SUFI UZBEKISTAN

Frequently Asked Questions

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Preparation for the tour and general information:

    1.Why should I go to Uzbekistan?

• Uzbekistan is a very beautiful, warm and hospitable country. There is really lots of to see here. In the Great Silk Road cities - Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent, Shakhisabze - you will see the very "postcard" oriental architecture: azure domes, grandiose madrasah portals, slender minarets, luxurious palaces. Full immersion in the atmosphere of an oriental fairy tale awaits you!
• All this oriental exotics are easily available. Lots of aircrafts from all over the world arrive in Uzbekistan daily. Also citizens of about 80 countries do not need a visa to Uzbekistan.
• It is warm in Uzbekistan, almost no rain, and the sun shines for about 300 days a year! And it is not only the sun warmth but soulful: open-armed, kind-hearted, sincere people of Uzbekistan intuitively formed a unique culture of hospitality.
• Uzbekistan cuisine is very tasty. People here like to eat well and can cook with inspiration! No one has ever left us hungry, grumpy and dissatisfied.
• Even vegetarians.
• Definitely will be mentioned the freshest and ripest fruits and vegetables. Sugar strawberries, juicy watermelons, honey melons, grapes and other vitamin goodies you will find in great abundance on the counters of the Uzbek bazaars. Inexpensive.
... we could go on and on, but you’d better come and see everything yourself!

    2.When is it better to come to Uzbekistan?

Best time to visit Uzbekistan:
• March – June;
• August – November.

    3.Do I need to apply for insurance?

Yes, health insurance must be issued in advance, before entering the country.
The medical insurance policy must cover cost of COVID-19 treatment as well.

    4.Do I need to get any vaccinations before my trip?

No special vaccinations are needed.

    5.What is the time zone in Uzbekistan?

Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +5 hours.

    6.What language is spoken in Uzbekistan?

Official language is Uzbek but most of population speaks Russian to some extent. English is also becoming quite popular among young people

Visa, customs, documents:

    7. Do I need a visa to Uzbekistan?

For citizens of more than 70 countries, a visa-free regime has been established for up to 30 days.
For more information on Uzbekistan visa please check here.

    8. How much foreign currency is allowed to be imported into Uzbekistan? And exported?

The import of foreign currency is not limited.
If the amount of imported cash does not exceed 70 million soums (approximately 6800 USD) or the equivalent in another currency, and there are no specially declared goods, then you can use the "green corridor"; in this case, you do not need to fill out a customs declaration. If the imported amount is more than indicated above, then you must fill out a customs declaration (in 2 copies) and save it until the end of the trip.
The export of foreign currency is allowed within the amount imported into Uzbekistan.

    9. How many alcoholic beverages can be imported?

Uzbekistan is allowed to import up to two liters of alcoholic beverages per person.

    10. What medicine should I bring with me? What are the rules for importing medicines?

There are no problems with the purchase of medicines in Uzbekistan, since pharmacies are provided with all the necessary medicines. If your health needs specific medication bring them with you in the quantity that will be required during the journey. And for prescription drugs, be sure to attach a prescription from a doctor.
To Uzbekistan is allowed to import/export up to 10 different medicines and no more than 5 packages of each of them per person.

    11. Do I need to issue any important documents upon arrival?

Within 3 working days from the date of entry to Uzbekistan, you must register temporarily (at the hotel – automatically, or with friends – independently).When staying at the hotel, registration is carried out by the hotel staff. When checking out from the hotel, do not forget to check whether you have been issued a registration form with the hotel's stamp.
Registration must be kept until departure – passport control officers will check its availability upon departure from the country.

    12. What if I have a child with me?

To enter, you need a child's passport/ or a parent's passport with the information about the child (up to 14 years old). Children under 16 years of age are exempt from filling in the entry customs declaration at the airport upon arrival and temporary registration on the territory of Uzbekistan.

Currency:

    13. What currency is used in Uzbekistan?

The national currency of Uzbekistan is Uzbek sum (UZS).
All payments in the country must be made in the national currency.
We recommend you to have a small bag-purse for cash, the money supply is significant and may not fit in a regular wallet.

