Travelling to Uzbekistan?

Get the best currency exchange rates for Uzbek currency online 

Gear up for your travel adventure to Uzbekistan. Order your Uzbekistani so’m at Manor FX today.

Benefit from our fantastic Uzbekistan som exchange rates and get more UZS cash to enjoy.  

Have your Uzbekistani so’m banknotes delivered securely to your home or office, or pick them up from the Manor FX bureau near Heathrow.

With Manor FX, you can count on swift delivery and a fuss-free online ordering process for your Uzbek so’m travel money.

Uzbekistan travel money

Ready to explore the history of trade along Uzbekistan’s ancient Silk Roads? If so, here’s some helpful information about cash and card payments in Uzbekistan.

Where can I buy Uzbekistani so’m?

You can buy Uzbekistani so’m from Manor FX

The Uzbekistani so’m is a minor currency and is not commonly traded in the UK. 

Converting GBP to Uzbek som will involve searching for specialised currency exchange services. 

Want to skip the hassle of searching online? Manor FX is one of the only exchange bureaus in the UK to sell Uzbekistani so’m. 

Order your Uzbekistani so’m conveniently online with us; we offer excellent UZS exchange rates, so you’ll have more money to enjoy on your adventure in Uzbekistan!

If you are near Heathrow, you can also pick up your so’m at the Manor FX bureau. You’ll receive the same great rates in person and avoid those pesky airport rates.

Can I buy Uzbek som in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Uzbek som in the UK through our online exchange office.

Exploring our currency exchange platforms is a hassle-free way to get the Uzbekistani currency you need for your upcoming trip. 

And, for orders over £750, enjoy free delivery. Convert your GBP to Uzbekistani so’m effortlessly for your holiday today!

We can even help you to convert leftover soms to British pounds on your return. We also have the best UZS to British pounds exchange rates.

Should I exchange money before I travel to Uzbekistan?

Yes, exchanging money before travelling to Uzbekistan is a good idea. 

While you can exchange currency in Uzbekistan, having some local currency on hand when you arrive is more convenient and means you can get the best GBP to Uzbekistani som exchange rate.

This can help cover immediate expenses like transportation and small purchases. It’s a smart way to ensure you have cash available when you land in Uzbekistan and start your journey.

Is Uzbekistani so’m a closed currency?

No, the Uzbekistani so’m (UZS) is not a closed currency and is accessible to foreign travellers. 

You can also exchange foreign currencies for Uzbekistani so’m through banks and exchange offices in Uzbekistan. 

What currency is best to take to Uzbekistan?

The best currency to take to Uzbekistan is Uzbekistani som, the local currency. It is what you will need for everyday spending, including taxis, markets, small cafés, local transport, tips and smaller shops.

It can also be useful to bring some clean US dollars or euros as backup. Travelling with multiple currencies is handy because they can be exchanged at banks and official exchange offices. 

However, you should not rely on spending dollars or euros day to day. For most purchases, Uzbekistani som is the most practical option.

Some tourist-focused souvenir shops may quote prices in US dollars, but you will still need som for normal travel costs such as food, taxis and local purchases. 

Carry smaller som notes too, as they are much easier for markets, quick payments and haggling.

Can I use euros in Uzbekistan?

Yes, you can use euros (EUR) in Uzbekistan, but it may be challenging to use in rural areas.

Some businesses may accept euros, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. However, exchanging your euros for UZS at banks or exchange offices in Uzbekistan is advisable. 

This ensures you have the local currency for most transactions.

Can I use my bank card in Uzbekistan?

Yes, you can use your bank card in Uzbekistan. However, it’s important to note that cash is the preferred payment method. 

In smaller towns, local markets, and for smaller purchases, having Uzbekistani som (UZS) on hand is essential for daily expenses.

The only vendors in Uzbekistan that accept credit or debit card payments are international hotels and large supermarkets in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.

While card use is possible in Uzbekistan, carrying both cash and a card is advisable for maximum flexibility. 

Quick reminder: Always notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid issues with card usage abroad.

Should I use cash in Uzbekistan?

Yes, it is a good idea to carry cash in Uzbekistan. 

Cards are accepted in many hotels, larger restaurants, shops and tourist areas, but cash is still widely used for markets, taxis, small cafés, local transport and smaller towns.

Use the local currency, Uzbekistani som, for everyday purchases so you are not relying on poor exchange rates or card fees. 

ATMs are available in cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, but access can be more limited outside major areas, so keep enough cash for day trips or rural travel.

