Time Difference
Uzbekistan is four hours ahead of the UK (GMT) and they currently observe Uzbekistan Time (UZT) all year. Daylight Saving Time is no longer in use and so the clocks do not change seasonally.
Money
When traveling to Uzbekistan, it’s important to bring enough cash for the duration of your stay. Credit cards are not widely accepted beyond Tashkent and the main tourist areas of Samarkand and Bukhara, and there are limited cash dispensers. It’s important to note that US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency but you should only change money through official exchange booths. It’s illegal to change money on the black market, and there are harsh penalties imposed on those caught doing so. Damaged or marked bank notes will not be accepted at official exchange locations either. On your arrival you will also need to complete a foreign currency declaration form, be sure to keep a copy yourself and be mindful that you cannot leave with more foreign currency than you arrive with.
Electricity
Uzbekistan operates on a 220V supply voltage and there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. UK travellers will need to bring an adapter.
Shops and Amenities
Supermarkets open from 8am to 5pm, with all others open from 9am to 7pm every day.
Media
Uzbekistan has several daily and weekly newspapers including Khalq Sozi, Pravda Vostoka and Narodnoye Slovo. All of which are in either Uzbek or Russian language. As for television channels there are O'zbekiston, Sport and Toshkent to be watched and enjoyed.
Post
Post offices are usually open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
Phone
To call the United Kingdom from Uzbekistan, dial: 001 - 44 - Area Code - Land Phone Number, or 001 - 44 - 10 Digit Mobile Number.
Internet and Mobile Coverage
Internet speeds are notoriously slow in Uzbekistan and dial-up connections are still predominant. Although fibre optic cable infrastructure is available, all communications go through a leased connection in Moscow, which can cause frequent bottlenecks. This is something to consider and while there are a few Wi-Fi hotspots scattered around the capital it can be slow and limited. There are currently five mobile operators in Uzbekistan: Beeline, Ucell, Mobiuz (UMS), Uzmobile, Perfectum and Uzmobile.
Beeline, Mobiuz, and Ucell are consider the market leaders and have the most widespread, reliable coverage across the country.
Currency
Uzbekistani soum
