This information has been compiled for your reference in good faith but please use this only as a general guide. We advise you to check with relevant authorities with regard to the latest requirement for passport, visa, travel advisory, entry restrictions, health requirements, local currency etc as these are subjected to change with without prior notice and our information given below may not be as updated.

Best time to go:Uzbekistan is best visited during spring and autumn that is in April to May and September to early November. During these periods, it’s typically warm and dry, and you can enjoy the heat of this desert region without it being uncomfortably hot, as it can be during the summer months. From November to March it can be very cold, but this also brings clear, bright skies which provide an exceptional backdrop to any photos you take during your trip. This is also the quietest time of the year, so if you’re willing to dress warmly you’re likely to have the country’s exquisitely beautiful sites to yourself.Uzbekistan doesn't experience a monsoon season like some other parts of Asia. 

Visa: New Zealand passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Uzbekistan for upto 30 days.

Currency:The monetary unit in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). 1 Som = 100 Tiyin.Here are the denominations of banknotes and coins currently in circulation: Banknotes: 1,000 som, 2,000 som, 5,000 som, 10,000 som, 20,000 som, 50,000 som, 100,000 som& 200,000 som. Coins: 100 som, 500 som& 1000 som. Travellers' cheques are not normally accepted. There are very few cash dispensers. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Only change money through official exchange booths. It is illegal to change money on the black market, and harsh penalties will be imposed on those caught doing so. Damaged or marked bank notes will not be accepted at official exchange locations. You will need to complete a foreign currency declaration form when you arrive, and keep a copy yourself. You cannot leave with more foreign currency than you arrive with.Visa & Master Cards are widely accepted in shops and local restaurants of Tashkent, Samarkand & Bukhara. In smaller cities like Khiva better to carry cash. In the bazaars also cash only in use.

Health: Health insurance is strongly advised for Uzbekistan. No vaccinations are legally required in order to enter Uzbekistan. It is not allowed to carry any sleeping pills or painkillers into Uzbekistan as they are illegal and customs officials are on the look-out for medications such as codeine, Valium, Xanax and Temazepam. All medicines should be in their original packaging

Doctors recommend all travellers are current with immunizations against hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus, and some travellers should consider hepatitis B and rabies. Uzbekistan requires HIV testing for foreigners staying more than three months. Foreign tests are accepted under certain conditions, but make sure you check with the Uzbekistan embassy before travelling.

Food and drinks: Mutton is a popular variety of meat due to the abundance of sheep in the country and it is a part of various Uzbek dishes. Uzbekistan's signature dish is palov (plov or osh or 'pilaf'), a main course typically made with rice, pieces of meat, grated carrots and onions. It is usually cooked in a Kazan (or deghi) over an open fire; chickpeas, raisins, barberries, or fruit may be added for variation.

Drink. If you want to meet locals in Uzbekistan sit down for some tea or if invited out, you will most certainly be offered tea. Green tea is the most popular tea and sugar is never added. For a more historic drink, try ayran, which is a yogurt drink and more common during the hot summer months or sumalyak, which is cream of wheat. If you want coffee, juice, or soft drinks, they are also available although none have a true place in the country's culture.

Alcohol is popular in Uzbekistan, despite the fact that the people are primarily Muslim, a religion that outlaws alcohol, however due to the people's long history under Soviet rule there is little taboo with drinking alcohol today. Even for locals who don't drink they rarely take offense when others drink. Also due to Soviet influence, beer and vodka are the most popular alcoholic drinks, but there are a few local wineries as well. Vodka, beer, and wine, both local and foreign are widely available in the country. For other alcoholic drinks, including most hard liquors, you may have troubles finding what you want, but if you look hard enough they are available, although rarely in restaurants.

Public Transport: Traveling by high-speed trains through Uzbekistan is the safest and comfortable mode of transport. There are operating between the cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. In generallocal buses are the worst way to get around Uzbekistan. Taxi is the most convenient way to travel, some of the following app-based cabs available in Uzbekistan are Yandex Go (Russian – most popular), Uklon (Ukrainian), My Taxi (local).

Safety & security: Like in any other part of the world, a few precautions need to be taken to avoid any problems. Please do not leave your bags unattended at any times. Please use safe deposit in your hotel room or Reception to keep your money or valuables including passport. When you leave the room, it is recommended that you lock your suitcase. It is also recommended to carry a copy of your passport including the visa page.

Clothing:You can dress up casually. It is advisable to carry long sleeve shirts. Long sleeve shirts are good during all the seasons. It is perfect for spring and autumn and good when it is cold as well as protects you from the scorching, torrid sun.Jeans are not recommended during summer months as Uzbekistan tends to be really hot in summer. You can always pack some shorts during hot months. Shorts are not recommended to wear in remote villages but in bigger cities it’s the king in summer.If you are travelling during a late autumn or early spring a waterproof jacket can save you from cool weather and at the same time from possible rains. April and October are called the Rainy Season in Uzbekistan.

