Stay Connected in Tashkent
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Tashkent's mobile connectivity has improved dramatically in recent years, with decent 4G coverage throughout the city and expanding 5G networks. The three main carriers - Ucell, Beeline, and UMS - provide reliable service in urban areas, though coverage can be spotty in remote regions. Most travelers find data speeds adequate for navigation, messaging, and social media, with download speeds typically ranging from 10-50 Mbps in central areas. WiFi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, but having your own mobile data is essential for getting around independently. The good news is that connectivity options are affordable and accessible, whether you choose an eSIM for convenience or a local SIM for maximum savings.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Tashkent.
Network Coverage & Speed
Uzbekistan's telecom infrastructure centers around three major operators. Ucell generally offers the best coverage and speeds, particularly for data services, making it the top choice for most travelers. Beeline provides solid urban coverage with competitive pricing, while UMS rounds out the options with decent service quality. 4G LTE coverage is comprehensive throughout Tashkent and extends to most major cities and tourist destinations like Samarkand and Bukhara. However, expect reduced speeds and coverage gaps when traveling to rural areas or remote historical sites. 5G is beginning to roll out in Tashkent's business districts, though it's not yet widespread. Network congestion can occur during peak hours in busy areas, but overall performance is reliable for typical travel needs. Data speeds are generally sufficient for maps, translation apps, ride-hailing services, and staying in touch with home, though video calls may be inconsistent outside major urban centers.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM technology works well in Uzbekistan and offers significant advantages for most travelers. You can purchase and activate an eSIM before departure through providers like Airalo, ensuring you have connectivity the moment you land. This eliminates the need to navigate airport SIM shops, deal with language barriers, or worry about compatibility issues. eSIM plans typically cost $15-30 for 1-3GB of data valid for 7-30 days, which covers most short-term travel needs. The main advantages are convenience, immediate activation, and the peace of mind of having connectivity sorted before you travel. However, eSIM plans are generally more expensive per GB compared to local SIMs, and you'll need a compatible device. For travelers staying longer than a month or requiring large amounts of data, the cost difference becomes more significant and a local SIM might make more sense financially.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards in Uzbekistan are remarkably affordable, with tourist-friendly prepaid plans available from all three carriers. You can purchase SIMs at the airport, official carrier stores, or authorized dealers throughout the city. Ucell offers the best coverage and typically costs around $3-5 for a SIM with 3-5GB of data valid for 30 days. You'll need your passport for registration, and activation usually takes 10-30 minutes. The main challenge is navigating the purchase process, as English support varies by location. Airport shops are more expensive but offer English service, while city stores provide better rates but may require basic Russian or Uzbek phrases. Topping up credit is straightforward through mobile apps, USSD codes, or payment terminals found throughout the city. Local SIMs offer the best value for extended stays and heavy data users, but require more time and effort to set up initially.
Comparison
Local SIMs win on pure cost - roughly half the price of eSIM options for equivalent data. However, eSIM provides immediate connectivity, eliminates setup hassles, and saves valuable vacation time. International roaming from most Western carriers is prohibitively expensive at $10-15 per day. For trips under two weeks, the convenience premium of eSIM is usually worth it. For longer stays or tight budgets, local SIMs offer better value despite the initial setup effort. WiFi alone isn't sufficient given its inconsistent availability outside hotels and major tourist areas.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo. The convenience of having connectivity immediately upon arrival far outweighs the modest cost difference, especially when you're navigating a new country and potentially dealing with jet lag. You'll avoid airport queues and language barriers while ensuring your phone works from the moment you land.
Budget travelers: While local SIMs are cheaper, consider whether saving $10-15 is worth the time and potential frustration of setup. Unless you're on an extremely tight budget, eSIM provides better value when you factor in time saved and immediate peace of mind.
Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM cards make financial sense for extended visits. The initial setup effort pays off through significantly lower ongoing costs.
Business travelers: eSIM is your only practical option. Time is money, and immediate connectivity is essential for productive travel.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Tashkent.
Exclusive discounts: 15% off for new customers • 10% off for return customers