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
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.
Currency and exchange
The som (UZS) is the only legal tender. Banknotes come in 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 som, the largest introduced in July 2022. The rate moves, so check the official figure on the Central Bank website, cbu.uz.
Change dollars or euros at bank branches, official exchange desks in hotels and at the airport, or at currency-exchange machines; you may be asked for your passport. Steer clear of street money-changers — it is illegal and risky. Bring clean, undamaged notes.
Cards and ATMs
Visa and Mastercard are accepted by larger hotels, restaurants, malls and supermarkets. Bazaars, small cafés, family guesthouses and street taxis mostly want cash or the local Uzcard and Humo cards. Local QR payment apps such as Click, Payme and Uzum generally won't take a foreign card.
Central Samarkand has plenty of ATMs, which mostly dispense som. Fees typically run at 1–3%. If the machine offers a 'with conversion' option, decline it and choose to be charged in som. Tell your bank before you travel and bring a backup card.
Tipping and bargaining
Many restaurants add a 10–15% service charge automatically, so check the bill. If it isn't included and you were happy, 5–10% is customary. Tips for guides and drivers are optional but appreciated. Polite haggling is expected at bazaars and souvenir stalls; supermarkets and pharmacies have fixed prices.
Keep a stash of small notes — 5,000 to 20,000 som — for taxis, bazaar stalls, bread and tea. Monument tickets are sold in som; in 2026, for example, an adult ticket to the Registan ensemble cost around 100,000 som. Prices are reviewed every year, so check at the ticket office.
Sources (6)
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.
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.
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.
