Tashkent ATMs and cash in Uzbekistan

Was just in Tashkent a couple weeks ago and, despite hearing that ATMs do exist in Uzbekistan, I didn't come across a single one in the whole week that I spent there nor in the whole month I spent within the country. Banks are few and oddly closed at all the most inopportune times. Virtually everyone exchanges with money changers, who can be found at any bazaar (usually openly carrying large bags filled with cash). While in many other countries it is typical to be skeptical of such transactions, I was actually very surprised to find that none of the money changers I interacted with during the entire trip tried to scam me. Many will actually wait while you meticulously attempt to count the massive wads of cash, just to make sure that what they've given you is the correct amount. Be aware that simply dealing with such large amounts of cash will likely create room for human error, so don't be alarmed if there are a couple cents missing here or there after counting so many notes. I can't speak for all Uzbeks, but I will say that the majority of them are very honest people. If you prefer, you can exchange in guest houses very easily, but not so easily in hotels. In both the bazaar or guest house, you will get a significantly better rate than at the bank. Word of caution, either spend your excess Som or exchange it back at the bazaar before going to the airport to depart the country; airport exchange booths will not take your left over Som without you providing a certificate saying that your exchanged at a bank.

The best currency to carry is either US dollars or Euros. Guesthouses and gift shops are generally more accepting of dollars.

You can use € and/or $.

Michel

Thanks sharjakhan, that's great advice!

I hate carrying wads of money but it looks like that's the only way.

cheers

PJ

No worries, PJ. As for carrying large amounts of cash, it's the only way, as you'll soon find out. It's even funnier when you see locals pull out a stack of notes just to buy something as simple as a watermelon!

Best of luck,
Sharja
writteninwanderlust.blogspot.com

Take dollars or euros with you and change them on the 'black' market.

I never found a working ATM in Uzbekistan. I did cash advances on my credit card at a bank in Samarkand. I'd recommend bringing in USD or Euro to change, though USD is easier to find a moneychanger for. You'll get a better rate on the black market (3,000 or more Som to USD).

A lot of ATM are working with ... Uzbek cards...
Cash (€ and/or $) are the best option.
Black market rates are the better you can have.

Michel

Thanks guys, that's great.

I'm assuming you get a better rate of exchange for a higher denomination note, say USD50 rather than USD20, on the black market?

Or is the rate the same for all notes, regardless of value?

cheers

PJ

Better rate with high denomination notes.
But you can also use USD for direct payment.

Michel