Uzbekistan
- Brief information
- On Arrival
- Airport Security
- Customs
- Duty Free
- Prohibited Imports/Exports
- For Emergence Medical Needs
- Medicine
- Inoculations
- Travel Insurance
- Transport
- Check in at Hotels
- Climate
- Clothing
- Geography
- Communications
- Language
- Cuisine
- Religion
- Electricity
- Time
- Shopping
- Customs on Departure
- On Departure
- Currency
- Local contact in Uzbekistan
Formal Name: The Republic of Uzbekistan
Short name: Uzbekistan
Term for Citizens: Uzbekistani
Capital: Tashkent
Date of Independence: September 1st, 1991.
Area: 447,400 km2
Time: GMT+5
Topography: Two-third of the territory is flat; the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain ranges dominate in the South and East; the biggest rivers are the Syr-Darya (2212 km) and the Amu-Darya (1415 km).
Climate: Continental, hot summer; humidity is low.
Population: 29.994 million people by 2012, growth rate is 1.89%; 34.1% of its people are younger than 14. According to official sources, Uzbeks comprise a majority of the total population. About 100 nations live in Uzbekistan, 80% of population are Uzbeks.
Language: Uzbek - official language, but Russian is still widely used.
Religion: Muslim (mostly Sunni) 80%; all kinds of faiths are also represented.
Education: Compulsory up to sixteen years; there are 60 active higher educational institutions.
Major industries: Textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, natural gas, cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain, livestock.
Major trading partners: Russia, the Ukraine, Europe, the CIS, the Czech Republic.
Money: Currency is called Sum (UZS).
Ecology: Water is the main environmental problem alongside with shrinking of the Aral Sea.
Health: Health care is generally free of charge; some efficient private practices have been introduced recently.
Culture: Land of ancient and rich culture with lots of historical monuments, traditional handicrafts and an enormous variety of foods.
Popular tourist destinations: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent and Ferghana Valley.
About Uzbekistan
Being situated in the focal point of Central Asia, Uzbekistan has enjoyed its importance being the central state in trade and commerce. The Great Silk Road passes through the heart of Uzbekistan where it sold and sorted out the silk commodities before heading westwards. The major cities of Uzbekistan like Samarkand and Bukhara were called the gem cities on the silk road because of their importance among the caravaneers who had formed small communities since the feature was a regular trade. The Indian trade routes from the south entered via present day Termez and headed northwards to Samarkand. Here it is important to note that traders made a short stop enroute at a place presently called Penjikent in Zarafshan valley. Penjikent was an important trade center which was home to many trading communities, the Chinese, Indians and Persians from the west. These communities had their city compounds with their families living for years. In Penjikent there was a Shiva temple, a Zoroastrian fire temple and a Buddhist stupa which is an indication that the city was quite heterogeneous. The region was by then known as Sogdiana with its neighboring country called Bactriana(now northern part of Afghanistan)
The original population of ancient Central Asia of which present Uzbekistan was a greater part inhabited by Sogdians, Persians, Khorezmians and Scythians and later intermixed with various invading tribes. The Arabs started their incursions in 7th/8th AD and transformed the local inhabitants thereby denouncing their traditional religious beliefs to Islam. An era of powerful dynasties took place in the heart Uzbekistan as the great Khorezmian Empire whose territory touched the foothills of bigger Tienshan ranges. It was then the invasion of the Mongols in 13th century that brought a significant change. The successors of Chengiz Khan then laid down their khanates as independent states springing up throughout Central Asia. Uzbekistan allied with one of the great grandson of Chengiz Khan called Uzbeg whose followers were then called by the same name. The other significant change came with the rise of Timurid power in 14th century and under the generalship of Tamerlane the region became a powerful kingdom whose territories were as far as India in southeast while in the west upto the Volga Don region and in the was huge wasteland and the steppe tribes were his subjects. In the east while Tamerlane has his influence to the present territories of Xinjiang in China. However he could not accomplish his dream of invading the mainland China due to his death.
