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Occasional in Uzbekistan

Scam in UzbekistanChanging money

Street money changers offering poor rates in Uzbekistan

Chorsu Bazaar and other unofficial exchange offers

How it works

Someone offers to exchange currency outside an official office. Their rate can be much worse than the official rate.

Warning signs

  • A stranger offers currency exchange in a market.
  • The exchange is taking place outside an official exchange office.

How to avoid it

  1. Use an official exchange office in a bank or hotel.
  2. Check the rate and final amount before handing over cash.
  3. Count the money before leaving.
  4. Do not assume an exchange is safe because police are nearby.

If it happens to you

Stop the exchange if possible. Keep any evidence of the rate and amount, and report suspected fraud.

  1. Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
  2. If you are in immediate danger, call 112. For police, call 102.
  3. Contact your card issuer immediately if a card or its details are missing. Block the card and ask about disputed payments.
  4. Save receipts, booking screens, messages and payment records. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  5. Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
  6. Contact your insurer and, if your passport is lost or stolen, your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensChorsu Bazaar and other unofficial exchange offersTashkent

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in UzbekistanFalse claim that the airport transfer bus is not running: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the street money changers offering poor rates scam in Uzbekistan?

Someone offers to exchange currency outside an official office. Their rate can be much worse than the official rate.

How can I spot it early?

A stranger offers currency exchange in a market. The exchange is taking place outside an official exchange office.

How do I avoid street money changers offering poor rates in Uzbekistan?

Use an official exchange office in a bank or hotel. Check the rate and final amount before handing over cash. Count the money before leaving. Do not assume an exchange is safe because police are nearby.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop the exchange if possible. Keep any evidence of the rate and amount, and report suspected fraud.

Where in Uzbekistan does this happen?

Chorsu Bazaar and other unofficial exchange offers It has been reported in Tashkent.

How common is this scam in Uzbekistan?

Occasional. Uzbekistan is generally safe for visitors, but tourists can face inflated taxi fares, shortchanging and poor exchange deals. Other risks include the found-cash scam, pickpockets in bazaars and strangers offering to show you the nightlife.

Are there similar scams in Uzbekistan?

Yes: shortchanging.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 102 for police assistance. Report theft, fraud or threats and ask for a written record or reference. Unified emergency service: call 112 in an urgent situation. The service operates 24 hours a day. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to block a card and report unauthorised transactions. Taxi booking service: if you booked through an app, use its support channel and attach the booking details and fare evidence. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a lost passport or a serious incident. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact on your policy. Keep receipts, payment evidence and any police report. Accommodation staff: ask reception for help explaining an incident, finding police assistance or choosing a medical provider.

What number do I call in an emergency in Uzbekistan?

Unified emergency service, available 24/7: 112, Police: 102, Medical emergency: 103, Fire: 101.

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