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Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Living in Uzbekistan

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Mar 03, 2023

Summary: The approximate population of Uzbekistan is 33.5 million people. The largest cities in Uzbekistan are Tashkent, Samarkand, Namangan, Andijan, and Bukhara. Expats love living in Uzbekistan for its rich culture, friendly people, and beautiful landscapes. People describe life in Uzbekistan as vibrant and full of life. Foods popular in Uzbekistan include plov (rice pilaf), somsa (meat-filled pastries), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and lagman (noodle soup). The cons of living in Uzbekistan include the lack of infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and the difficulty of obtaining a visa. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000-$1,500 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.

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What do I need to know about living in Uzbekistan?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Uzbekistan, they said:

"Before retiring in Uzbekistan, expats should be aware of the country's visa requirements. Expats should also research the cost of living in the country, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. Additionally, expats should be aware of the political situation in the country, and any potential safety concerns. Finally, expats should research the availability of banking and financial services, as well as the tax implications of living in Uzbekistan," wrote a member in Uzbekistan.

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How do I meet people in Uzbekistan?

When we asked people living in Uzbekistan about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Uzbekistan often join local clubs and activities such as language classes, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting local markets, and exploring the city. Additionally, many expats join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Uzbekistan," commented one expat who made the move to Uzbekistan.

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What is life like in Uzbekistan?

When we asked people living in Uzbekistan what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Living as an expat or digital nomad in Uzbekistan can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The country is full of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of accommodation options, from traditional guesthouses to modern apartments. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country is also well-connected, with reliable internet access and a growing number of coworking spaces. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the country's visa-free entry for citizens of many countries. With its rich culture, stunning scenery, and low cost of living, Uzbekistan is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said one expat who made the move to Uzbekistan.

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Is there a lot of crime in Uzbekistan?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Uzbekistan has seen a decrease in crime in recent years, however, there are still reports of criminal activity in the country. Common crimes include theft, fraud, and drug trafficking. Additionally, there have been reports of human trafficking and other forms of organized crime. The government has taken steps to combat crime, including increasing police presence and introducing tougher laws," remarked one expat who made the move to Uzbekistan.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Uzbekistan accepting of differences?

"Uzbekistan is a culturally diverse country, with a population that is made up of many different ethnicities, languages, and religions. People in Uzbekistan are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of peaceful coexistence between different ethnic and religious groups. The government has also taken steps to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity, such as introducing laws to protect the rights of minority groups," remarked one expat who made the move to Uzbekistan.

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What are the schools in Uzbekistan like?

"Unless you have connections with France or plan to move later to French speaking countries, it is not the best choice. However, if either of both applies, it is a very good option, the quality of teaching is great, the teacher / student ratio is low and the compatibility with other French schools is an advantage," said one parent with children at Ecole Francais Tashkent in Tashkent.

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Is the cost of living in Uzbekistan high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Uzbekistan, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Uzbekistan is generally considered to be quite affordable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in many other countries. Eating out is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $5-10 USD. Utilities such as electricity and water are also relatively inexpensive, with monthly bills typically ranging from $20-50 USD," explained one expat living in Uzbekistan.

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"The cost of living in Uzbekistan is generally quite affordable, with prices for basic goods and services being lower than in many other countries. However, the cost of living in the capital city of Tashkent is higher than in other parts of the country, with prices for goods and services being more expensive. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Uzbekistan is around $400 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $600 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Uzbekistan will cost around $10 USD per person," mentioned one expat inUzbekistan.

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What type of recreational facilities are in Uzbekistan?

When we asked people living in Uzbekistan about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Uzbekistan, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, gardens, and sports complexes. Parks are a popular destination for locals, offering a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, and picnicking. Gardens are also popular, providing a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and contemplation. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as tennis, basketball, and swimming. Additionally, there are many cultural and historical sites to explore, such as ancient monuments, mosques, and museums," said an expat in Uzbekistan.

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What is the weather like in Uzbekistan?

"The climate in Uzbekistan is generally dry and continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer months is around 30°C, while in the winter months it can drop to -10°C. Rainfall is generally low, with most of the precipitation occurring in the winter months. The country is also prone to dust storms and sandstorms, especially in the spring and summer months," said one expat.

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Are there good restaurants in Uzbekistan?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Uzbekistan is the Chaykhana Navruz, located in the city of Tashkent. This restaurant serves traditional Uzbek cuisine, including plov, shashlik, and somsa. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a variety of teas and desserts. Another popular restaurant in Uzbekistan is the Besh-Kunj Restaurant in Bukhara. This restaurant serves traditional Uzbek dishes, such as lagman, manti, and shurpa. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The restaurant also offers a variety of teas and desserts. The Kafe-Kafe Restaurant in Samarkand is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This restaurant serves traditional Uzbek dishes, such as lagman, manti, and shurpa. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a variety of teas and desserts. Finally, the Chaykhana Shodlik in Khiva is another popular restaurant in Uzbekistan. This restaurant serves traditional Uzbek dishes, such as lagman, manti, and shurpa. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a variety of teas and desserts," said one expat living in Uzbekistan.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Uzbekistan?

"People living in Uzbekistan typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and bazaars. Many people also shop at small, family-run stores and kiosks. Additionally, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Uzbekistan, with many people using websites and apps to purchase items from the comfort of their own homes," remarked one expat in Uzbekistan.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in Uzbekistan?

"In order to visit Uzbekistan, travelers must obtain a visa prior to arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, and a passport-sized photograph to the Uzbekistan Embassy or Consulate in the traveler's home country. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Uzbekistan, applicants must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of financial means to the Uzbekistan Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residency permit, which must be renewed every year," wrote one expat living in Uzbekistan.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Uzbekistan?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Uzbekistan can be expensive, depending on the type of care and coverage needed. Generally, public healthcare is available at a low cost, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private clinics. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, many people in Uzbekistan are not able to afford health insurance, leaving them to pay out of pocket for medical care," remarked one expat living in Uzbekistan.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

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