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What currency is used in Uzbekistan?
The official currency is the Uzbek Sum. Paper banknotes are in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000. Banknotes of 100, 200 and 500 sums are not used anymore; instead, coins of the same denomination are utilised.
What is the best currency to bring with you to Uzbekistan?
There are no restrictions on bringing in currency. If the amount of imported cash exceeds 2000 USD (or equivalent in another currency), it must be declared at the time of entry into the country.
It is best to bring US dollars or Euros, as these two currencies are the most popular in Uzbekistan and have the most favourable exchange rate.
As a rule, prices in souvenir shops are quoted in US dollars, and payment can be made in the aforementioned currency. You need the local currency for your daily expenses (e.g. in restaurants or grocery stores, for taxis or at the bazaars).
ATMs, credit cards and other payment methods in uzbekistan
Credit cards are rarely accepted, except in Tashkent’s large hotels and expensive restaurants. In all other cities, international card payments are only gaining popularity. More and more souvenir shops accept cards when a certain minimum amount is reached.
Bring your Visa Card with you, as other cards are not always and everywhere accepted. Occasionally, you may find an ATM that accepts Master or Maestro Card.
You will, however, find a sufficient number of ATMs that will dispense Uzbek sums and usually charge a 2.5% fee. The maximum withdrawal amount depends on your card; local banks do not set a limit.
Please note that ATMs can sometimes have insufficient cash or have technical problems. We highly recommend that you bring cash with you to Uzbekistan.
Note: There are plenty of ATMs, which accept only Uzbek cards (not international). Therefore, you will have to look for the Visa/Master Card logo.
Where is the best to exchange money in Uzbekistan and which currencies will be accepted?
Exchange offices accept US dollars, Euros, British pounds, Swiss francs, Russian roubles, Japanese yen and Kazakh tenge.
Exchange offices are located in major hotels and historic city centres, but not at every corner. The rates are pretty much the same at all banks and exchange offices so that you won’t encounter a big exchange difference, and it doesn’t matter where to exchange your currency. You can always check the exchange rate on the website of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan https://cbu.uz/ or rates of one of the most popular banks in Uzbekistan Kapitalbank https://kapitalbank.uz/
The opening hours of the exchange offices are from 09:00 to 17:00. Saturday is a shortened day. Sunday is a day off. In large hotels in Tashkent, exchange offices are open 24/7 except for technical breaks.
Exchange atms in uzbekistan
In Uzbekistan, besides regular ATMs, you will also find ATM exchange machines. You may exchange US dollar bills into local currency.
how does it work?
The device will show you an exchange rate, then you can insert a US dollar note, and the exchange ATM will dispense you the local currency Uzbek sum. The exchange rate in such machines is slightly lower than if you exchange in a bank (for every US $100, you lose about $2-3). These exchange machines accept worn-out notes or notes with inscriptions or stamps, which banks don’t buy or take at a reduced rate. Exchange ATMs are open 24/7. If you find yourself without cash on a weekend, this may be a good option for you to exchange money in Uzbekistan.