    14. Where can I change my currency? Are there any nuances?

Currency can be exchanged at exchange offices located in banks, airports, railway stations (open from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekends), large hotels (around the clock).
In Tashkent, Samarkand and other major cities, there are round-the-clock ATMs where you can exchange cash (US dollars and euros) or withdraw cash from the card with the exchange rate of the bank. ATM gives out money in local currency.
The most common currency to exchange is dollars and euros.
Important! We recommend you to bring only new and unwrinkled bills without creases, inscriptions and any other marks or damage; otherwise it will be very difficult to exchange. In the absence of a customs declaration, it is necessary to exchange only the amount that is supposed to be spent. It is not possible to exchange unspent local currency without a customs declaration.
Exchange of currency from private persons is punishable by law.

    15. How much cash do I need to have with me – for food, entrance fees, souvenirs and other additional expenses?

Entrance fees. Entrance fees are set in the national currency – Uzbek soums, so the equivalent in dollars depends on the current exchange rate of the Uzbekistan Central Bank. On average for a 5-day tour the cost of entrance fees will be within 30 USD per person, and for an 8-day tour-within 40 USD per person.
• Food costs in cities depend on level of restaurant and the appetite of tourist. Average cost of lunch / dinner in cities is possible to have for 7-12 USD per person (without alcohol) in Tashkent is more expensive - 10-15 USD per person.
• Souvenirs. Uzbekistan has a huge range of souvenirs for every taste and budget.
Starting with a magnet for 3 USD or a ceramic figurine for 5 USD up to Karakul fur coat or a handmade silk carpet .

    16. Can I pay with a bank card or is it better to pay cash in Uzbekistan?

Master card or Visa cards in Uzbekistan can be used mainly only in Tashkent. Some hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards. Sometimes technical problems can arise while using cards, so it's better to have a sufficient amount of cash with you.

Organizational issues and transport:

    17. Where does the program start from?

The program starts in Uzbekistan, in the city of arrival, from the moment of meeting at the airport by our representative.

    18. If I arrive at night or early in the morning on the first day of the tour, will I be met at the airport? The tour says that check-in at the hotel after 14: 00 - will I have to wait at the airport?

We meet and drop-off at the airport at any time of arrival / departure (around the clock), according to the flight data sent by tourist. However check-in at the hotel remains standard-after 14:00PM. If you would like to check into the hotel immediately upon arrival, you will need to pay an additional early check-in fee.

    19. Who and where will meet us at the airport? When will we meet the guide?

At the airport, you will be met by our representative with tour name sign.
Travel voucher will be sent to tourist before arrival with meeting point at the airport and contacts of the company representative will be indicated.
Please note that safety rules are very strictly observed in Uzbekistan. Therefore, the visitors will not be able to enter the airport. Our representative will be waiting outside, at the agreed place.
You will meet the guide on the first day of the tour, before the tour begins.

    20. What kind of transport will we use during the tour?

Depending on the number of people in the group, the following transportation will be provided:
• "Chevrolet Lacetti" (up to 3 seats)
• "Hyundai Grand Starex" (up to 5 seats)
• "Toyota Hiace" (up to 10 seats)
• "King Long" (up to 10 seats)
• "Eurise" (up to 15 seats)
• "Golden Dragon" (up to 45 seats)
All transportation in Uzbekistan is licensed and certified by government agencies with very strict control.
All transport is new, reliable and comfortable. The average age of vehicles is 3 years.

    21. We have railway crossings on our tours, who will give us train tickets and when?

The train tickets will be given by the guide on the train departure day or our representative when meet at the airport - depending on your route.

    22. We want to independently move between cities and book hotel rooms ourselves. Can we only join city tours?

To join the excursions is possible in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, provided that the dates of stay in the city will coincide with the dates of the tour. Price will include the services of a guide and transport. Entrance fees for each site are paid separately.
Please note that the possibility of joining any excursion and the availability of free seats must be checked with the operators in advance.

Group tour:

    23. What if the group is not complete enough?

The tour will take place in any case.
We guarantee the tour with any number of participants, even if there is only 1 person. No changes in the cost of the tour.

