Managing your money in Uzbekistan is far easier today than it was a decade ago, thanks to modernized banking systems, widely available ATMs, and a unified exchange rate. However, knowing how and when to use cash versus cards will save you from unexpected hassle during your Silk Road journey.

Here is the practical, up-to-date money and cash guide for foreign visitors, compiled by the local experts at Silk Way Tours.

Cash vs. Card in Uzbekistan: Quick Summary

Feature	Cash (Uzbek Som / USD)	Credit & Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard)
Bazaars & Souvenirs	Essential (100% required)	Not accepted
Local Cafes & Taxis	Preferred	Limited (Yandex Go app accepts linked cards)
Hotels & Fine Dining	Accepted	Widely accepted in Tashkent, Samarkand, & Bukhara
ATMs in Main Cities	Dispense Uzbek Som	High availability (Visa/Mastercard)

1. The Official Currency: The Uzbek Som (UZS)

The official currency is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS).

Banknotes come in various denominations, ranging from smaller notes up to 50,000, 100,000, and 200,000 UZS. Because the currency carries several zeroes, taking out $100 USD will turn you into an instant “som millionaire”—though modern high-denomination bills make carrying cash much lighter than in the past!

Local Pro Tip: Keep smaller bills (1,000 to 20,000 UZS) handy for buying bottled water, tipping, public restrooms, and small souvenirs at local markets.

2. The Golden Rule of Cash: Bring Crisp USD or EUR Notes

While international cards work in major cities, cash remains king across Uzbekistan. The most widely accepted and easiest foreign currency to exchange is the US Dollar (USD), followed closely by the Euro (EUR).

The “Crisp Bill” Condition Requirement

Uzbek banks and official exchange desks are notoriously strict about the physical condition of foreign bank notes.

• BRING: Unblemished, uncreased, clean banknotes (preferably $50 or $100 bills for the best exchange rate).

• AVOID: Notes with tears, ink stamps, heavy folds, stains, or excessive wear. Banks will reject worn bills or charge a fee to exchange them.

3. ATMs & Using Credit Cards

Card Acceptance

Major credit and debit cards (primarily Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at international hotels, high-end restaurants, and major supermarkets in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Multi-currency travel cards like Wise also work well at terminals that support international networks.

Finding ATMs

ATMs (locally called Bankomats) are plentiful in Tashkent, major transit hubs, airports, and near major tourist landmarks.

• Banks like Kapitalbank, Ipak Yuli Bank, and NBU reliably accept foreign Visa and Mastercard cards.

• ATMs dispense local currency (UZS).

Important: Always carry a cash backup ($100–$200 USD in clean bills) in case an ATM in a smaller town runs out of money or experiences network downtime.

4. How & Where to Exchange Foreign Money

Exchanging money in Uzbekistan is safe, quick, and official:

• Official Exchange Counters: Located at international airports, main railway stations, major hotels, and commercial bank branches.

• Avoid Street Changers: Black-market money changing is illegal and unnecessary. Official bank rates are fair, standardized, and updated daily across the country.

• Keep Your Receipts: Always keep your currency exchange receipts inside your passport. You may need them if you wish to convert leftover Uzbek Som back into foreign currency at the airport before departing.

5. Budgeting & Tipping Etiquette

Daily Budgeting Guidance

• Budget Traveler: $25 – $40 USD / day (street food, public transport, entry fees)

• Mid-Range Traveler: $50 – $100 USD / day (sit-down dining, high-speed train tickets, private taxis)

• Luxury Traveler: $150+ USD / day (5-star boutique hotels, private tours, fine dining)

Tipping Guidelines

• Restaurants: High-end and tourist restaurants often add a 10% to 15% service fee directly to the bill. Extra tipping is optional, but leaving a small cash tip (5%–10%) for exceptional service is warm hospitality.

• Tour Guides & Private Drivers: Tipping local guides and drivers is customary and deeply appreciated. A standard tip for a guide is around $5–$10 USD per person per day, depending on your appreciation.

Travel Uzbekistan Comfortably with Silk Way Tours

Navigating currency exchanges, entry fees, and booking train tickets doesn’t have to be complicated. When you book a private or group journey with Silk Way Tours, we handle all major logistics, transfers, and accommodations in advance—so you can focus on enjoying the magnificent Silk Road.

• Have questions about planning your trip budget? Contact Silk Way Tours today for expert local guidance and customized travel itineraries!