Insider Travel Tips

Uzbekistan offers visa-free travel to over 60 countries. Citizens of the U.S. and India must apply for a visa online. The high-speed Afrosiyob train service passes through Tashkent, Sirdaryo, Jizzakh, Samarkand, Bukhara, and the Fergana Valley. But as the seats sell out on popular routes, you're better off buying tickets in advance.

The country is tourist-friendly, but red tape is a small problem. Make sure to carry your passport with you on your sightseeing and tours to show the police who're active in the main tourist areas. Note that you cannot bring painkillers or other codeine-based medications into the country. Be sure to declare your medicines on the form you're given prior to landing. Bring along the amount you need for the trip and not any more or else there's a risk of customs officials confiscating any they think you don't need.

The local currency is the Uzbek SOM. Banks will exchange foreign currency for SOM but accept only pristine notes, and reject the soiled or even slightly mutilated ones. The main cities have a number of ATMs.

There are no restrictions on dress code, although you're expected to dress modestly in mosques and religious places.