UzbekistanπΊπΏ
Uzbekistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia. It borders five countries: Kazakhstan to the north, Tajikistan to the southeast, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Relationships with its neighbouring countries have historically been influenced by shared borders and common Soviet past but there have been disputes over water resources and border demarcation. The country is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, including majestic Islamic architecture, vibrant bazaars, and annual Navruz celebration. Attractions such as the Registan in Samarkand, the old walled city of Khiva, and the Silk Road city of Bukhara offer glimpses into its past. Uzbekistan is also famous for its cotton production, stunning landscapes of desert and mountains. One of the recommended activities is to take a traditional tea ceremony and try Uzbek cuisine like Plov.
β οΈThings you should avoidβ οΈ
- Avoid drinking tap water: Due to the quality of water, it is recommended to drink bottled water or boiled water.
- Avoid discussing political matters: There is limited freedom of speech and political discussions may attract unwanted attention.
- Avoid violating local customs: Respect local customs, traditions and religious beliefs to avoid causing offence.
- Avoid walking alone at night: Especially in isolated areas or local neighborhoods, as it might attract unwanted attention.
- Avoid crossing borders illegally: Unofficial border crossings can lead to serious penalties or detention.
- Avoid displaying affection in public: Uzbekistan is a conservative country and public display of affection can be seen as inappropriate.
- Avoid carrying large sums of money: This can make you a target for petty theft or pickpocketing, especially in crowded places.
- Avoid illegal substances: Drug trafficking and use is highly illegal and can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.
- Avoid showing explicit support or advocacy for LGBT rights: Homosexuality is criminalized under Uzbek law.
- Avoid disrespecting cultural sites: Always respect local customs while visiting religious and cultural sites and avoid photography without permission.
Overall
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Crime π«
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Crime in Uzbekistan is moderate with incidents of petty theft, house burglary, and pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas like markets or public transports. Major cities like Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand have reported cases of thefts from locked vehicles. Criminal activities are generally low compared to other countries but it can be higher in less developed areas.
Terrorism π£
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Terrorism risk is relatively low in the country. The most recent notable terrorist incident in Uzbekistan was on the 30th of July 2004, when suicide bombings took place at the Uzbek Prosecutor-General's office in Tashkent. But, there has been no significant terrorist activity since then.
War βοΈ
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Uzbekistan has been relatively peaceful since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It does not currently face any significant threats of war or armed conflict. However, there have been sporadic clashes along disputed sections of the border with neighbouring countries, particularly Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Natural Disasters π
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Uzbekistan is prone to several natural disasters including earthquakes, landslides and flooding. One of the major earthquakes occurred in 1966 in Tashkent, destroying much of the city. Uzbekistan is also seriously impacted by climate change with increasing temperatures leading to the shrinking of the Aral Sea, one of the worldβs worst environmental disasters.
Medical Care π₯
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The medical infrastructure in Uzbekistan is underdeveloped. While healthcare services are available mostly in large cities, they are not up to Western standards. Many medical facilities lack basic equipment and medication. Health services in rural areas are even more limited.
Tap Water Quality π§
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The quality of tap water can be poor especially in rural areas. People usually boil water or buy bottled drinking water. Even in urban areas, tap water can sometimes contain harmful bacteria and protozoa.
Disease Burden π€
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Uzbekistan has been working on reducing its disease burden. However, there are still prevalent diseases such as tuberculosis, Hepatitis A and B, and brucellosis especially in rural parts of the country. Dengue fever cases have also been reported.
Corruption πΈ
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Corruption in Uzbekistan is a serious issue. It is pervasive in many sectors, including healthcare, education, and law enforcement. There have been some efforts to fight corruption but it still poses challenges. One of the known corruption cases involved Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of the former president, who was charged with corruption and embezzlement in 2018.
Safety for Women βοΈ
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While women are generally safe, there are reports of street harassment. It's advised women should not walk alone at night in isolated areas. Moreover, domestic violence and gender-based discrimination are also reported.
Safety for Queer People π¬
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Uzbekistan has stringent anti-LGBT laws, which criminalize same-sex sexual activity. The cultural perception towards the queer community is negative and discrimination is high. Public display of homosexuality can lead to imprisonment.
Censorship πΊ
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The Uzbek government exercises significant control over media content. Critical journalism can face penalties including imprisonment. Internet freedom is limited as well due to blocks and filtering on websites containing 'unethical' content.
Public Transportation π
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Public transport in Uzbekistan is relatively well-developed, especially in major cities like Tashkent which has metro system. Buses, trams, and shared taxis are common. But due to overcapacity, they can be uncomfortable and crowded. There is also a risk of pickpocketing in crowded buses.
Other useful information
π How safe is it?
Uzbekistan is generally a safe country, with lower crime rates compared to other countries. However, it's important to follow safety precautions, especially in crowded places and at night. Also, due to local laws and the cultural context, it's advised to act with caution when discussing sensitive topics or displaying behaviors that could be deemed as offensive.
π° Embassies in this Country
Several countries have embassies or consulates in Uzbekistan, most of which are located in the capital city Tashkent. These include the Embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Russia among others.
π Recommended Vaccinations
Travellers are advised to be up-to-date with routine vaccines. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended as you can get these diseases through contaminated food or water in Uzbekistan. You may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines depending on your activities or possibility of an animal bite.
π Dangerous Animals
While Uzbekistan is home to numerous wildlife species, few pose significant threats to humans. Caution is advised in rural or wilderness areas where there may be venomous snakes and scorpions. However, these are not commonly encountered in urban areas.
π Visa Requirements
Visitors to Uzbekistan are required to have a visa. However, Uzbekistan provides visa-free travel for 90 days to citizens of 57 countries. Check your country's travel advisory for up-to-date visa information.
π² Currency
The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani soΚ»m. Currency can be exchanged in banks and exchange offices in major cities and tourist spots.
π³ Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are accepted in large hotels, restaurants and international stores, but cash is the preferred and most convenient form of payment, especially outside the major cities.
π§βπ Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Yes, it is possible to work and travel in Uzbekistan, particularly for those with professional skills in areas such as language teaching, development projects or business consultancy. However, it's important to research employment laws and visa requirements.
π΅ Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in Uzbekistan is relatively low compared to many countries. A budget traveler can manage with about $20-$30 per day. However, luxury accommodations and eateries can be more expensive.