August 25, 2025 · 1 min read

What to avoid in Uzbekistan: safety and etiquette

Planning a trip to Uzbekistan and wondering what to avoid? The country is welcoming and generally safe, but a bit of local know‑how will help you travel smarter. Below is a practical list of things to avoid in Uzbekistan, plus what to do instead so you can enjoy Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent with peace of mind.

Tip: For current safety context, see Is it safe to travel to Uzbekistan now? from Minzifa Travel.

Safety and scams: what to skip

Avoid street currency exchange. Use bank branches, official exchange desks, or ATMs. Keep small UZS notes for taxis, markets, and tips.
Avoid unmetered, unmarked taxis. Order with apps (e.g., Yandex Go) or ask your hotel to arrange a ride. Confirm the fare before you get in.
Avoid keeping your phone/wallet in back pockets at busy bazaars (Chorsu, Siyob). Use a cross‑body bag and stay aware.
Avoid late‑night walks in poorly lit areas. Main avenues are fine; choose a licensed taxi after dark.
Avoid “too friendly” tour offers from strangers. Book tours via your hotel or vetted operators.
Avoid buying SIMs from resellers at inflated prices. Get a SIM at official kiosks with your passport.

Culture and law: respect first

Dress modestly at mosques and in rural towns. Women: cover shoulders and knees; men: avoid sleeveless tops and very short shorts.

Avoid public intoxication and loud behavior. Alcohol is legal, but keep it low‑key, especially near religious sites.

During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in front of those fasting in conservative areas; it’s fine in tourist cafés, but be respectful.

Photography: avoid shooting government buildings, military sites, border posts, and security staff. Always ask before photographing people and inside mosques.

Drones: avoid flying without prior permission; drones are commonly confiscated.

Drugs: zero tolerance. Do not carry or use illegal substances.

LGBTQ+ travelers: the environment is conservative and laws are restrictive; avoid public displays of affection and discuss plans discreetly.

Registration: avoid unregistered stays. Ensure your hotel or host registers you; keep the confirmation (often electronic) accessible.

Health and food

Avoid tap water. Choose sealed bottled water; be cautious with ice. Peel fruit; pick busy stalls for street food and go for fresh, hot dishes.
Avoid the midday sun in summer. Wear a hat, SPF 50, sunglasses, and drink plenty of water.
Avoid petting stray animals. There’s a non‑zero rabies risk. Consider a pre‑exposure rabies shot if visiting remote areas.
Medications: avoid bringing prescription meds without documentation. Carry original packaging and a doctor’s note, especially for codeine‑based or psychoactive drugs.
Insurance: don’t skip it. Make sure it covers medical evacuation.

Transport and routes

Avoid speeding taxis and cars without seat belts. Sit in the back and buckle up.
Shared minibuses (marshrutkas): keep your bag in sight; avoid placing valuables in overhead racks.
Trains: book via official channels; avoid paying middlemen at the station.
Border zones and restricted areas: avoid entering without permits. Stick to marked routes and official crossings.

Money and payments

Avoid counting cash openly. Withdraw at reputable ATMs inside banks/hotels.
Cards work in many city hotels and restaurants, but cash is still king in markets and small cafés.
Avoid paying in foreign currency in shops; use Uzbek som. Keep small denominations for everyday buys.

Etiquette quick wins

Greetings: handshakes are common among men; a simple nod or hand over heart works everywhere.
At home entrances, remove shoes if others do. Avoid stepping on the threshold.
Use your right hand to pass items; avoid pointing the soles of your feet at people or at food.

Emergencies and contacts

Save key numbers: Police 102, Ambulance 103, Fire 101. Keep your embassy/consulate details in your phone and on paper.
Carry a passport copy; keep the original secure.

For recent updates and a traveler‑focused overview, also check Minzifa Travel’s safety guide for Uzbekistan.

Bottom line: what to avoid in Uzbekistan

Street money changers, unmarked taxis, and unofficial tours.
Photos of sensitive sites, drone flights without permits, and unregistered stays.
Tap water, excess sun, and risky street food choices.
Public intoxication, loud behavior near religious places, and ignoring local customs.

Do this instead: use official services, ask before you photograph, dress modestly at holy places, secure your documents, and keep your plans flexible. You’ll find Uzbekistan friendly, affordable, and full of remarkable history—without avoidable hassles.