Budget & Costs
What does Uzbekistan cost?
Uzbekistan is among the most affordable travel countries worldwide. Prices are about 60–70% below the German level. Especially food, transport, and simple accommodations are astonishingly cheap. Only international hotels and tourist highlight tours cost more.
Typical Prices (Guide Values 2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Tea in a teahouse (Chaikhana) | 0.20–0.50 |
| Flatbread (Non) at the bazaar | 0.15–0.30 |
| Plov portion at the bazaar | 1–2 |
| Lunch in a restaurant | 3–7 |
| Dinner in a fine restaurant | 8–15 |
| Beer (0.5l in a restaurant) | 1–2 |
| Supermarket shopping (1 day) | 5–10 |
| Hostel (dormitory) | 5–10 |
| Guesthouse/B&B (double room) | 15–35 |
| Mid-range hotel (double room) | 30–60 |
| Historic boutique hotel (double room) | 50–120 |
| Afrosiyob train Tashkent–Samarkand | 7–12 |
| Taxi airport–city center Tashkent | 3–5 |
| Entrance Registan Samarkand | approx. 4 |
| Shared taxi Bukhara–Khiva | 8–15 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (15–30€ per day)
Hostels and simple guesthouses, food at the bazaar and in local restaurants, shared taxis (marshrutkas), slow trains instead of Afrosiyob. For 20€ a day, you live comfortably in Uzbekistan — not luxuriously, but well-fed, clean, and with all the highlights. Uzbekistan is a backpacker’s paradise.
Mid-range (35–70€ per day)
Boutique hotels in historic buildings (Samarkand and Bukhara have fantastic options in former madrasas and caravanserais), a mix of bazaar meals and restaurant visits, Afrosiyob trains, occasionally a private taxi. The best way to experience Uzbekistan — comfortable, yet close to local life.
Comfort / Luxury (80–200€+ per day)
International hotels (Hyatt Regency Tashkent, Movenpick Samarkand), private guides, domestic flights, gourmet restaurants. Uzbekistan’s luxury segment is growing, but even "luxury" here is cheaper than mid-range in Western Europe. For 150€/day, you get a 5-star experience.
Tipp
Most travelers spend 30–50€ per day in Uzbekistan and live excellently. The biggest expenses are flights (from 250€ return) and entrance fees for major attractions (each 3–5€). Everything else — food, transport, accommodations — is sensationally cheap.
Money & Saving Tips
Uzbekistan has revolutionized its financial system in recent years. Here are the most important tips:
- Cash vs. Card: Until recently, Uzbekistan was a cash-only country. Now, hotels, better restaurants, and larger stores accept Visa and Mastercard. However, you still need cash in sum at bazaars, small restaurants, and for taxis.
- Currency exchange: Best done at the airport or in banks. The black market exchange rate practically no longer exists — since the currency reform in 2017, the official and unofficial rates are almost identical.
- ATM: ATMs are available in all cities. Kapitalbank and Ipoteka Bank have the most reliable ATMs for foreign cards. Limit often 2,000,000 UZS (~150€) per withdrawal.
- Food at the bazaar: The cheapest and best meal is at the bazaar. Plov, shashlik, samsa, laghman — all fresh and for 1–3€.
- Shared taxis (marshrutkas): Shared taxis run between cities from the bazaars. Much cheaper than private taxis and a great way to meet locals.
- Book Afrosiyob early: The high-speed trains are very popular. Book tickets 10–14 days in advance online at railway.uz.
- Bargaining at the bazaar: Haggling is done in tourist souvenir shops. Prices for food are fixed. Rule of thumb: negotiate 30–40% off the first price.
- Yandex Go / MyTaxi: Taxi apps are standard in Tashkent and prevent rip-offs. Always use app taxis instead of street taxis.
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