Money and duty free for Uzbekistan

Currency and Money

Currency information

Uzbek So'm (UZS; symbol лв) = 100 tiyn. Notes are in denominations of лв1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 3 and 1. Coins are in denominations of лв100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 tiyn.

Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted in main tourist areas like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara only, so bring enough cash with you. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency.

ATM

A few ATMs can be found in Tashkent.

For cash advances in rural areas, MasterCard users should look for Asaka Bank, while Visa and Amex holders will usually (but not always) be able to get cash advanced at National Bank of Uzbekistan. Always take your passport with you as proof of ID when requesting a cash advance.

Travellers cheques

Travellers' cheques are not normally accepted.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Some banks open Sat 0900-1500.

Currency restrictions

You can import an unlimited amount of foreign currencies but you must complete a foreign currency declaration form upon arrival, which must be kept safe because you cannot leave with more foreign currency than you arrive with, unless you have a confirmation from an authorised bank.

It is very hard to exchange Uzbek So'm outside of Uzbekistan.

Currency exchange

Only change money through official exchange locations. It is illegal to change money on the black market, and harsh penalties will be imposed on those caught doing so. Damaged or marked bank notes will not be accepted.

Uzbekistan duty free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Uzbekistan by visitors over 16 years without incurring customs duty:

• 10 packs of tobacco products.
• 2L of alcoholic drinks.
• 3 bottles of perfume or eau de toilette.
• 65g of precious metals, precious stones or jewellery.
• Other goods up to the value of US$2,000 (if arriving by plane), US$1,000 (if arriving by train) or US$300 (if arriving by car or by foot).

Banned Imports

There is an import ban for narcotics, psychotropic substances (and their precursors), explosives, detonators, and all media products that spread terrorism, violence, extremism, pornography, etc., as well as ethyl alcohol, laser devices, pyrotechnic products, drones, power-operated clutch machines, motor vehicles of classes M2, M3 and N2, and new vehicles that do not meet the requirements of the Euro-3 environmental class. It is also forbidden to import into the Republic of Uzbekistan household appliances of classes G and F and energy-saving bulkheads with a power of more than 40 watts.

Banned Exports

Narcotics

Export Restrictions

Medicines for personal use should be declared upon import so that there is proof of this upon departure. Otherwise, the imported medicines could be considered as drugs purchased in Uzbekistan and could result in heavy fines and a temporary ban on leaving the country.

Goods can be exported up to a value of US$5,000. However, there is a maximum upper limit for duty-free export for the following goods:
• Rice (max 3kg)
• Bread (max 5kg)
• Meat, meat products, sugar, vegetable oil (max 2kg)
• Fruit, vegetables and dried vegetables (max 40kg)