Tashkent for Business Travellers: Currency, Transport and Local Tips

Tashkent is a comfortable, modern and welcoming city for business travellers, but a few local specifics will make your trip smoother. Here's what to know before you land for Median26.

Currency and payments

The local currency is the Uzbekistani som (UZS). Card acceptance has grown quickly — most hotels, restaurants and larger venues take Visa and Mastercard — but it's wise to carry some cash for taxis, markets and smaller vendors. Banks and exchange offices readily convert major currencies including USD and EUR, and US dollars are widely recognised.

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps are cheap and ubiquitous, and the metro is clean, fast and genuinely worth seeing. For the airport run, a pre-booked transfer or the official taxi is easiest — our airport-to-venue guide covers the details.

Connectivity

Buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival for cheap, reliable data — you'll want it for ride apps and maps. Hotel and venue Wi-Fi is generally solid, but your own connection keeps you independent while moving around the city.

Etiquette and everyday tips

• Uzbek hospitality is warm and generous — accepting tea or a small gesture of welcome is part of doing business.
• Russian is widely spoken alongside Uzbek; a few polite words in either are appreciated.
• March is early spring in Tashkent — pack light layers, as days can be mild while evenings turn cool.
• Tashkent is a safe, easy-going capital, but standard traveller common sense applies as anywhere.