Uzbekistan Currency Basics

Currency Basics: Uzbekistan

How Payment Works in Uzbekistan

cash-king

Uzbekistan remains a cash-first country for travelers. Outside major hotels and some restaurants, cash is the only accepted form of payment. Most rural areas and local markets have no card terminal infrastructure, so relying on cash is non-negotiable for daily expenses.
Foreign cards work selectively in large cities like Tashkent and Samarkand. Expect frequent declines or offline terminals in smaller towns. ATM availability is improving but often limited to bank branches, so plan withdrawals carefully.
Tourists should withdraw substantial sums at major banks early in their trip. Smaller shops, markets, and transport options almost never accept cards, so carry enough Uzbekistani som (UZS) for at least a few days of spending.

Where you need cash

Where cards work

Card network acceptance (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay)

Network	Coverage	Surcharge
Visa	Widely accepted in major cities at hotels, ATMs, and larger merchants.	3-5% foreign transaction fee common; some ATMs charge fixed withdrawal fees.
Mastercard	Good acceptance in urban centers similar to Visa but slightly fewer ATMs support it.	3-5% surcharge applies; occasional ATM rejections reported.
American Express	Very limited acceptance, mostly in high-end hotels and a few restaurants.	Surcharges can reach 5-7%; many merchants do not accept Amex at all.
UnionPay	Rarely accepted outside Chinese tourist hubs; minimal presence in Uzbekistan.	No widespread acceptance; cash remains necessary.

Digital wallets

Wallets that don’t work for tourists

Wallet	Barrier
Click	Requires Uzbek national ID and local SIM registration, inaccessible for tourists.
Payme	Local bank account mandatory; app registration tied to Uzbek phone numbers.

Wise vs Revolut in Uzbekistan

Wise and Revolut both offer solid options for Uzbekistan but differ in execution. Wise provides slightly better exchange rates and transparent ATM fees, though some Uzbek ATMs block prepaid cards occasionally. Revolut offers convenience and instant top-ups but often applies dynamic currency conversion, increasing costs. Neither card guarantees 100% acceptance; carry backup cash. For frequent cash withdrawals, Wise’s fee structure is more predictable and favored by travelers here.

ATMs & Currency Exchange

Best ATMs for foreign cards

ATMs to avoid

ATM type	Why to avoid
Uzbek-German Bank	Terrible exchange rates and high fees; avoid all Uzbek-German Bank ATMs in Tashkent.
Private Bank ATMs in bazaars	Often offer poor rates and higher fees; private exchangers in bazaars give +25% better rates but are risky and unregulated.

Currency exchange

Exchange counters to avoid

Where	Why to avoid
Hotel front desk currency exchange	Marked up rates and poor conversion; avoid exchanging here.
Private bazaar exchangers offering +25% better rates	Unregulated, high risk of counterfeit currency and scams.
Airport arrival hall unofficial kiosks	Extremely poor rates and aggressive upselling.

Scams, Safety & Cash Handling

Common money scams in Uzbekistan

Counterfeit Passing

How it works: Fake Uzbek som (UZS) bills or damaged foreign currency are passed in busy markets or by street vendors. These notes look worn or slightly altered but are rejected at banks or larger stores.

How to avoid: Only accept crisp, clean bills with clear watermarks and security threads. Exchange money at official banks or licensed exchange offices. Avoid street money changers.

Exchange Sleight of Hand

How it works: Money changers or vendors count your money quickly, swapping higher denominations for lower ones or shortchanging you during busy moments.

How to avoid: Count your money slowly and loudly in front of the exchanger. Use official exchange points with visible rates and receipts.

Taxi Meter Manipulation

How it works: Drivers claim meters are broken and quote inflated flat rates or take longer routes to increase fares.

How to avoid: Insist on meter use or agree on a fare before entering. Use ride-hailing apps where available or official taxi stands.

Wrong-Change Trick

How it works: Cashiers or vendors give incorrect change, often confusing tourists with similar-looking Uzbek som notes or coins.

How to avoid: Learn local denominations and count change carefully before leaving the counter. Avoid paying with large bills for small purchases.

Fake Police Money Inspection

How it works: Individuals posing as police officers stop tourists, claiming to check for counterfeit notes and demand cash fines or bribes on the spot.

How to avoid: Ask for official identification and refuse on-the-spot fines. Report suspicious encounters to real police or embassy.

Currency Confusion (Mixing Denominations)

How it works: Vendors or drivers confuse tourists by mixing old and new som notes or coins with similar colors and sizes, causing overpayment.

How to avoid: Familiarize yourself with current official currency series. Always check notes carefully before paying or receiving change.

Tipping in Uzbekistan

Quick Reference

5 money rules for Uzbekistan

1. Uzbekistan’s local currency, the Uzbek som (UZS), is issued in large denominations; carry 10,000 UZS notes for common purchases as smaller notes can be scarce outside major cities.
2. ATMs in Uzbekistan typically charge a 15,000 UZS (about $1.50) fee per withdrawal; plan withdrawals accordingly to avoid excessive fees.
3. Currency exchange is best done at authorized banks or official exchange offices in Tashkent and major tourist hubs to avoid poor rates and counterfeit som notes.
4. Cash is king in Uzbekistan, especially outside Tashkent; many markets and small vendors do not accept cards, so keep enough som on hand for daily expenses.
5. Avoid exchanging money with street vendors or unofficial exchangers; Uzbekistan enforces strict currency controls and unofficial rates often involve scams or counterfeit notes.

Frequently Asked Questions