Uzbekistan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan runs a two-tier healthcare system with state hospitals and growing private facilities concentrated in Tashkent
International SOS Tashkent Clinic and United Hospitals run 24-hour emergency services with English-speaking doctors
Pharmacies labeled 'Apteka' carry most medications. Bring prescriptions for specific brands as local equivalents may differ
Travel insurance strongly recommended though not required for entry
- ✓ Pack basic meds for digestive issues as spicy Uzbek food may upset sensitive stomachs
- ✓ Download offline translation apps for medical terminology
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpockets work the crowded aisles of Chorsu Bazaar and metro stations where tourists squeeze past pomegranates and spices
Unfamiliar bacteria in fermented foods like suzma can cause stomach upset
Aggressive driving in Tashkent and unlit roads between cities increase accident risk
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Vendors in Bukhara's old town open with silk carpet prices 3-4 times actual value, flashing 'certificates' in Cyrillic
Unofficial guides at Samarkand's Registan promise tours then block the exit until you hand over inflated tips
Street exchangers count money slowly, palming notes while chatting about exchange rates
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • Yandex taxi app provides reliable service with English interface in Tashkent
- • Train travel between cities offers safest and most comfortable option
- • Avoid unmarked taxis near train stations where drivers often refuse meters
- • Slip off your shoes at family homes where the scent of fresh bread and tea drifts from the kitchen
- • Avoid photographing police officers or government buildings
- • Learn basic Uzbek greetings to reduce unwanted attention in markets
- • ATMs dispensing USD available at major hotels in Tashkent and Samarkand
- • Carry small bills for bazaar shopping where vendors rarely have change for large notes
- • Notify banks before travel to prevent card blocks
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Solo women travelers report feeling safe in Uzbekistan's major cities during daylight, with some staring but rarely harassment
- → Sit in women-only metro car sections marked with pink stickers
- → Wear long sleeves and loose trousers when visiting active mosques
- → Choose family sections in chaikhanas where women typically dine
Same-sex relationships legal since 1998, though societal attitudes remain conservative
- → Book twin beds rather than doubles when traveling as same-sex friends
- → Use international hotel chains for more accepting staff
- → Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics in rural areas where traditional values dominate
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
Medical evacuation to Dubai or Istanbul necessary for serious conditions, making insurance essential
Ready to plan your trip to Uzbekistan?
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