Modern day Uzbekistan covers an area of 447,400 sq kms with about 60% of the land as desert however the riverine areas are rich agricultural lands with cotton as the main produce and shares as one of the largest cotton growing country of the world. It has rich reserves of gas, oil and 5th largest gold deposits in the world. All these factors are driving force behind Uzbekistan’s growing economy. Being a land locked country Uzbekistan is very much looking forward to the opening of routes reaching the Indian Ocean in order to stimulate her produce into the international markets. Uzbekistan is a land of variation from great deserts to green agricultural communities to the low Tienshan mountain ranges. It has enormous tourism potential with its classical cities still retaining the aroma of Silk Road days. Uzbeks are one of the most hospitable communities of Central Asia that has always welcomed guests with their traditional saying of ‘Hush Kelebsiz’ you are most welcome!!
ON ARRIVAL
As soon as you arrive, just after immigration control, you pass through customs to the bus outside where you will meet your guide.The original population of ancient Central Asia of which present Uzbekistan was a greater part inhabited by Sogdians, Persians, Khorezmians and Scythians and later intermixed with various invading tribes. The Arabs started their incursions in 7th/8th AD and transformed the local inhabitants thereby denouncing their traditional religious beliefs to Islam. An era of powerful dynasties took place in the heart Uzbekistan as the great Khorezmian Empire whose territory touched the foothills of bigger Tienshan ranges. It was then the invasion of the Mongols in 13th century that brought a significant change. The successors of Chengiz Khan then laid down their khanates as independent states springing up throughout Central Asia. Uzbekistan allied with one of the great grandson of Chengiz Khan called Uzbeg whose followers were then called by the same name. The other significant change came with the rise of Timurid power in 14th century and under the generalship of Tamerlane the region became a powerful kingdom whose territories were as far as India in southeast while in the west upto the Volga Don region and in the was huge wasteland and the steppe tribes were his subjects. In the east while Tamerlane has his influence to the present territories of Xinjiang in China. However he could not accomplish his dream of invading the mainland China due to his death.
Modern day Uzbekistan covers an area of 447,400 sq kms with about 60% of the land as desert however the riverine areas are rich agricultural lands with cotton as the main produce and shares as one of the largest cotton growing country of the world. It has rich reserves of gas, oil and 5th largest gold deposits in the world. All these factors are driving force behind Uzbekistan’s growing economy. Being a land locked country Uzbekistan is very much looking forward to the opening of routes reaching the Indian Ocean in order to stimulate her produce into the international markets. Uzbekistan is a land of variation from great deserts to green agricultural communities to the low Tienshan mountain ranges. It has enormous tourism potential with its classical cities still retaining the aroma of Silk Road days. Uzbeks are one of the most hospitable communities of Central Asia that has always welcomed guests with their traditional saying of ‘Hush Kelebsiz’ you are most welcome!!
ON ARRIVAL
AIRPORT SECURITY
At airports in Uzbekistan security is very tight and only those passengers who can show a passport and air ticket are allowed into the terminal building.
CUSTOMS
On the flight into Uzbekistan you will be given two Customs Declarations Forms to fill out on the aircraft. These are important documents. All currencies and other valuable items such as jewellery, cameras and computers being imported into the country must be declared in this form. Be accurate and ensure you declare less on the way out than you brought in! The Customs Declaration Form must be surrendered at the time of departure. This allows an easy export of all imported items. It is essential to produce encashment certificates for all currencies cashed within Uzbekistan in excess of US$ 2,000.00 (two thousand).
DUTY FREE: The following goods may be imported into Uzbekistan by tourists aged 18 and older without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco products; 2 litres of alcoholic beverages; a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.
PROHIBITED IMPORTS: Firearms, ammunition and drugs. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
PROHIBITED EXPORTS: Items more than 100 years old and those of special cultural importance require special permission for export. When buying items that may be more than 100 years old, ask for a certificate stating the age of the item.
Two further forms have to be filled out on departure. These will be given to you prior to leaving to give you time to complete the forms.
FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL NEEDS:
In any emergency hotel reception may please be contacted, since they have better access to local clinics with their own hotel doctors.
All charges incurring will have to be paid on the spot.
MEDICINE:
Though different medicine brands are available but all the medical literature supplied is either in Russian or in Uzbek language. It is better that for personal medicinal needs clients make sure to carry their own necessary supply for the period.
INOCULATIONS
All necessary innoculations should be arranged by members in their home country according to current requirements. We would ask you to seek professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic before travelling.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
All members should ensure that they have a travel insurance policy in place at the time of booking on the tour. This should include cover in the event of cancellation, medical emergency or loss or damage of baggage. Insurance should also include emergency medical evacutation/repatriation should a member fall ill during the tour and have to be repatriated back to their home country. The travel insurance policy should be arranged individually by all members in their home country.
