10 things you didn’t know about Uzbekistan currency
The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som, also written as so’m.
Its currency code is UZS, and it is the money you will use for taxis, markets, cafés, museums, train stations, local shops and everyday spending in Uzbekistan.
If you are travelling from the UK, it is worth sorting some Uzbekistani som before you go.
Cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, especially in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, but cash is still extremely useful once you are on the ground.
You may also see US dollars or euros mentioned in tourist areas, but for everyday purchases, the local currency is what matters.
Quick facts: Uzbekistan currency (UZS)
| Official currency | Uzbekistani som |
| Currency code | UZS |
| Also written as | Som, so’m, sum or Uzbek sum |
| Local symbol/text | сўм |
| Current banknotes | 1,000 to 200,000 som |
| Current coins | 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 som |
| Best currency to use | Uzbekistani som |
| Useful backup currency | Clean US dollars or euros |
| Card acceptance | Good in larger cities, less reliable elsewhere |
| Cash tip | Carry smaller notes for taxis, markets and tips |
From Silk Road notes to exchange rates: Uzbekistan currency explained
1. Uzbekistan currency is called the Uzbekistani som
The currency used in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som UZS.
You may also see it written as so’m, sum, Uzbek sum or Uzbekistani sums, depending on the source, translation or currency converter.
For UK travellers, the key detail is simple: the official currency and national currency of Uzbekistan is the som.
So if you search for “currency in Uzbekistan”, “currency of Uzbekistan” or “Uzbek currency”, this is the money you need.
2. The Central Bank issues Uzbekistani som banknotes and coins
The Central Bank of Uzbekistan issues the country’s banknotes and coins.
It is also the best official source for current denominations, note images, security features and currency updates.
Current banknote denominations include 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 som.
The scale can look dramatic if you are used to British pounds, but large numbers on Uzbekistani banknotes do not always mean large value.
3. The Uzbekistani som replaced the Soviet ruble
The modern Uzbekistan som currency came into use in July 1994, after Uzbekistan became independent from the Soviet Union. It replaced the ruble and helped the Republic of Uzbekistan establish its own national currency.
Like many post-Soviet currencies, the som has had to contend with inflation and changes in exchange-rate management.
Today, it is practical everyday money, but it also reflects Uzbekistan’s move towards its own government, banks and financial system.
4. The exchange rate can make prices look huge
If you check the Uzbek currency to GBP or Uzbekistan som to GBP, the numbers can seem surprising.
Enter your amount into a currency converter, and a small amount of British pounds may be worth thousands of som.
That does not mean Uzbekistan is wildly expensive. It just means the currency works on a larger numerical scale.
Check the exchange rate before you travel, because UZS to GBP exchange rates and soms to British pounds conversion rates can change.
5. A currency converter is not the same as a travel money rate
A currency converter is useful for checking how much Uzbekistani som are worth in British pounds, but it may not reflect the same rate you get when buying travel money.
Currency exchange providers, banks and international money transfer companies may use different rates, margins or fees.
The “exchange rates today” figure online may reflect a mid-market rate, whereas the cash currency exchange rate can differ.
If you are buying travel cash, check the actual rate before you pay. If you want to send money to Uzbekistan, compare international money transfers instead.
6. Uzbek sum banknotes are surprisingly beautiful
Uzbek sum banknotes often feature architecture, cultural landmarks and historical themes from across the country.
You may see references to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Kokand, Tashkent and the Ferghana Valley. They reflect Uzbekistan’s Silk Road history, Islamic architecture, trade routes and cultural identity.
The Central Bank site includes images of official notes, which can help you recognise what is currently in circulation before you travel.
7. Inflation explains the large denominations
Inflation is one reason Uzbekistan uses high-value banknotes. Over time, smaller notes became less useful for everyday payments, so larger denominations such as 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 som were introduced.
Older, lower-value notes have been withdrawn from circulation or replaced by coins. So if you read an old blog post from several years ago, the banknote detail may now be out of date.
8. Cash still matters in Uzbekistan
Cash in Uzbekistani som is still important in Uzbekistan.
Cards are becoming more common in hotels, larger shops and tourist areas, but they are not as reliable everywhere as they are in the UK.
Carry som for markets, taxis, local transport, cafés, bazaars, tips, museums, day trips and smaller towns.
You can also travel with additional currencies such as US dollars, USD or euros. You can convert these at banks and official exchange offices, but som is usually the easiest way to pay day to day.