Baggage Allowance: All domestic airlines in Uzbekistan have a strict baggage allowance of 15 kilos and hand bags upto 7 kilos per person. All excess have to be paid directly by the passengers directly to the airlines.

Internet: Internet is common in hotel rooms and a lot of hotels also have internet facilities at their Reception or Business Centre for use by guests at a small fee. Some websites are blocked in Uzbekistan for political reasons

Telephone: Uzbekisatn has a dialing code of +998 from New Zealand. Telephone numbers of Hotels arranged by us will be supplied to you in your itinerary. While calling New Zealand from Uzbekistan, you will need to dial +64… Calling Booths (or PCOs) are easily available.

Time Difference:Uzbekistan is 07 hrs behind New Zealand from April to September and 08 hrs from October to March.

Photography: Taking photos of airports, government buildings and military establishments are prohibited. If you are taking photos of local ladies, please politely ask for prior permission.

Electricity: 220 volts / 50 Hz - Sockets are of European two pronged round pin variety. Few Hotels have adapters available which you could borrow free of charge during your stay but it might be a good idea to carry one from home. Please visit this website for more information on plugs: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

Tipping: Tipping in Uzbekistan isn't common or expected. In nicer establishments you may see a 10% service charge on the bill. If you felt service was exceptional then you can tip up to 5%. Tip to the waiter at the restaurant is around USD 5-15 per meal.

Tashkent

The capital of Uzbekistan and with a population of 3 million people, it is the largest city in Central Asia.  This large metropolis reflects the historical development of the country from its architectural monuments of oriental design to its Soviet planned street layout and its modern glass high buildings.  The area of modern Tashkent was already settled in the 5^th to 3^rd centuries BC.  Its name literally translates as “stone city”.  It has been destroyed several times in history; the most recent damage came from the earthquake in 1966 when many of its ancient historical monuments were destroyed. Thus Tashkent today is a modern city with a wide variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities

Samarkand

Crossroad of Cultures is the official moniker used to describe this city as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Samarkand conjures up images of ancient times and sounds almost mythical.  However, this is no fairytale: Samarkand today is a lively city which cherishes its traditions.  Archaeological excavations have revealed a history which dates back 3500 years; the town of Afrosiab was founded in the 7th century BC.  The area was continuously inhabited and served as a melting pot of diverse cultures.  It was conquered by Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, was the sumptuous capital of the Timurid Empire and played an important role in the development of Islamic architecture and arts.  You won’t want to miss Registan square, the Bibi Khanum and Gur Emir Mausoleums, the Shah-i-Zinda complex, Afrosiab  & the Ulughbek Observatory

Bukhara

The historic center of Bukhara has been an important base for Islamic theology and science for several centuries.  Its well-preserved city center was recognized by UNESCO as an exemplary medieval city.  City planning, urban, economic and scientific development in Bukhara had a large impact on the Islamic World in the Middle ages.  The earliest architectural monument is the tomb of Ismail Somoni dating back to the 10^th century. For seven centuries up until the 16^th century, it was the largest Islamic center for the study of Sufism with hundreds of mosques and madrasas or learning places.  World-renowned scholar Avicenna was born near Bukhara and grew up there.  While in Bukhara we’d recommend taking a stroll around the old city to savor its architectural legacy and imagine you bargaining as they would have done in medieval times

Khiva

The first UNESCO World Heritage site in Uzbekistan was inscribed in 1990 noting its importance in the exceptional heritage of ancient Silk Road traditions.  Itchan Kala, which literally translates as the inner part of the old city, is surrounded by thick mud walls.  It contains 51 monuments and is although around 250 households still make their home inside, it feels more like an open-air museum.  Looking down from Djuma minaret or the city walls, it’s hard to imagine this is the 21^st century.  It is here in Khiva that the scholar AI-Khoresmi, the father of algebra, was born and introduced algorithms to the world.  Take a guided tour to get to know the stories that feature in the history of this fascinating city.

Shahrisabz

This flourishing city of the Timurid Empire is the birthplace of the great medieval conqueror Amir Temur.  It has exceptional monuments from 14^th to 15^th centuries though its history dates back over 2000 years.  Its historic center retains the layout from the original Timurid city planning.  Amir Temur ordered the Ak Sarai the white summer palace to be built as well as his own grave. Tamerlane’s summer palace was one of the highlights of the Timurid architecture.  These days you can still see the remains of the palace’s 65 meter high monumental gates