Tashkent Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Tashkent.
Healthcare System
Uzbekistan has a two-tier healthcare system: state-provided and private. The public system is underfunded and often lacks modern equipment, medications, and English-speaking staff. Private clinics in Tashkent offer significantly higher standards of care, comparable to regional international standards, but at a cost.
Hospitals
For tourists, private clinics are strongly recommended. Key options include: 1) German Medical Center (Tashkent), 2) South Korean Clinic, and 3) Tashkent International Clinic. These clinics can handle emergencies, consultations, and basic procedures. For complex emergencies, medical evacuation to a neighboring country (e.g., Turkey, UAE) or home country may be necessary.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies ('Apteka') are widespread in Tashkent. Many common medications (painkillers, antibiotics, stomach remedies) are available without prescription, but brand names differ. It is advisable to bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medications you require, in their original packaging with a doctor's note. Some pharmacies in central areas may have staff with basic English.
Insurance
Travel insurance with complete medical coverage, including emergency evacuation, is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and considered essential. It is not legally required for entry, but the potential high cost of private care or evacuation makes it a critical precaution.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a basic first-aid kit including remedies for traveler's diarrhea, which is common.
- Always drink bottled or boiled water; avoid tap water and ice in drinks from uncertain sources.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
The most common crime facing tourists. Occurs in crowded places like markets, on public buses, and around major tourist sites.
Traffic in Tashkent is chaotic. Drivers often ignore rules, speeds are high, and pedestrian crossings are not always respected. This is a leading cause of serious injury.
Risk of traveler's diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues from contaminated food or water.
While rare for tourists, there have been isolated reports of police asking for 'fines' for minor or fabricated infractions. This is less common in Tashkent than in the past but still a possibility.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unregistered taxi drivers at airports/train stations quote inflated prices or use rigged meters that run faster. They may also claim the agreed price was 'per person'.
An overly friendly local offers to show you around or take you to a 'special' shop/restaurant. They then receive a hefty commission from the business, which inflates your bill dramatically.
When exchanging money at unofficial exchange points or with individuals, they may use sleight of hand to give you less cash than agreed, or use outdated, worthless notes.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General
- Register with your embassy online upon arrival.
- Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and insurance in cloud storage.
- Learn a few basic Russian or Uzbek phrases (hello, thank you, how much).
Transportation
- The Tashkent metro is safe, efficient, and cheap, but photography inside stations is prohibited.
- For taxis, Yandex.Taxi is the most reliable and safest app-based option.
- Avoid unmarked 'private' taxis, late at night.
Money & Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls during daylight hours.
- Carry small amounts of cash for daily expenses.
- Leave valuable jewelry and unnecessary electronics in your hotel safe.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Tashkent is generally safe for solo women travelers. Harassment is less common than in some other regional capitals, but unwanted attention or stares can occur, from men in more conservative areas. Women traveling alone are a common sight in the city center.
- Dressing modestly will help you blend in and reduce unwanted attention.
- Avoid making direct, prolonged eye contact with unfamiliar men, as it can be misinterpreted.
- In taxis, sit in the back seat. Use Yandex.Taxi for a record of your journey.
- Be firm and clear if someone is being overly persistent.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is decriminalized but not recognized. There are no legal protections against discrimination. 'Propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations' is banned, and public displays of affection could lead to legal trouble or police harassment.
- Avoid public displays of affection (PDA) with a same-sex partner.
- Be discreet in conversations about relationships with strangers or hotel staff.
- Same-sex couples should consider requesting twin beds in hotels to avoid awkward questions.
- Exercise extreme caution with dating apps; meetings could be setups for extortion or police entrapment.
Travel Insurance
Critical. The local public healthcare system is not suitable for tourists. Private care is expensive, and serious illness or injury will likely require medical evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
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