You can exchange foreign currency at banks and official exchange offices. Avoid street exchanges, and carry smaller som notes for tips, taxis, bazaars and quick purchases.

How much cash should I bring to Uzbekistan?

How much cash you need for Uzbekistan depends on your route, travel style and whether you have already booked hotels, trains or tours. 

As a simple starting point, bring enough Uzbekistani som for your first day or two, plus a backup card and a small amount of clean US dollars or euros, around £150 to £200 worth, in case an ATM is unavailable, or card payments are not accepted.

Uzbekistan is generally affordable for UK travellers. Local meals, taxis and everyday purchases can be very good value, especially outside higher-end hotels and private tours. 

For a modest-to-comfortable trip, around £40 to £60 per person per day can cover simple accommodation, local restaurants, short taxi rides and small extras. However, you will need more for boutique hotels, guided tours, internal flights or lots of attractions.

Train travel is also usually affordable, but prices change, so check current fares before quoting exact routes. 

The high-speed Afrosiyob train costs more than slower services such as Sharq, but both can be a practical way to travel between cities like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.

Carry smaller som notes for taxis, markets, tips, cafés and local transport, and avoid relying entirely on cards outside major cities.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in Uzbekistan?

A mix of cash and card is the most practical option in Uzbekistan. 

Cash in Uzbekistani som is best for everyday spending, especially in markets, taxis, small cafés, local shops and smaller towns.

Cards are accepted in many hotels, larger restaurants and some shops in tourist cities, but they are not as universally reliable as in the UK. 

Keep a debit or credit card for bigger payments and emergencies, but do not rely on it for everything.

If you need more cash, ATMs are available in cities and larger towns, although your bank and the local ATM provider may charge fees. 

For smoother spending, carry enough som for the day and keep smaller notes for tips, transport and quick purchases.

How can I avoid ATM fees in Uzbekistan?

To reduce ATM fees in Uzbekistan, use a debit card with low or no overseas withdrawal charges, withdraw larger amounts less often, and always choose to be charged in Uzbek som rather than pounds. 

ATMs are easier to find in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, but cash is still useful outside major tourist areas.

How does tipping work in Uzbekistan?

Tipping is not mandatory in Uzbekistan, but it is appreciated in tourist areas. 

In restaurants, round up the bill or leave around 5% to 10% for good service if no service charge is included. 

For taxis, rounding up is usually enough, while guides and drivers may appreciate a small cash tip in Uzbek som.

Is Uzbekistan a cheap country to visit?

Yes, Uzbekistan is generally a cheap country to visit, especially compared with much of Europe. 

Food, local transport and entry fees are usually affordable, although costs rise if you choose boutique hotels, private tours or internal flights. 

As with most trips, Tashkent and popular Silk Road cities like Samarkand and Bukhara can be pricier than smaller towns.

Uzbekistani currency

Banknotes in Uzbekistan

The official currency of the Republic of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som, also written as so’m. Its currency code is UZS.

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan issues som banknotes and coins. 

Uzbekistani banknotes often feature details such as cultural landmarks, historic architecture, and themes from the country’s heritage, including places and regions linked to the Silk Road.

Current banknote denominations include 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 som. 

Because inflation has eroded the value of smaller notes over time, denominations of 500 som and below have been withdrawn from circulation or replaced with coins.

Coins in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistani som coins are still used, but they are low-value compared with banknotes. Current coins include 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 som.

Older low-value coins, such as 1, 5, 10 and 25 som, are no longer in circulation. For most travel spending, you are more likely to use banknotes, especially for taxis, meals, markets and shopping.

Uzbekistan’s currency import and export regulations

You can bring cash into Uzbekistan, but if you are carrying more than 100 million Uzbek som (roughly £6,200), you must declare it at customs. 

If you plan to leave with a large amount of foreign currency, keep your entry declaration, as you may need it to show the money was brought into the country legally.

Buy Uzbekistani Som online (GBP to UZS)

Order Uzbekistani som online and have them delivered fast and securely to your home or office with Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®. Or pick them up from our travel money shop near Heathrow. 

Click here to convert pounds to Uzbek som online and get the best Uzbekistani som exchange rate, no hidden fees.

Selling back Uzbekistani soʻm (UZS to GBP)

If you need to convert Uzbek som to GBP, head to the top of the page to convert Uzbekistani so’m to Pounds.

Click on ‘sell currency’ and select ‘UZS Uzbekistani so’m’. We have great UZS to GBP exchange rates.

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