Why buy a sim card in Uzbekistan

With everything that’s going on in the online space today, it has somewhat become the norm to stay connected to the world wide web at all times, this is clearly also the case when travelling around the world.

From finding directions on Google Maps to collecting inspiration from your favourite blog or Instagram page, to checking the time schedule of your train and keeping in touch with family and friends, there are simply too many reasons why you should buy a sim card in Uzbekistan.

Add to that, that an Uzbekistan sim card will set you back only a few bucks, and you simply can’t go around the fact you should buy one yourself.

Though I noticed that most places have public WIFI in Uzbekistan, it isn’t the most reliable in terms of connectivity, and it’s pretty common that those networks are unsecured too. For that reason, I’d prefer a data connection from a trustworthy provider.

If you do intend to use public WiFI abroad, make sure you use a VPN to keep your data secure, such as NordVPN.

Can I use my existing phone number while using WhatsApp?

One of the benefits of buying a local SIM card in Uzbekistan is that you’ll use this SIM solely for your data connection, meaning you can still use your own phone number while using Whatsapp.

The reason for this is that your WhatsApp account is linked to your existing number, so swapping sim cards has no impact on your existing account, as long as you don’t change the number in your WhatsApp settings.

Though I understand that it’s a tad confusing, your WhatsApp will continue to work as usual, yet now with the data plan that is active on your newly acquired local sim card – winner!

I’ve had my fair share of experiences regarding local SIM cards while travelling, so I’m pretty sure you won’t stumble upon any difficulties.

Also, if you purchase your Uzbekistan SIM card at the Tashkent Airport like me, you will receive assistance with installing your SIM card on your phone from the vendor.

Where to buy a sim card in Uzbekistan

When it comes to buying a sim card in Uzbekistan, there are several excellent options available.

From buying one directly upon arrival at the airport to grabbing one from a mobile provider store to getting an eSIM online and in advance from services such as Airola.

To help you find the right option, I’ve listed the options down below:

Tashkent Airport

If you ask me, the best and cheapest option is to buy your SIM card at the Tashkent International Airport, directly after you’ve arrived in the country.

Once you arrive in the baggage claim zone of the airport, you’ll notice the stands of Uzbekistan’s leading mobile providers, including those of BeeLine and Ucell.

From what I’ve seen, these providers have a wide variety of data plan packages on offer, meaning it’s pretty clear to choose an option that suits your needs.

Since it’s not always possible to pay with credit or debit cards, it is good to acquire some local currencies from the ATM at the airport before going to the SIM card vendor. 

One thing worth mentioning though is that these SIM card providers often require your passport, but that shouldn’t be a problem considering you just entered the country from abroad.

Mobile provider stores

If for whatever reason you didn’t buy a SIM card at the airport, rest assured – there are several mobile provider stores situated in the cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

From what I’ve heard, the prices and data packages at these stores are very similar to those bought at the airport.

For those keen to buy a sim card from a mobile provider store, make sure you’ll take your passport, as well as a copy of your passport since they require it when registering a new SIM.

However, as with so many stores in Uzbekistan, you’ll most likely stumble upon an employee with limited English skills, which makes it a tad more challenging to buy one here.

eSIM card

If you’re anything like me and prefer to have everything sorted out before your trip starts, I’m pretty sure you’d like to read about how to buy an eSIM online and in advance.

The eSIM is a digital sim card that is easily activated on your mobile device by scanning the QR code that you receive in your mail after you purchase your eSIM online.

If you’re looking to buy an eSIM, it’s good to note that you are only able to buy one from a 3rd party.

I’ve recently stumbled upon Airalo, which has now become my go-to when it comes to eSIMs.

Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store and offers data packages for over 200 countries, making it super easy to connect to the internet from the moment you land.

More information on the Airola eSIM for Uzbekistan can be found here. 

Uzbekistan sim card Providers

There’s no shortage of excellent mobile network providers in Uzbekistan, offering a wide range of data packages to travellers.

I’ve listed the best sim card Providers down below:

Ucell

One of the leading mobile network providers in Uzbekistan, Ucell is known for its extensive coverage and reliable services.

With a wide range of SIM card data packages on offer, it’s easily one of the best options, both for short-term and long-term visitors of the country.

The data packages at Ucell include:

– 20 GB data, unlimited minutes and 1500 SMS that are valid for 30 days | 50.000 SOM (€4,-)

– 35 GB data, unlimited minutes and 1500 SMS that are valid for 30 days | 70.000 SOM (€5,65)

– 50 GB data, unlimited minutes and 1500 SMS that are valid for 30 days | 100.000 SOM (€8,-)

– 200 GB data, unlimited minutes and 1500 SMS that are valid for 30 days | 150.000 SOM (€12,-)

There’s one downside though, Ucell doesn’t allow users to make a personal hotspot, which makes working remotely a tad more challenging at times.

BeeLine

With over 10 million active users, BeeLine is deemed Uzbekistan’s number-one mobile network provider and developed an excellent reputation in terms of network speed and signal strength.

Add to that, that they have knowledgeable English-speaking staff, a wide range of data plans to choose from, and pretty affordable prices, and you instantly understand why BeeLine has become the most popular provider in Uzbekistan.

At BeeLine, you can choose the following data packages:

– 10 GB data that is valid for 30 days | 50.000 SOM (€4,-)

– 20 GB data that is valid for 30 days | 65.000 SOM (€5,25)

– 30 GB data that is valid for 30 days | 75.000 (€6,-)

– 50 GB data that is valid for 30 days | 90.000 (€7,25)

– 75 GB data that is valid for 30 days | 110.000 (€8,90)

– 100 GB data that is valid for 30 days | 130.000 (€10,50)

– 150 GB data that is valid for 30 days | 150.000 (€12,-)

Mobiuz

Another great option is Mobiuz, a major mobile network provider that is considered BeeLine’s greatest competitor, and that’s for a good reason.

