Uzbekistan Currency Guide for Travelers

Uzbekistan's official currency is the Uzbekistan som (UZS), but you'll likely find that US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.

The Uzbekistan som is subdivided into 100 tios, but you won't see tios in circulation.

As a traveler, it's a good idea to have some local currency on hand for when you arrive in Uzbekistan, especially for taxi rides and small purchases.

The Uzbekistani som is the official currency of Uzbekistan, and it's denoted by the ISO code UZS. It's been the country's currency since 1993.

You can exchange your Uzbekistani som for other currencies, but it's not always easy outside of Uzbekistan. In some cases, like at the Dostyk border between Andijan and Osh, you can exchange it for USD at normal bank rates.

Here are the banknote denominations you can expect to find: DenominationValue10001,000 som50005,000 som10,00010,000 som20,00020,000 som50,00050,000 som100,000100,000 som200,000200,000 som500,000500,000 som

The Uzbekistani som is the official currency of Uzbekistan, and it's denoted by the ISO code UZS. It's a unique currency with its own set of banknotes and coins.

The som was introduced in 1993, replacing the Soviet ruble. Since then, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan has issued various denominations of banknotes, ranging from 1 sum to 500,000 sum.

You can exchange your Uzbekistani som for other currencies at banks, but it's not always easy to do so outside of Uzbekistan. However, there are a few places where you can exchange your som, such as the Dostyk border between Andijan and Osh, where you can get a normal bank rate.

Here are the official denominations of Uzbekistani som banknotes:

Money on the Silk Road is a fascinating topic, and it's interesting to note that the three countries along this ancient trade route have their own unique banking systems.

In Kazakhstan, the banking system is relatively modern and well-developed, with a wide range of services available to citizens and foreigners alike.

Uzbekistan's banking system, on the other hand, has undergone significant changes since the country gained independence in 1991.

Money and banking in Kyrgyzstan are also worth exploring, with a mix of traditional and modern banking practices in place.

Here's a brief overview of the three countries' banking systems:

It's difficult to exchange Uzbek sum outside of Uzbekistan, but it's not impossible.

You can change sum back to USD in a bank, but changing sum back at the border is still a challenge.

One confirmed place to exchange sum at a normal bank rate is the Dostyk border between Andijan and Osh.

The Uzbekistani som is one of around 180 currencies worldwide, trading against all other official currencies globally.

Exchange rates can fluctuate over time due to various economic, political, and market factors. This means the value of one currency can increase or decrease compared to another.

At its introduction on 1 July 1994, 1 US dollar was equal to 25 som, which gives you an idea of the currency's history.

You can follow the live exchange rate to the Uzbekistani som using a currency page tool, which also allows you to see which providers offer the best deals.

It's difficult to exchange Uzbek som outside of Uzbekistan, but you can change it back to USD in a bank, and there's even a possibility of exchanging it at the Dostyk border between Andijan and Osh at normal bank rates.

Changing som back to USD or other currencies at the airport or other border crossings is still an issue, but more places to exchange som outside of Uzbekistan are welcome if you find them.

Travelling to Uzbekistan can be a challenge when it comes to figuring out how to pay for things. Credit cards from VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in touristy areas.

You can also use debit cards linked to your bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash. However, be aware that they often incur higher fees on Uzbekistani som currency exchange.

Cash is also a viable option, but it's not always the most convenient or secure choice. You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange bureau before or upon arrival.

Mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are becoming increasingly popular, but you'll need to check beforehand if they're available in Uzbekistan.

A prepaid travel card is often the best way to pay in Uzbekistan due to lower fees on Uzbekistani som currency exchange compared to credit or debit cards.

Here are some common payment methods in Uzbekistan:

Revolut is a global provider that offers excellent exchange rates and multi-currency balances, making it a great option for travellers.

ATM cash withdrawal is a convenient way to get local currency in Uzbekistan. You can find ATMs in all major cities, and they're stocked with money.

Most ATMs in Uzbekistan dispense Uzbek sum, the local currency. Some ATMs may also give out US dollars, but this is not guaranteed.

You can use your Maestro card or Visa card to withdraw cash from most ATMs. Some ATMs may also accept Mastercard.

To be on the safe side, it's a good idea to check with your bank before traveling to see if they have any specific requirements or restrictions for using ATMs abroad.

Here's a list of ATMs in Uzbekistan that you can use:

Keep in mind that ATMs may have withdrawal limits, so it's a good idea to check with your bank before traveling to see what the limits are.

Sending money to Uzbekistan can be expensive, with fees often constituting more than 10% of your transfer amount when using your international bank. This is why it's a good idea to explore alternative providers that offer better exchange rates.

Fortunately, there are many trustworthy providers competing in the market, offering rates that far outdo those of traditional banks. If you're looking for the cheapest option, consider using Monito's live comparison tool to find the best rates in real-time.

Changing Uzbek sum back to a foreign currency like USD or EUR can be tricky outside of Uzbekistan. You may be able to exchange it in a bank, but this isn't always possible at the border or airport.

Sending money internationally can be a costly affair, especially if you're using your bank to make the transfer. High fees and exchange rates can eat into your transfer amount, often constituting more than 10% of the total.

If you're sending money to Uzbekistan, for example, you'll want to be aware of these high fees and exchange rates. Sending money to Uzbekistan can be a complex process, but it's a common occurrence for many people.

Fortunately, there are alternative providers that offer more competitive exchange rates, often far better than what your bank can offer. These providers can help you save money on your international money transfers.

To find the cheapest provider, it's essential to compare rates in real-time, taking into account factors such as the amount you're sending, the payment method, and your location. You can use a live comparison tool to find the best option for your needs.

It's difficult to exchange Uzbek sum outside of Uzbekistan, but it's not impossible.

You can change sum back to USD in a bank, but changing sum at the border is still an issue.

Changing sum back to USD at the Dostyk border between Andijan and Osh is possible at normal bank rates.

You can also get rid of your sum near the bazaar in Osh.

On the train to Kazakhstan, you can change sum to tenge at a decent rate.