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| S a m a r k a n d, U z b e k i s t a n |
| Welcome to my journey of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Because I had a truly unique experience, my goal is to share the local knowledge I gained as objectively as possible in order to promote and prepare one for travelling to Uzbekistan. |
| Local Culture Photo Gallery Helpful Links: Lonely Planet ICARP Uzbekistan Facts State Department CDC Email Me |
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| Pick up a travel book before leaving. This is a good one. |
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| This is about 40 US dollars. Make sure you have something larger than a money belt. |
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| Accept hot tea whenever offered. It helps soothe your stomach as well as cool you down- even in the dead of summer. |
| Before Departure: |
| Get your visa- it may take around 4 weeks, so plan ahead. Get the appropriate vaccinations, check the CDC's website. Credit cards are only used in the foreign-owned hotels in town, so cash is a wiser choice- bring small new bills. You may bring traveller's checques as a back-up, but you can only cash them at the National Bank of Uzbekistan, and you may have to wait in line for a good hour (until you realize somehow you keep finding yourself at the back of the line- then you have to shove your way like the rest- don't worry it's not rude.) Learn some Russian, it helps immensely. |
| What to Bring: |
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| Because both upset stomachs and diarrhea are inevitable for the western traveller, make sure you have rehydration fluids like gatorade. As a back-up, rehydration salts work wonders if you become ill- this happened to me, so trust me. You can buy them at the local pharmacy, however it could become a problem if you don't speak russian. Also bring your regular medicines along with the prescriptions, you may not find many American brands. The Uzbek toilet paper is quite coarse compared to western products, so you may want to bring a few rolls from home. If you travel far from your hotel or your host families home, the bathroom situation may not be the best, so it is wise to carry tissue in your bag as well as anti-bacterial lotion. For those of us who don't like to feel dusty after riding in a local car or bus, because most don't have air conditioning- it is nice to carry wet-wipes. They do a really great job of cleaning your face and hands if there is a water shortage. You may also wish to bring your own toiletries if your are picky like me, again not many American brands. |
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| Important Tips: |
| Drink lots of bottled or boiled water. Uzbeks usually drink mineral water, so if you want pure drinking water, learn how to say "without gas" in russian. Bartering is the norm, so brush up on your skills, the locals are really good! If you are female, do not take a taxi alone at night, again trust me. Uzbeks are great hosts and love to make new friends, so bring gifts from home to present at the end of your stay. Rich or poor, they will always graciously present you with a gift. There is usually a higher price for foreigners, so be aware. The glass Coca-Cola bottles that are sold on the street are to be returned to the vendor as soon as you are finished, so don't walk away with them. You must register with the local police in every city you stay. You should register with your country's embassy in Tashkent so that they know your whereabouts in case of an emergency. You can also get an official copy of your passport so that you do not have to carry the original. Leave the halter tops at home. This is a Muslim country, and Uzbek women do not show their cleavage. Learn the phases of culture shock, and learn to recognize where you are. Remember to be adaptable and to be open-minded. Bring familiar items from home to help ease the adjustment, such as a journal, favorite snacks, music, a book, etc. If you purchase an expensive souvenir such as a carpet, get a receipt for customs. |
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