Getting to Samarkand
The high-speed Afrosiyob train runs from Tashkent in roughly 2 hours 10 minutes, and the international airport is just 6 km from the centre. Plus intercity buses, shared taxis and the border crossing to Tajikistan.
Practical information
Phones, internet and Wi-Fi
A local SIM card takes a few minutes to set up with your passport and is by far the cheapest way to stay online. 4G is solid in town but fades in the mountains. Staying longer than 30 days means registering your phone's IMEI.
SIM cards and eSIMs
Uzbekistan has four mobile operators: Beeline, Ucell, Mobiuz and Uzmobile. Buy your SIM at an operator's official store: you'll need your passport, the number is registered in your name, and staff will activate a data package on the spot. Some operators sell tourist bundles; package prices change frequently, so choose in store. Top up via payment kiosks, apps or the shop itself.
International eSIMs work too — install one before you fly and you'll be online the moment you land. Some local operators issue eSIMs at their offices; ask ahead.
IMEI and the 30-day rule
Foreign visitors can use a phone with a local SIM for 30 days from its first connection to the network. If you're staying longer, register the device's IMEI through uzimei.uz, or service on the local number may be cut off. On a short trip you can safely ignore this. To find your IMEI, dial *#06#; you can check its status on uzimei.uz.
Internet, Wi-Fi and calls
4G coverage is reliable in Samarkand and along the main highways. In the Urgut hills, the Amankutan gorge and on the Takhtakaracha Pass the signal weakens or disappears, so download offline maps beforehand. Hotels, guesthouses and many cafés offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds vary.
Uzbekistan's country code is +998. In an emergency, dial 112 from a local or a foreign SIM. Handy apps include Yandex Go for taxis, Yandex Maps or 2GIS for navigation, the Uzbekistan Railways app for tickets, and an offline translator.
Telegram is Uzbekistan's messenger of choice — guesthouses, guides and drivers often prefer it — though WhatsApp is common too. Roaming on a foreign SIM can be expensive, so switch off mobile data before you leave home.
Sources (4)
Details may change — please check before you visit.
Practical information
Before you go
Getting around the city
The historic centre is compact enough to walk between the main sights. For longer hops there are ride-hailing apps, buses and a tram; since April 2025 paying by card is cheaper than cash.
Visas and registration
Citizens of many countries can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, and most others can apply for an e-visa. Hotels register you automatically; if you stay in a private home, you must register within three days.
Money, cards and tipping
The currency is the Uzbek som. Visa and Mastercard work in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but bazaars, teahouses and street taxis run on cash. ATMs are plentiful in the centre.
Climate and when to go
Samarkand sits around 700 metres above sea level, with hot, dry summers and cool, relatively wet winters. The best months to visit are April–May and September–October.
Safety and emergency numbers
Samarkand is considered a safe city for visitors, though pickpockets work the crowded spots. The single emergency number is 112, and a dedicated Safe Tourism call centre answers on 1173.
Etiquette and local customs
Samarkand's people are warm and welcoming, but shrines come with their own rules on dress, photography and greetings. A few simple habits will make your visit all the more rewarding.
Where to stay
Family guesthouses in the historic centre, larger hotels in the leafy 'new town' or the Silk Road Samarkand resort on the city's edge — the right choice depends on your trip and your budget.
Food: what and where to eat
Samarkand plov, the city's famous tandoor-baked bread, samsa and shashlik — the local food is a reason to visit in itself. Here's what to know about teahouses, bazaars and restaurants.
Health, pharmacies and drinking water
No vaccinations are required to enter Uzbekistan, and there is no malaria. The main concerns are drinking water, food hygiene and the summer heat. Sort out travel insurance before you go.
Accessible travel
Samarkand is slowly becoming easier to get around: the Registan has ramps and the newer districts are flat. But the historic monuments are full of steps, uneven paths and thresholds, so plan ahead.