TRANSPORT
The group will be transported by comfortable air-conditioned coach.
CHECK IN AT HOTELS
Upon check in at each hotel your passports will be collected by the guide for important and necessary paper work to register your stay. You will receive your passports back the evening of the same day. Please ensure you keep all registration cards safely till your departure, along with afore mentioned customs forms.
CLIMATE
The climate in Uzbekistan is sharply continental. There are more than 250 sunny days a year. The hottest summer month is July. The coldest winter month is January. The best time for travelling to Uzbekistan is from mid March to mid June and from August to mid November. During this time the temperature is usually agreeable and does not rise higher than +25-30C. Humidity is generally low in summer, as it almost never rains in this season
CLOTHING
Dress for comfort and the weather conditions. Mornings and evenings tend to be much cooler than the daytime highs so it is best to dress in layers - as the temperature rises during the course of the day you can remove a layer or put it on as the temperatures fall. Early mornings and evenings can be decidedly cool and so sweaters and jackets are necessary while light-coloured cotton garments are best for daytime wear. A hat is a necessary accessory. Heat and dust make thick-soled walking shoes a better choice. Carry sunglasses and sun block. Rainfall is generally not a problem but you may wish to pack a collapsible umbrella or lightweight rain jacket for the occasional shower that may fall.
There are no special clothing requirements for visiting Islamic religious site except that you should take care to cover most parts of your body including arms and legs. A lavish display of jewellery, bulging handbags and wallets and a neck full of cameras will make you stand out in a crowd. Be discreet, respectful of local culture and traditions and carry the minimum of valuable
GEOGRAPHY
Uzbekistan consists mostly of desert, with some upland and mountain scenery in the east. The Kyzylkum desert dominates everything west of Tashkent and, with the Karakum to the south, forms one one of the world's largest desert regions. Two mighty rivers, the Amu Darya (Oxus) and Syr Darya (Jaxartes) flow through the country towards the Aral Sea basin. East of Tashkent the Chatkal mountains mark the outer rim of the Ferghana Valley. From Ferghana eastwards are the Pamir and Tian Shan ranges.
COMMUNICATIONS
The phone code for Uzbekistan is +998.
Mobile phone services are also available in most major cities of Uzbekistan. Most hotels have local internet connections that can be used.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Uzbek (a Turkic group of tongues). From the very ancient times local people had their own written language - the Urhun alphabet up to the 8th century. After the Arabian invasion in the 8th century the Arabic alphabet was introduced. It was in use up to 1929. After 1929 there occurred the rapid shift from the Arabic to the Roman alphabet and then to a modified Cyrillic as the official script. Though, nowadays the Latin script is gradually replacing it.
Russian language is still greatly utilised as a means of interethnic communication. However with present Uzbekistan's policies moving toward the West, the knowledge of English has become increasingly common.
CUISINE
Plov is the staple food for everyday and celebrations too. It consists of chunks of fried mutton with onions, thinly shredded yellow turnip or carrot and rice steamed in a large iron pot.
Shashlyk, known also as kebabs, is skewered chunks of mutton barbecued over charcoal served with sliced raw onions and non (rounds of unleavened bread).
Samsa (meat pies) is a pastry pie stuffed with meat and onion or pumpkin, potato, cabbage, mushrooms or nuts backed in tandyr. Tandyr is a traditional cylindrical clay oven, heated with coal. Skill is needed when placing the raw samsas or non on the inside wall of the oven.
Manty are large dumplings stuffed with finely chopped meat, seasoned with various spices and a large amount of onion, and then steamed in a special pot.
Shurpa is a meat and vegetable soup.
Lagman is a thick noodle soup with thinly sliced fried meat and vegetables.
During summer and autumn there is a wide variety of fruits: grapes, pomegranates, apricots - which are also dried and used during other times of the year - and dwarfing them all, the mountains of honey melons and watermelons.
Green tea is the staple drink of the Uzbeks. Chai-khanas (tea-houses) can be found everywhere in Uzbekistan.
Always drink bottled mineral water rather than tap water.