    24. Can I take children with me on the group tour?

We do not recommend taking children under 12 years old in a group tour.
The pace of the trip is quite high, excursions are intense, and the presentations are designed for an adult audience. It would be difficult and stressful for the child. Children may delay the group which will affect the planned schedule of excursions.
For trips with children we recommend tours on private basis and will be happy to choose a route that will be interesting to all family members. Moreover, individual excursions can be adjusted on the spot, for example, to take a break for a nap or the whims of young participants.

    25. Can I book an extra night at the hotel before or after the group program? In this case, what about the transfer to the airport?

Yes, it is possible to book as many extra nights at the hotel as needed, before or after the group program.
In case of booking additional nights through our company, airport – hotel – airport transfers are provided free of charge.
If you plan to book a hotel on your own or stay at friends, then upon arrival, the transfer will be provided only to the hotel in which the accommodation is booked as part of the tour. We can arrange a drop-off to the airport for an extra charge

    26. If I arrive on my own a few days before the start of the group program, can I cancel the airport-hotel transfer on arrival? Will the tour cost be recalculated?

In this case, we can deduct the cost of the group transfer from the total cost of the tour, and on start day of program, you will need to check into the indicated hotel after 14:00 on your own.
Please note that when staying with relatives or friends, you need to take care of temporary registration, which will need to be issued in the Department of Internal Affairs within 3 working days after arrival.

Weather, clothing and footwear:

    27. What do I need to know about the weather and climate in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan climate is distinctly continental. Summers very hot and dry (up to +45°C / 113°F), velvety warm autumn (10-25°C / 50-77°F), mild winter (up to -8°C / 17,6°F) and rapid beautiful spring (20 – 25°C / 68-77°F). And lots of sun, even in winter – about 300 sunny days a year!
• Rainfall is infrequent - mainly in late autumn, winter and early spring.
• Mountains and desert always have their own microclimate. The differences between day and night temperatures can be significant. In the mountains at any time of the year is much cooler than in the cities.
• It can be quite windy in Samarkand.
• In Karakalpakstan short-term dust storms in the spring and summer period.

    28. Are there strict rules regarding clothing?

There are no restrictions and prescriptions either men or women - wear any comfortable and familiar clothes, including shorts, T-shirts, etc. In hot weather, it is better to give preference to breathable clothing made from natural fabrics and wear a hat.
There is only one rule regarding clothing and it applies to visiting religious places: in this case, short shorts and skirts are not acceptable, clothing should cover the shoulders and legs to the knee, be sure to have a scarf to cover your head.
It is customary in Uzbekistan to take off shoes at the entrance to prayer houses.
Do not dress provocatively or wear too bright jewelry to avoid unpleasantness.

    29. What kind of clothes and shoes should I bring with me?

The list of clothes and shoes for traveling in Uzbekistan depends on the time of year and type of tour (sightseeing, trekking, etc.).
For example the most popular time to visit Uzbekistan – spring and autumn – and the most popular type of tourism – sightseeing-then the list of recommended clothes, shoes and accessories for travel will look like this:
• T-shirts / shirts / short and long sleeves blouses;
• loose shorts;
• jeans or trousers; for ladies – skirts, sundresses;
• thin sweater;
• windbreaker / jacket;
• silk or cotton scarf;
• cap / hat ;
• sunglasses (and sunscreen);
• footwear: comfortable and practical, with sturdy soles, no high heels since sightseeing tours involve long walks. Sandals and light sneakers will be perfect;
• Small backpack or cross bag for documents, cash, and a bottle of water.

Nutrition and health:

    30. What will we eat during the tour?

In our tours we book hotels where breakfast is already included into the price. Depending on the tour program some days may include lunch or dinner, and some tours generally involve full board (for example gastronomic tours).You can find out more about the included meals in the column "Included in the price of the tour" directly under the tour program.
If lunch/dinner is included in the price this will also be indicated in the detailed description for the specific day of the program.
If lunch and dinner are not included the group will be given time for meals with payment on the spot. In this case, the guide will recommend a place depending on the guests wishes.
For long journeys, we provide personal lunch boxes for lunch on the way.

    31. What dishes should I definitely try in Uzbekistan?

• The main dish is Uzbek pilaf. Moreover, try pilaf in every city you are going to visit. In each region pilaf is prepared according to its own traditional recipe and you will see how different pilafs from different cities can be.
• Shashlyks, tandoor kebab-Uzbeks are amazing at cooking any meat. You will definitely not try such a kebab anywhere else! In Uzbekistan prefer mainly lamb and beef, less often-chicken but pork is practically not eaten.
• Manty is a steamed dish made of the most delicate thin dough with a juicy meat filling inside.
• Samsa is a "pie" of puff pastry with different fillings baked in tandoor. Although the word "pie" to samsa is not quite suitable. Samsa comes with lamb, veal and chicken, as well as pumpkin and potatoes, with cheese and herbs.
• Lagman-specially prepared noodles with fragrant gravy of meat, vegetables and herbs.
• Shurpa - thick and rich Uzbek soup. Shurpa will appeal even to those who do not eat soups at all.
• Dolma-stuffed grape leaves.
• Kazy – homemade horsemeat sausage. Culinary delight!
This is not the whole list, of course. There is no need to even talk about lepyoshkas, tea, sweets - this is a self-evident addition to any meal.
If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then you should be careful with the local cuisine. It is delicious, but quite fatty.

    32. What about the water? Is it possible to drink tap water?

Only bottled water should be drunk. Don’t drink tap water. In bars and restaurants, we recommend asking for drinks without ice.
Will be better to drink hot tea after the meal.

    33. Where I can buy alcohol?

Alcohol can be bought in specialized stores or in cafes and restaurants. Drinking alcohol on the street and in public places is not accepted.

Culture and security:

    34. Is it safe in your country?

Yes, Uzbekistan is an absolutely safe country for travel, where there is almost no street crime. Moreover, in 2019, Uzbekistan was included in the top 5 safest countries in the world for tourists according to the Wegoplace portal, and in 2020-entered the top ten countries in terms of security, taking the 9th place in the annual World Law and Order Index according to Gallup's International Research Institute.

    35. Can I take photos/videos everywhere?

Sights of Uzbekistan can be photographed and videotaped if there is no prohibition sign. Additional charges may apply for photos and videos taken on the territory of museums and historical monuments.
Do not take photos and videos at the airport, railway stations, or religious places. In existing mosques, you can only take photos/videos with the permission of believers.

    36. Are there any national peculiarities that I should be aware of?

• Hospitality is in Uzbek people's blood. It is not customary to refuse the offered bowl of tea or lepyoshka.
• Older people are treated with honor and respect, regardless of their social status.
• People lead a secular lifestyle in cities; in rural areas Muslim traditions are stronger.
• The attitude towards foreigners and representatives of various religious confessions is tolerant and benevolent.

    37. How to behave in religious places? Tips for tourists: rules for visiting Muslim shrines.

There are often Muslim shrines used for divine services or religious buildings among the attractions of Central Asia. In order not to offend the feelings of believers and to behave correctly in holy places, simple rules should be followed, similar to those in other religions:
• Strictly forbidden to use foul language, indecent gestures, disturb believer during prayer and violate his personal space;
• Should behave with restraint, do not interfere with others, avoid loud exclamations and other violent manifestations of emotions, even in the form of gestures;
• No chewing gum, drinks and food are allowed. As well as talking on mobile phones. Phones ringtone sound should be turned off;
• Clothing: not provocative, not translucent and not tight, calm colors, preferably plain;
• The neck, arms and legs should be covered, especially for women;
• Women should cover heads or at least hide hair under a scarf; make-up is not bright but better without make up at all;
• In some places it is necessary to take off shoes. It is easily to find out by the presence of shoes in front of entrance or from the guide. Do not be afraid of stealing your shoes - this is completely excluded. In case of wearing sandals it is advisable to bring a pair of clean socks with you not to be afraid to walk barefoot on public carpets.

Internet, mobile communication:

    38. Is there internet in hotels?

Yes, all the hotels we work with have free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Almost all hotels have a confident signal in rooms. The Internet speed in Uzbekistan is not very high, but it is enough to be in touch in messengers, check e-mail and social networks.
The bigger the city, the better Internet is.

