Travel tips for Uzbekistan - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Illegal currency exchange is prohibited by law, so it is better not to change money on the street. Crumpled or dirty bills are often not exchangeable, as well as ones issued before 2000.

2. When visiting Mosques, Mausoleums and other places of religious significance, one should respect local customs: keep your head covered and put on clothes longer than your knees.

3. If you are living in a hotel, please be advised not to leave money and valuables in the rooms. You can always take them to the storage room at the reception desk.

4. In order to avoid pocket theft, it is recommended to not keep large cash with you or better still divide them into several pockets.

5. Family hotel business is widely developed in Uzbekistan. In the guest houses of a family house you can not only save on accommodation, but you also get the bonus of becoming acquainted with the national culture, a hearty homemade breakfast and a cozy atmosphere.

6. Paid photo and video shooting is allowed in Museums, Palaces, Necropolises and other historical and architectural sights.

7. It is possible to come across spiders or snakes in the desert. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. It is not advised to get involved in national dishes which are often fatty or spicy and can adversely affect the health of people with cardiovascular or gastrointestinal ailments.

9. It is not easy to meet a catering establishment with a vegetarian menu in Uzbekistan. If you make an attempt, you can find dishes without meat in the menu of a typical restaurant or cafe.

10. From March to November, Uzbek markets are filled with environmentally friendly vegetables and fruits sold at favorable prices. Be sure to try local dried fruits, nuts and spices which can be bought at major bazaars.

11. If you are in search of an authentic Uzbek experience, it is recommended you go to the teahouse where you can not only drink tea, but also taste delicious and satisfying dishes of national cuisine.

12. You should not drink tap water in Uzbekistan. You can buy bottled drinking water in hotels, restaurants and shops.

13. If you are going to the country between mid-spring and mid-autumn, it is advisable to take with you a wide-brimmed hat and large clothes made of fine natural materials, dark glasses and sunscreen.

14. Export of some souvenirs is subject to examination. These include carpets, embroidered textile products “suzane”, musical instruments, handmade furniture, more than three books, paintings, graphics, sculptures, silverwares.

15. Men shake hands while a woman can be greeted verbally or with a nod of the head. Women should not be taken by the arm without consent.

16. When entering an Uzbek’s house, you should take off your shoes. If the owners of the house go inside in their shoes, then you can ignore this advice.

17. Tipping is optional, but welcome. It is most often encouraged by taxi drivers, porters, guides and hotel staff. In restaurants, the tip is included in the bill.