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
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.
Water and heat
Tap water isn't recommended for drinking; use bottled or filtered water for drinking and even for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is cheap in every shop. Be cautious with iced drinks in small cafés.
In July and August temperatures top 35 °C, and the stone courtyards and squares of the monuments make it feel hotter still. Rest in the shade between noon and 4 pm, wear a hat and sunscreen, and drink plenty. If you feel dizzy, nauseous or unusually weak, get somewhere cool at once and ask for help.
Vaccinations and medical care
No vaccinations are required for entry, and the WHO certified Uzbekistan malaria-free in 2018. The UK's NaTHNaC advises most travellers to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and to check their tetanus cover, and some to consider measles, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies vaccines — talk to a doctor before you travel. Avoid petting stray dogs and cats.
In an emergency, call 112 or 103. Samarkand has state hospitals and private clinics; private clinics usually expect payment upfront or proof of insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly advised. Staff mostly speak Uzbek and Russian.
Pharmacies and medicines
Pharmacies are everywhere, and some in the centre are open around the clock. Many medicines are sold without a prescription, but brand names may differ, so note down the active ingredient of anything you take. Counterfeit drugs are a risk, so buy from large, reputable pharmacies. Bring personal medication in its original packaging with a doctor's prescription: drugs containing codeine and similar substances are controlled.
Pack a small kit with painkillers, an anti-diarrhoeal and oral rehydration salts. Your hotel can point you to the nearest 24-hour pharmacy or clinic, and both are easy to find on Yandex Maps and 2GIS.
Sources (5)
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.
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.
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.
