15

Agreed.

(That's the end of the useful part of my post, as the rest is just me gasbagging.)

The only time I've had success with that kind of switcheroo was in Belgrade during the embargo (December 1992). The bill at our fancy hotel was way more than we had in hard currency, and amid the discussions of making a run for the border or staying to wash dishes, I figured I'd try out the leather-jacketed, shady dudes at the train station. The hotel manager looked sick to his stomach when I told him we'd pay with the cinderblock of dinars I was hefting, as much because of the 45 minutes of counting to be done as for any other reason. We got away with plenty of dollars to spare; it was a crazy difference, like 3:1 compared to the official rate.

Most places, though, they'll just do it at the black-market rate themselves so you gain nothing.

End of gasbagging.

Edited by: chriskean1

16

Chris,
Your contributions and comments are always appreciated; con o sin gas.

17

My experience was different. The hotel quote the price in dollar, even on their price board. But I had to pay in som. Finally it made me pay less as I changed som from the black market.

My suaggestion is that: change about $10 into som at the Tahskent airport and take a taxi to the Chorsu bazaar. Just walk around and no need to ask anybody as somebody will approach you.

The rate in Chorsu bazaar is still not the best in the country. You may find the best price in Andijon, Urgut and Nukus.