Black Market

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