Money and cards in Uzbekistan: what travellers need to know

The official currency is the Uzbek som (UZS). The rate floats — expect roughly 12,000 UZS per 1 USD (mid-2026, CB range about 11,900–12,100) — check the central bank rate before exchanging.

Large notes are awkward for small purchases — ask for change. Coins are rarely used. Tip: carry small notes for bazaars and tips — there are no card terminals there.

US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange. Accept new-series notes, clean and undamaged. Old or heavily worn bills may be refused.

Exchange at banks and licensed exchange offices — rates close to market, you get a receipt. Street changers carry fraud risk and poor rates. Avoid unofficial intermediaries at the bazaar or airport (except a small amount for a taxi).

ATMs exist in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and airports. They take Visa and Mastercard from international banks. Your bank fee plus possible ATM fee applies.

Limits — typically up to ~3 million UZS per transaction (~$250). Withdraw larger amounts less often. Hotel 4–5★ and major bank ATMs are more reliable in tourist areas.

Visa/Mastercard from EU and US banks — hotels, mid-upper restaurants, some supermarkets and airports. But even international cards are sometimes declined — terminal offline or bank blocks the transaction. Apple Pay / Google Pay — limited, do not rely on them.

Russian Mir cards are generally not accepted in Uzbekistan since 2022 — this differs from Uzbek co-branded cards. Tip: bring USD cash to exchange and an international Visa/Mastercard or a backup card from another bank/country.

Bazaars (Siab, Tim, trading domes, stalls by medressas) — almost cash only. No cards accepted. Tea houses and street food — cash. Tips for guide and driver — som or USD cash.

Souvenirs, workshops, taxis without apps — cash. On NarminTour trips major entrance fees and transfers are already in the package — pocket money covers lunches, souvenirs and personal spending.

Usually paid: hotels, breakfasts, transfers, transport, guide, route entrance fees. Not included: international flights, meals outside programme, alcohol, souvenirs, tips, insurance.

So on a tour you need less cash than travelling independently. Pocket money guide — about $30–50 per day for lunches, tea, small shopping. On routes like Classic Uzbekistan, Land of Smiles and Treasures of Uzbekistan your manager can advise the current amount.