RELIGION
Predominantly the Uzbeks are Sunni Muslim (80% of population), Shia (15%) alongside Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities. Freedom of worship is practiced.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is 220 volts working on twin round pin plugs.
TIME
Uzbekistan is GMT plus 5 hours.
SHOPPING
Handicrafts may be purchased at specialized art workshops in all the cities of Uzbekistan. Every year a growing number of tourists to Uzbekistan stipulate the demand for manual craft products. Everyone wants to take home not only vivid impressions but also an original souvenir. Shops offer a wide choice of articles made of semi-precious stone; carved and painted wood, bone of horn, embroidered skull-caps, decorative wall-hanging suzane, ceramics, miniatures, varieties of hand-made silk, including khanatlas, etc.
The best place to experience the "life in the East" is a bazaar. The bazaars of Bukhara and Samarkand offer goods ranging from herbs and spices to carpets. Famous "Bukhara" carpets are actually Turkoman products that have been sold for centuries in Bukhara's carpet bazaars. Many museums have small retail shops with a variety of modern wares and some original items as well.
Presently craftsmen are practising more than twenty types of traditional handicrafts including ceramics, metal chasing and embossing, knife-making, stone carving, ganch (stucco) and wood carving, jewellery making, silk and gold embroidery, silk weaving, rug and carpet-making, block printing, leather work, wood turning and papier-mâché work.
CUSTOMS ON DEPARTURE
Please note that antique purchases over 100 years old are not allowed to be exported. However carpets purchased do require a certificate of export and clearance from the ministry of culture. In this regard please make sure you get a valid receipt and a certificate from the shop owners. We shall then proceed to the Ministry of Culture locally. All expenses in regard to clearance will be borne by the member plus the service charges.
ON DEPARTURE:
Your guide will accompany you back to the airport at the end of your trip, but may not be able to enter the departure terminal itself, although this remains at the discretion of the official at the door. As you enter the departure terminal, you will see a number of stands with the same forms that you completed on your way into the country. You need to complete another two of these, this time selecting 'Departure' on both. This time, in the 'Country Arrived From' section, you need to write 'Uzbekistan'. Once you have completed your two forms, you need to head to the check-in desk on the right hand side, and hand over your ticket and passport. The check-in staff will take your main luggage as normal. Once the formalities are complete, go to the Immigration desk at the other side of the room. Your bags will go through the X-ray machine, while the official will take the two forms you just completed, and the second of the two forms you completed on arrival, making three forms in total - 2 departure forms and 1 arrival.
Following this, you will go to passport control, where they will stamp your passport, check your boarding pass and let you through to the gate. Do not be surprised if they appear not to check the forms you have completed, but you do need to fill these in as fully as possible, just in case. You can only use US Dollars at the couple of souvenir shops near the gate. Before boarding the plane, you will be subject to one final carry-on baggage check and walk-through X-ray machine.
CURRENCY
Uzbekistan currency is called Uzbek Sum. Currency code: UZS. One Uzbek Sum = 100 tiyn. Notes are in denominations of Sum 5000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 3 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 25, 10 and 5 sum.
Currency exchange: All tourists are obliged to pay for hotels, hotel services and transport in hard currency; US Dollars are the most widely acceptable form. All bills are normally settled in cash or credit cards. Old US dollar bills (prior to 1990), and those in poor condition (with writing or stamps), may not be accepted. Denominations in $1, $5, $10 & $20’s are very useful. Changing larger amounts can sometimes be unnecessary.
It is illegal to change money in the black market and penalties can be harsh. Banks and the currency exchange bureaux in major hotels will exchange at the official rates.
Credit cards: Acceptable only by some major hotels in tourist centres and banks.
Euro cheques: These are not accepted.
Traveller’s cheques: Limited acceptance.
Currency restrictions: The import of foreign currency is unlimited, but should be declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is permitted up to the amount declared on arrival. The import and export of local currency is prohibited.
Banking hours: 0930-1730 Monday to Friday.
LOCAL CONTACT IN UZBEKISTAN
SITARA INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Dom 45, Office 42, Shota Rustavelli Str. Tashkent 100100, Uzbekistan
Office Tel: (+998 71) 255 35 04
Fax: (+998 71) 120 6500
Emergency
Mr. Zia, General Manager – (+998 90) 175 4975
Ms. Nilufar – (+998 90) 175 7354