9. The black market used to be part of the story
For years, Uzbekistan had a complicated currency situation, and the black market played a big role because the official exchange rate did not always match reality.
That changed in 2017, when Uzbekistan liberalised its currency system and made the som more freely convertible.
For visitors today, the advice is simple: avoid black market exchanges and use banks, official exchange offices or trusted providers.
10. You may still see US dollars in tourist areas
Although the Uzbekistani som is the official currency, you may still see US dollars quoted in some tourist settings, such as hotels, tour companies, souvenir shops or private guides.
That does not mean dollars are best for everyday spending.
For taxis, cafés, markets, local transport and small purchases, you will normally need som. Euros can also be exchanged, but they are better as a backup currency than for day-to-day use.
For most travellers, the best setup is Uzbekistani som for spending, plus a card and a little backup foreign currency.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Uzbekistan?
Yes, it is a good idea to have some Uzbekistani som before you travel. It means you can pay for transport, food and small purchases as soon as you arrive, without waiting to find an exchange office or ATM.
Buy your so’m now
What currency is best to take to Uzbekistan?
The best currency to take to Uzbekistan is Uzbekistani som (UZS currency,), as it is the local currency used for everyday spending.
It is also useful to bring a small amount of clean US dollars or euros as backup, as these can be exchanged at banks and official exchange offices.
Can you buy Uzbekistan currency in the UK?
Yes, you can buy Uzbekistan currency in the UK from specialist travel money providers such as Manor FX. Uzbekistani som is not as widely available as euros or US dollars, so it is a good idea to order in advance rather than leaving it until the airport.
Where to buy Uzbekistan som in the UK
| Option | What to expect |
| Specialist bureau (online) | The simplest option for less common currencies: compare rates and order ahead. Get the best rates and swift home delivery with Manor FX. |
| High street banks | Some currencies may need ordering in advance; availability can vary by branch. |
| Post Office | Stocks a range of travel money, but less common currencies may be limited or unavailable. |
| Airport exchange | Convenient, but higher costs; stock of rarer currencies can be unpredictable. |
How to get Uzbekistan currency from Manor FX
Want to get your Uzbekistani som before you travel? Manor FX is one of the few UK travel money providers that offer this specialist currency for online purchase.
You can buy Uzbekistani som online with Manor FX and arrange delivery to your home or office. You can also collect your order the same day from the Manor FX bureau near Heathrow.
Here is how it works:
- Select Uzbekistani som on the Manor FX site.
- Enter your amount in British pounds or UZS.
- Check the exchange rate and total cost.
- Choose delivery or collection.
- Pay securely and get your travel money sorted before your trip.
Because Uzbekistani som is a specialist currency, it is worth ordering in advance rather than waiting until the airport. You can also order any other currencies you might need for your travels at the same time.
Availability can change, and you do not want to start your trip hunting for local cash on arrival.
Can I sell leftover Uzbekistani som?
Yes, Manor FX can also help if you come home with leftover Uzbekistani som.
Head to the Uzbekistani som page, select the sell currency option, and choose UZS (Uzbekistani som).
You can then convert your leftover Uzbek currency back into pounds.
This is useful if you return with spare banknotes after your trip and do not want them sitting in a drawer until “one day” becomes “never”.
FAQs
The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som, also written as so’m. Its currency code is UZS.
US dollars may be accepted or quoted in some tourist settings, but you should use Uzbekistani som for most normal spending.
Euros can often be exchanged at banks and official exchange offices, but they are not the best option for everyday purchases. Use the Uzbekistani som for daily spending.
No, the Uzbekistani som is not a closed currency. You can buy it before travel from specialist providers such as Manor FX, and you can exchange foreign currency in Uzbekistan through banks and official exchange offices.
Yes. “Som” is the standard spelling used by Manor FX, while “sum” is another spelling you may see on currency sites, converter tools or older pages. Both refer to Uzbekistan’s national currency.
You can use a currency converter to check live UZS to GBP exchange rates. For buying travel money, check the actual rate offered by your provider, as cash currency exchange rates may differ from online mid-market rates.
Uzbekistan is generally affordable for UK travellers, especially for local food, taxis, trains and entry fees. Costs rise if you choose boutique hotels, private tours, internal flights or more tourist-focused restaurants, but day-to-day spending can be very reasonable.