    39. Where and how can I buy a local SIM card to have mobile internet?

Tourist sim card of Uzbek mobile operators can be purchased at the International Airports of Tashkent and Bukhara. To do this, you must contact the staff of the tourist information desk, present your passport with a stamp of arrival in Uzbekistan, choose a tariff plan and pay for it. Tourist sim cards points of sale are also available at Central Railway station of Tashkent, in offices of mobile operators, in "International Hotel Tashkent" and "Sayohat" hotels. Foreign citizens can purchase other (non-tourist) SIM cards at the central offices of mobile operators only.
Local cell service is inexpensive. There may be interruptions in communication in the mountains and desert.

Shopping and souvenirs:

    40. What is recommended to bring home from Uzbekistan?

In Uzbekistan is possible to buy inexpensive unique items, natural products and authentic handicrafts. For convenience we will divide all the variety of objects for shopping into edible and inedible:
Edible:
• Kazy – horse meat sausage, no matter how much you bring it won’t be enough!
• Canned Pilaf. You will be surprised but it is real Pilaf in can! It can be stored for two years (but you will definitely eat it sooner).
• Kurt. These salty white balls of suzma (fermented milk product), dried to a solid state. Kurt is good for beer and instead of popcorn, for a snack during long walks, can be put it in soups and salads.
• Samarkand lepyoshka. It does not spoil for a very long time under any conditions and retains all its taste qualities. Original Samarkand lepyoshka can be bought only in Samarkand.
• Oriental spices. There are bunch of them and you can touch and smell everything choosing.
• Uzbek lemons. Thin-skinned and perfect in taste (sweet and sour) and aroma (bright lemon).
Inedible:
• Very beautiful ceramic crockery: teapots and bowls, lagans, plates, tea sets and other original ceramics.
• Natural fabrics made of cotton, handmade silk. And all kinds of products thereof: scarves, dresses, blouses, robes, vests, handbags, pillows, pillowcases and bedspreads, tyubeteykas, tablecloths, designer clothes in the national style. Girls will love it!
• Distinctive products made of wool (goat, sheep, camel), gorgeous Karakul fur coats.
• Carpets and embroidery, famous gold sewing.
• Traditional handmade jewelry and bijouterie. Unique oriental jewelry can be found only in real masters.
• Wooden carvings. Boxes, pencil cases, cases, stands decorated with openwork wood carvings are the warmest souvenirs from Uzbekistan.
• Famous knives and other handcrafted metal products.
• Ceramic babaychik figurines, statuette, magnets - the choice is huge, you can bring it as a gift to everyone you know.
All kinds of oriental wonders are waiting for you in Uzbekistan!

    41. Where and what to buy?

Samarkand
• Handmade silk carpets
• Silk paper accessories: wallet, bags, panama hats
• Handmade jewelry
• National style designer clothes
• Suzane (wall carpet embroidered with silk, velvet or cotton)
• Wood carvings: jewelry boxes, pencils cases, panel pictures
• Tyubeteyka
• Uzbek wines and cognacs
Bukhara
• Carakul coats and hats
• Handmade silk and wool carpets
• Suzane
• Handmade jewelry
• Traditional clothing
• Tyubeteyka
• Goldwork embroidery
• Handmade metal products (knives, scissors)
• Metal products decorated with artistic embossing (dishes, trays, etc.)
Khiva
• Camel and goat wool products (blankets, socks, slippers, scarves)
• Silk and wool carpets
• Tyubeteyka
• Ceramic dishes and souvenirs
• Souvenirs decorated with ornamental wood carving (lauhs, jewelry boxes, powder cases, pencil cases, cigarette cases, etc)
• National dolls
Shakhrisabz
• Original susane
• Handmade bags
Gijduvan
• Ceramics
Tashkent
• Clothing made from 100% cotton
• In author’s workshops: exclusive designer clothes, accessories, shoes
• Wood carving products
• Dried fruits, spices, nuts, national sweets
• National crockery
Fergana valley
• Rishtan: famous blue ceramics (dishes, vessels, souvenirs)
• Chust: handmade steel knives
• Margilan: hand-made silk fabrics and various products thereof (clothing, accessories)
• Fergana: Uzbek wines and cognacs, natural lavender soap

Useful Information on Traveling in Uzbekistan