Cards, cash and tipping in Uzbekistan

We live in Tashkent and see every day how visitors pay: by card at the hotel and the restaurant, in cash at the bazaar and in the taxi. Bring both, and money stops being a question.

Visa and Mastercard: where they work

Almost every card terminal here reads Visa and Mastercard: in hotels, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, museums and at railway stations. Cash is for places without a terminal: the bazaar, street vendors, some taxis.

So keep a little so'm in your pocket for the moments without a terminal: bread from a street oven, fruit and souvenirs at the market, a street taxi.

Humo and Uzcard

Humo and Uzcard are the local cards the whole country pays with. You do not need one: wherever cards are accepted — hotels, restaurants, shops — your Visa or Mastercard will do. The tourist tax, which can be paid online only with a local card, is part of your hotel bill; the hotel or your guesthouse host takes care of it.

ATMs and cash

Every bank, shopping centre and large hotel in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara has an ATM, and so do the airports. The currency is the Uzbek so'm, and most payments in the country are still made in banknotes. Withdraw so'm on your first day and keep a reserve, especially before a trip out of town.

Your bank may charge for withdrawals abroad and for conversion — ask before you leave. Dollars and euros are changed at banks and exchange offices against your passport; more in our guide to where to exchange foreign currency.

Large sums of foreign cash are declared at entry, and you cannot take out more than you brought in — keep your customs declaration until you fly home.

Bazaars

At the bazaar it is cash only, and only so'm. Bring small notes: it is easier to bargain and you will not wait for change. For a rough daily budget, see our one-week budget.

Taxis

In the cities the easiest option is Yandex Go: you see the price before the ride and can pay in cash. Since 2024 the app also works in Urgench and Khiva. For a street taxi, keep so'm handy and agree on the price before you get in.

For taxi and banking apps you will want a local SIM or eSIM — see internet and mobile network in Uzbekistan.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory here, but it is always appreciated. In a restaurant people leave about 10% for good service, in a simple café they round up. Check the bill first: many restaurants already add a service charge, usually 10–15%.

Guides and drivers on excursions are tipped at the end of the day if you wish — if you enjoyed it, it is valued.

In short

• Card: almost everywhere there is a terminal.
• Cash: the bazaar, street vendors, street taxis.
• You do not need Humo or Uzcard; the tourist tax is in the hotel bill.
• Ask your bank about withdrawal fees before the trip.
• Tips are up to you: about 10% in a restaurant if service is not already in the bill.