Currency Exchange in Uzbekistan: Where to Change and What to Know in 2026

Currency exchange in Uzbekistan has become much simpler and safer than a few years ago. The rate is market-based, official exchange points work in all large cities, and the gap between the official and the "street" rate that travellers used to talk about has practically disappeared. Still, a few rules will help you avoid losing money and running into scammers. Rates and conditions change, so go by current data.

What to know first

The national currency is the soum (UZS). The rate floats and changes over time. It is best to bring US dollars or euros in cash: these are accepted most often. Other currencies cannot be exchanged everywhere, so check in advance whether you need to convert into dollars at home. It is better not to change everything at once, but part at the airport or station and the rest in town after comparing rates.

Where to exchange

Banks

The most reliable option. Bank branches in large cities change currency at the market rate, issue a receipt and operate openly. You may be asked for your passport. Hours are usually on weekdays and closed at weekends, so do not leave exchange to Saturday evening. There may be a queue at a bank, but there is no risk of getting fake notes.

Exchange offices

Official exchange points operate in city centres, malls, stations and near hotels. Their rates are sometimes better than banks' but the difference is small. Look at the board with buy and sell rates, check that the point is licensed and take a receipt. Count the money before you step away from the window.

ATMs

You can withdraw sums with an international card. Some ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, but the result depends on the issuing bank, its terms and restrictions. Ask your bank about withdrawal and conversion fees and possible limits. Withdraw money by day in busy places, preferably at a bank branch.

Hotels

Many hotels change currency, but the rate is usually worse than at a bank. Fine for a small sum in an emergency.

Airports and stations

Convenient for the first expenses. The rate may be a little worse, but changing a small sum for the road and a taxi is reasonable.

Where not to exchange

At bazaars and on the street you may be offered to change money "at a good rate". It is better to decline. The reasons:

1. Fraud. Note swaps, short counting, fake money and tricks with bundles.
2. Illegality. Exchange with private dealers may break the rules, and you will have no protection.
3. No benefit. The rate gap people mentioned before has practically vanished.
4. Risk. When counting on the street it is easy to be distracted and lose money.

If you are offered a "special" rate, something is wrong.

Condition of notes

Dollars and euros should be in good condition: without tears, stains, writing or heavy creases. Notes of older series and small denominations may be accepted at a worse rate. Large notes, such as 100 dollars, are usually exchanged at a better rate than small ones. Keep this in mind when preparing cash.

How not to lose on fees

• Compare rates. Look in two or three places, which takes a few minutes.
• Ask about the fee. Some points charge it separately.
• Ask for the final sum. Before handing over money, confirm how much you will receive.
• Do not change everything at once. Keep part in currency for unexpected expenses.
• Reverse exchange. Do not leave large soum leftovers: before your flight it is better to spend or convert them, since outside the country the rate may be unfavourable.

Receipt and documents

Keep the receipt until the end of the trip. You may be asked for a passport to exchange larger sums. In some cases, taking out significant sums of cash currency requires declaration at the border, so check the rules before travelling. Rules on bringing in and taking out currency are set by customs legislation and may change.

Practical spending tips

1. Calculate the budget in advance and exchange the main part in the first days.
2. Have small notes for transport and bazaars: change is not always given.
3. In the regions cash is needed more often than in Tashkent.
4. Do not carry all your money in one place.
5. Keep a backup payment method: a second card or a reserve in dollars.

How this relates to travel

Cash is needed for transport between cities, first of all on trips to the regions. For example, for the Tashkent to Bukhara route the distance is about 600 km, and small money is handy on the road for stops and snacks. In the Yo'ldosh app you book a seat in advance and on the spot confirm the payment procedure with the driver. That way nobody ends up without change or with surplus notes.

Bottom line

Currency exchange in Uzbekistan is simple: change at banks and official points, take a receipt, bring fresh notes in good condition and avoid street money changers. Then your money stays with you, not with scammers. Plan your budget, especially if you go along the Tashkent to Bukhara route and onward through the regions.

Cover photo: Eric Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons.