Black Market

Hi,
I'm confused about changing money in Uzbekistan. I will be bring US dollars. I've read plenty about the black market but also about border officials checking your receipts for money changed etc.
Can someone tell me if it is ok to change money on the black market or must we use banks?
Thanks

The best rate is at black market and it's also more easy to change the notes.
It could be challenging in some banks...

Michel

Thanks Michel. And there will be no problem when leaving the country?

No problem if you not declare all your money when you arrive.
Black market means black money...

Michel

Cheers. That was what was confusing me. The guidebooks all talk about the black market as being something fairly normal in Uzbekistan but then they also say you have to declare money on entry and prove money exchange on departure.

I'm a bit confused re all this - quite aware re black market generally - just curious what happens when you leave country and you cannot show any 'proof' you changed at least some money at bank or used ATM - don't Uzbek customs ask for such proof or at least quiz how you stayed for a week or two without changing money (legally i mean)?

At the airport, they target the proof provide by OVIR for the hotels...

Michel

Michel - thanks we are travelling by train OVIR will still apply so keep that in mind - so they don't worry about money only the OVIR is that what you are saying?

Guys, relax.
1) Registration is done by hotels automatically, no need to involve OVIR in it (unless you stay at private houses and not hotels). These slips can be checked at departure airport(in my case were not), at train stations (happened to me) and (there is some anecdotal evidence) at check-in of the next hotel. There is no set standard for those slips, sometimes they look like junk, but make sure you get them and keep them. For those nights you spent on trains just keep tickets.
2) Upon arrival and departure declare ALL your money, including those leftovers of Russian / Indian / Turkish / whatever country you transit through currency. It is very unlikely they are going to check it, but if they do and find undeclared currency, it can be confiscated, either with or without legal proceedings.
3) Make sure you don't have more foreign currency upon departure than upon arrival.
That's it. There is no legal requirement to prove exchange or ATM withdrawal, and they know it pretty well. If asked questions, smile, look straight into their eyes and say you draw your energy directly from sunlight and don't need to buy food. There is nothing they can do about it.
PS I am not sure about taking Uzbek sums out of the country - maybe it is illegal. Anyway you don't need tham outside Uzbekistan.

thanks heeps - this helps re the money - geoff

You need to keep the proof of the OVIR registrations. It's done by the hotels but you must proof that you stay in hotels.

Michel

The black market is indeed fairly normal, but it is also illegal, just be aware of that. If you ask someone at your hotel / hostel where to change money, they will often do it themselves (usually at an ok rate). Only in very large, official hotels they may send you to the bank or their own official exchange booth. Markets are somewhat more exposed - wait for people to approach you (often some guys with plastic bags are hanging around the entrance, maybe counting stacks of money) and look out for police.
There are ATMs in Tashkent and although they tend to be out of order quite often, you will find one that gives you money (Hotel Uzbekistan has at least 3). They give out dollars, too, but often only 50$ at a time – depending on your card this may mean high withdrawal fees.
Foreign currency is usually not a problem on exiting the country, but avoid taking out more than you brought in, and taking out Som.
The OVIR / hotel registration slips are a different matter…
Enjoy your trip!
Westwards
www.westwards.de

thanks heaps - geoff

it depends i always exchanged in black it is also safe there and try to get it from the tour guide.

also please keep in mind that you should declare the exact amount at the time of arrival and departure.

If you do change money on the black market does anyone have an opinion on whether it is better to change small amounts (eg. $100) more often or larger amounts (eg. $500) less frequently?

it depends how much you need.till last year one can get 260,000 uzbek money against 100us dollar. it is also very difficult to keep such amount in your pockets.

sounds like germany 1936 - a wheel barrow full of marks to buy liaf if bread :-)

so on thus topic cann u just pay fir hotels / testaurants with $US instead of ubeks?

Most hotels and guesthouses will happily take dollars and often quote their prices in dollars. If you want to pay in som in this case, the guesthouses will convert at the black market rate, but for the larger hotels you can occasionally pay in som at the official rate (which makes it cheaper for you)
Westwards
www.westwards.de

most of the restaurants and hotels not accept dollars

mmm some daying you can use $s in hotels / restaurants - some saying you cannot?

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