learned a thing or two during our time at this lesser-visited Central Asia gem.
Some of the following Uzbekistan travel tips are important to know, while others are more like random observations during our trip to Uzbekistan.
Either way, we hope you enjoy this fun and interesting Uzbekistan travel guide, and even get a giggle or two.
Uzbekistan Trip: The main cars are Chevrolets and Ladas
Kate from Happy Irish Wanderers owned a Chevy at home in Ireland many moons ago, but it had to be the cool, retro Ladas that stole the stole in Uzbekistan travel.
We currently have an entire camera roll full of photos of these cool retro Ladas.
Uzbekistan Trip: Uzbeks Drive Fast
During your Uzbekistan trip we recommend that you wait for that green man when crossing the road, or else you better be a very fast runner.
Another random learning from our visit to Uzbekistan, the escalators into and out of Tashkent subway stations also DRIVE FAST so to speak, so best to have your wits about you when it is time to disembark the escalator to avoid a pile up!
Uzbekistan Trip: The National Dish is called Plov
Plov is basically a rice and meat dish, BUT what stands out from the rest is the added raisins in some of the Plov versions you get. YUM.
Uzbekistan Trip: Cash is King
In our opinion, this is probably the most important piece of information to take from this Uzbekistan travel guide.
Note that during your Uzbekistan trip not all premises, including much accommodation, accept card payments.
Just have cash to be on the safe side so you don’t get caught out, as we always say – cash is king.
Uzbekistan Trip: Expect Power Outages
This Uzbekistan tip was something we learned when we were left in darkness for two hours one night.
Darkness we could handle, it was the outage of aircon that was the killer!!
This brought back all our South Africa memories.
We actually only experienced this in Tashkent, but it still happened nonetheless, so best to be prepared with a travel headtorch just in case.
Uzbekistan Trip: Uzbekistan Dress Code is Anything Goes
We witnessed women of all ages in shorts and summer dresses, women with neck tattoos, full sleeve tattoos and pink hair, and women dresses in traditional clothing and head scarfs.
It seems that anything goes and everyone is accepted as they are in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan Trip: Uzbek People Love Watermelon
During your Uzbekistan trip you will without a doubt witness people carrying watermelons – and no this is not a Dirty Dancing quote.
There will be stalls, vans, and shops filled to the brim with watermelons, and the Uzbek people can’t seem to get enough.
Luckily this delicious fruit was served as part of our free breakfast at most of our accommodation during our Uzbekistan holiday.
Uzbekistan Trip: You will Hear The Screeching of Car Tyres
This was one of our pet peeves during our Uzbekistan holiday, and unfortunately you will hear this at any time of the day or night.
We are unsure if this was thought to be cool, if they were not paying attention while speeding, or if they just needed new tyres – probably all of the above.
Uzbekistan Trip: It is OK to Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast
During your Uzbekistan trip you will see people enjoying an ice-cream cone at any time of the day, including early in the morning.
Ice cream for breakfast – Uzbek people are living the dream!
Not only can you consume this yummy “dessert” at any time, but they cost “sweet” feck all to (pun intended!) The ice-cream cones above cost us a mere 5000 som, which is equivalent to 36 cent.
Uzbekistan Trip: “Cocktails” can be Fruit Juice
While enjoying your Uzbekistan holiday, don’t get too excited when you see a cocktail menu at very affordable prices – these turned out to be just colorful fruit juices/smoothies on more than one occasion!
Bonus Tip : US Citizens Require a Visa to Visit Uzbekistan
Ok, this is probably the most important point for your Uzbekistan trip, particularly if you are from the US.
Most countries, such as EU countries, Australia and New Zealand, can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30-days.
However, US citizens do require a visa.
It’s important to check the specific visa requirements for your country before planning your Uzbekistan holiday.
Enjoy Visiting Uzbekistan!
We hope you enjoyed the random learnings we observed during our visit to Uzbekistan, and that this gives you a little glimpse into what an Uzbekistan trip might look like.
However, please also read the more serious article about your Uzbekistan holiday!
We truly hope you fall in love with Uzbekistan as much as we did. If you have any questions please get in contact.
Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.
Slán go fóil
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Thanks so much for the brilliant advice, tips and videos. Useful information since I am going first two weeks of September. You are both very adventurous but have that lively Irish down-to-earth attitude. I’m really enjoying your blogs. Love and light from Egypt where I live now xxx
Thank you Valerie! You will love it. It will be a bit cooler as well by then!
Good choice about Egypt, we were there for 30 days last year and loved it there.
We only left because our visa was up, planning to go back in the future to visit the Dahab region.