Circuits and trips to Uzbekistan
Programs at Uzbekistan
Useful information for traveling to Uzbekistan
Documentation
A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, including the return date to Spain, is required. Spanish citizens do not require a visa to enter Uzbekistan for tourism purposes, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days.
Language
The official language is Uzbek, a member of the Turkic language family. Until 1992, the Cyrillic alphabet was used to write Uzbek, but the Latin alphabet has now been adopted as the country's standard writing system. Additionally, at least half of the population also speaks Russian, and you can find someone who speaks English in the most tourist-oriented areas.
Religion
The predominant religion is Islam, with 94% of the population practicing it. The majority of Muslims are Sunni, with a small percentage of Shia. Christianity, especially Orthodox Christianity, is the second largest religion, representing about 2% of the population. There are also other religious minorities, such as Judaism, Buddhism, and Lutheranism, among others.
Traditions
Dress in Uzbekistan is generally conservative. Women should cover their shoulders and knees in public places. Men should avoid wearing shorts in religious places. Check the weather to pack appropriate clothing for the season, and remember to remove your shoes when entering mosques.
Climate
Uzbekistan has an arid continental climate, with little rainfall and a wide temperature variation between day and night, with cold winters and very hot summers, with temperatures ranging from -10º C in January to 40º C in July. Summers are hot and dry.
The best time to visit Uzbekistan is April and May (spring) and September and October (autumn), when temperatures are usually mild.
Health
No vaccinations are required for travel to Uzbekistan. Major cities, such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, have hospitals and clinics. Outside of these cities, it may be difficult to find quality medical care.
As with many other destinations, we recommend drinking bottled water, avoiding ice in drinks, and using sunscreen.
It is highly recommended to purchase medical insurance and bring any medications you may need during your trip, in their original packaging and with the corresponding prescriptions. Please note that some medications, such as sleeping pills and pain relievers, are illegal and must be declared at customs.
Currency
The local currency is known as the soum (Uzbek soum) (UZS). VISA credit cards are accepted at ATMs in major cities and tourist areas, but are very limited in rural areas. It is advisable to carry US dollars, and banknotes should be in good condition. Euros are accepted for purchases over 10 euros.
Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and official exchange offices.
Electricity
It is not necessary to bring a plug adapter, since the common voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs and sockets are type C / F, the same as in Spain.
Payment methods
Cash remains the most common payment method, especially in rural areas and for small transactions. However, credit card payments are gaining popularity in cities and tourist areas, especially for larger transactions. It is recommended to carry enough cash, as not all shops and restaurants accept them.
Means of transport
In Uzbekistan, transportation options include buses, metro, taxis, trains, and planes, with public transportation being accessible and affordable. In major cities like Tashkent, there is a well-developed transportation network, while in others, minibuses and taxis are the most common options. Trains offer a convenient way to explore the country, especially historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara. Major cities are connected by high-speed trains.
Gastronomy
Uzbek cuisine is characterized by hearty and flavorful dishes, influenced by Middle Eastern and regional cuisine. Dishes such as plov, manty, shashlik, and various types of soups are the most popular.
Drinks
In Uzbekistan, the consumption, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages are legal, but drinking on the street and in public places is prohibited. It is possible to purchase locally produced alcoholic beverages, although imported alcohol is not available. You can find locally produced vodka, wine, and beer.
Hour
La zona horaria de Uzbekistan es GMT+5
Helpful tips
Uzbekistan is a relatively safe country for tourists, but as with any destination, it's a good idea to be careful with your belongings and follow local safety guidelines.