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Some scams

Central Asia

Tourist scams in Uzbekistan

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.
  1. 1 On the streetCommonFound-cash scamA stranger says they have found money. They offer to split it with you, but first ask you to put in some of your own cash.Streets 1Read
  2. 2 TaxisCommonTaxi overchargingDrivers and touts quote tourists inflated fares. Hotel-arranged taxis can also cost several times the fair rate. An unclear agreement can leave room for arguments about passengers or luggage.Tashkent, Bukhara, Urgench 3Read
  3. 3 Changing moneyCommonShortchangingSomeone returns less change than you are owed. They may rush the transaction so you leave without counting.Cash transactions 3Read
  4. 4 ShoppingCommonPoor-value carpet salesMany outlets price carpets above what their quality warrants. A high price alone does not establish fraud, but buyers can pay far too much.Bukhara 3Read
  5. 5 ShoppingCommonSouvenir sales pressure and high pricesVendors actively call for tourists' attention. Souvenirs can cost more than in Samarkand or Bukhara, though bargaining can bring prices down. This is sales pressure and possible overpricing, rather than proof of fraud.Khiva 2Read
  6. 6 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing in bazaarsA thief takes an accessible wallet or purse while your attention is elsewhere.Bazaars 1Read
  7. 7 TheftOccasionalJewellery snatchingVisible valuable jewellery can be grabbed and stolen.Public placesRead
  8. 8 Buses and trainsOccasionalStranger's bill-splitting trickA stranger suggests using your large banknote to pay for both of you. They give you smaller notes but may contribute less than their fair share.Shared transport, including marshrutkasRead
  9. 9 Changing moneyOccasionalStreet money changers offering poor ratesSomeone offers to exchange currency outside an official office. Their rate can be much worse than the official rate.Tashkent 2Read
  10. 10 Buses and trainsOccasionalFalse claim that the airport transfer bus is not runningTaxi drivers insist the terminal transfer bus is not running, pushing you towards a paid taxi ride.Tashkent 1Read
  11. 11 Buses and trainsOccasionalTourist fare markup by ticket agentsAgents may charge a higher fare because you look like a tourist.Urgench 2Read
  12. 12 NightlifeOccasionalUnsolicited nightlife invitationAn unknown local offers to show you the nightlife. The exact scam or loss is not specified, but accepting these offers is warned against.Unsolicited approaches in publicRead
  13. 13 Fake officialsOccasionalPossible bribe pressure during a document checkA document check can create an opportunity for an improper payment request. Checks themselves can be legitimate, and pressure on foreign visitors is described as unusual.Police document checks 2Read
  14. 14 Food and drinkOccasionalCounterfeit bottled waterWater sold in a bottle may be counterfeit. Deposits at the bottom are a warning sign.KhivaRead
  15. 15 Other tricksOccasionalExcessive medical chargesSome doctors or hospitals may seek excessive payments from visitors. No specific billing method is described.Tashkent 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Tashkent International Airport, especially outside Terminal 2Taxi touts may demand inflated fares. Drivers may also claim the terminal transfer bus is not running.
  • Chorsu Bazaar, TashkentPeople may offer unofficial currency exchange at poor rates.
  • BazaarsPickpocketing is a particular concern.
  • Bukhara Railway Station in KogonTaxi drivers compete for passengers and may quote inflated fares, especially when evening buses have stopped.
  • Urgench AirportTaxi fares to Khiva can be inflated.
  • Bus and shared-taxi stations in UrgenchTicket agents may charge visitors more because they look like tourists.
  • Ichon-Qala and its surroundings, KhivaChildren may ask visitors for gifts such as pens. This is described as a nuisance rather than a proven scam.
  • Ye Old Chelsea Arms, Abdulla Kakhar 25, TashkentDescribed as overpriced. No specific deceptive billing practice is identified.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Use Yandex Go where available and check the displayed fare.
  • Compare hotel-arranged taxi prices with app fares.
  • Agree on the total price, all passengers and luggage before a direct booking.
  • Check claims about cancelled buses with staff rather than a driver selling a ride.

Money

  • Count cash and change before leaving a counter.
  • Use official exchange offices and check the final amount.
  • Carry small notes so you can pay separately and avoid change problems.
  • Clarify shortened prices: an amount spoken as 8 may mean 8,000 so‘m.
  • Compare prices and bargain before buying souvenirs or carpets.

Cards and ATMs

  • Use an ATM in a well-lit, staffed place when possible.
  • Shield your PIN and put cash away before leaving.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available.
  • Check fees: ATM surcharges are listed at 1–1.5%, and card payments may carry about a 1% surcharge.

Your belongings

  • Keep wallets in front pockets and bags closed in front of you.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Keep valuable jewellery discreet or securely stored.
  • Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.

Nights out

  • Decline offers from strangers to show you the nightlife.
  • Choose your own venue and arrange your return journey.
  • Check prices before ordering; Tashkent nightlife drinks and snacks can cost much more than daytime meals.
  • Avoid lingering in streets or parks after 11PM, when police attention may increase.

Police and officials

  • Stay polite and firm during a document check.
  • Keep colour document copies available and originals secure.
  • Ask for a clear explanation and formal paperwork for any requested payment.
  • Seek help from your accommodation or embassy if a situation becomes difficult.

What travellers say about Uzbekistan

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Uzbekistan safe for a first-time visitor?

Generally, yes. Keep valuables secure and watch for taxi overcharging, shortchanging and unsolicited offers. Take extra care in bazaars and dimly lit areas.

How can I avoid paying too much for an airport taxi?

Check Yandex Go where available. At Tashkent Airport, ignore touts. If you book directly, agree on the total fare for everyone and all luggage before entering.

What should I do if someone offers to split money they found?

Say you are not interested and walk away. Do not hand over your own money or open your wallet.

Is it a good idea to exchange money with someone in a market?

Use an official exchange office instead. Unofficial offers around Chorsu Bazaar can give poor rates. Check the total and count your cash before leaving.

How do I avoid being shortchanged on shared transport?

Carry smaller notes and pay your own fare. Decline a stranger's offer to use your large note to pay for both of you.

Where should I be most careful about pickpockets?

Take particular care in bazaars. Keep your wallet in a front pocket and your bag closed in front of you.

Are ATM and card-payment fees always a scam?

No. ATM surcharges are listed at 1–1.5%, and card payments may have about a 1% surcharge. Your own bank may charge additional fees.

Should I accept a stranger's offer to show me the nightlife?

Decline. Choose your own venue, check prices before ordering and arrange your return transport.

Can police document checks be legitimate?

Yes. A request to see travel documents is not itself a scam. Stay polite and firm, and ask for a clear explanation and formal paperwork if money is requested.

What should I check before buying bottled water in Khiva?

Look for an intact seal and check the bottom for deposits. Reject a suspicious bottle and do not drink from it.

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