Known to have excellent coverage throughout the entire country, Mobiuz is easily one of the most reliable options, with a wide range of monthly Internet packages on offer.

The internet packages at Mobiuz include:

– 5 GB of data that is valid for 30 days | 33.000 SOM (€2,70)

– 10 GB of data that is valid for 30 days | 50.000 SOM (€4,-)

– 20 GB of data that is valid for 30 days | 55.000 SOM (€4,40)

– 30 GB of data that is valid for 30 days | 65.000 SOM (€5,30)

– 50 GB of data that is valid for 30 days | 75.000 SOM (€6,-)

Airalo

Ever since the now extremely popular eSIM came on the market, Airalo had established its position as the leading company in terms of this innovative digital alternative.

For Uzbekistan, Airalo released the Uzbeknet eSim, a data-only SIM card that operates on the popular network of Beeline and offers instant connectivity.

At Airalo, you can choose the following data packages:

– 1 GB of data that is valid for 7 days | 55.000 SOM (€4,50)

– 2 GB of data that is valid for 15 days | 90.000 SOM (€7,50)

– 3 GB of data that is valid for 30 days | 115.000 SOM (€9,50)

– 5 GB of data that is valid for 30 days | 165.000 SOM (€13,50)

– 10 GB of data that is valid for 30 days | 270.000 SOM (€22,-)

– 20 GB of data that is valid for 30 days | 415.000 SOM (€34,-)

Though Airalo is the priciest option on this list, I still believe that it could be an excellent pick, as you can easily arrange it upfront so you’ll have instant connectivity when you arrive in Uzbekistan.

On top of that, the Airalo eSIM allows users to make a personal hotspot too, which makes it perfect for those working remotely.

My advice

Given I bought my SIM card for Uzbekistan from Ucell upon arrival at the Tashkent International Airport and had a good experience, I’d highly recommend anyone to buy the same.

For 50.000 SOM (€4,-), you’ll receive a data package of 20 GB, unlimited minutes and 1500 SMS that you can use for 30 days after activation.

Additionally, you could also opt for 35GB for 70.000 SOM (€5,65), 50GB for 100.000 SOM (€8,-), or 200GB for 150.000 SOM (€12,-), perfect for large consumers or those that spent more time in Uzbekistan. Do note that these packages are also valid for 30 days.

I opted for the 20GB package, and had more than enough data for 14 days in Uzbekistan – plus the connection was stable for most of my trip, with the exception of the train journey from Bukhara to Khiva.

Additionally, If you like to have everything sorted out before your trip and need to use your SIM as a personal hotspot to work online, I’d highly recommend buying an eSIM from Airalo online.

Travel Essentials for Uzbekistan

Where to stay in Uzbekistan

Even though Uzbekistan is relatively new to tourism, accommodation to suit any travel style or budget can be found here.

Whether you’re after a budget-friendly hostel, a boutique-style luxury hotel, or something in between, Uzbekistan has no shortage of excellent accommodation options waiting for your visit.

One of the first things I noticed, was that the standard of accommodation in Uzbekistan is very good, yet exceptionally cheap in comparison to equivalent options found in the Western world.

Those travelling on a budget could find accommodation for as cheap as €20 per day, while those keen to splurge have tons of options to choose from in the €50 – €200 per night range.

Hostels | Check hostels in Uzbekistan on Booking.com

Hotels & Guesthouses | Find the best hotels and guesthouses in Uzbekistan on Booking.com

How to get around Uzbekistan

Due to Uzbekistan’s extensive geography (Uzbekistan stretches roughly 1,400 kilometres from west to east), you will notice that you’ll have quite a lot of ground to cover when travelling through the country. 

Luckily for you, getting around the country is super convenient, affordable and relatively fast.

By train

A name like the Silk Road might imply that travelling here runs smoothly, which in fact, is true thanks to Uzbekistan’s exceptional rail network.

Rivalling the neatness and comfort found in European trains, the Afrosiyob train is a 210km/h high-speed train that runs daily between Uzebkistan’s major destinations, including Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.

With comfortable spacious seats, USB and power plugs, and the most friendly crew members, travelling through Uzbekistan by train is far more comfortable than taking the plane.

However, when you’re planning to travel to Khiva (which you should), things are a little.

Those venturing to Khiva will notice that you could only get there by taking a Soviet-style sleeper train, which to me is an authentic experience, if not a little time-consuming.

Since tourism in Uzbekistan is still growing at a rapid pace, acquiring train tickets online can be quite a challenging task. 

If you want to learn more, I have an in-depth guide on travelling by train in Uzbekistan (coming soon) which can be found here.

By plane

While I would pick travelling by train over travelling by plane in most cases, I would highly recommend taking a flight from Khiva to Tahskent, or the other way around depending on your itinerary.

The reason for this is that the train connection between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara is easily the most convenient option since you don’t have to be at the airport at least 2 hours early – plus it’s the world’s most sustainable mode of transport, which is great too.

Additionally, you could also opt for domestic flights between all of the major cities in Uzbekistan, though I can’t stress enough to make use of the excellent high-speed trains instead.

Best time to visit Uzbekistan

While Uzbekistan is gifted with the most incredible architectural masterpieces that could be visited year-round, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a pleasant destination at any time of year.

In reality, Uzbekistan will be scorching hot in summer, when temperatures soar well over 40 degrees Celsius, while during the winter months, the temperature could dip far below freezing.

For that reason, I believe the absolute best time to visit Uzbekistan is either in spring (April to June) or autumn (late August to October), when the temperature is warm and pleasant, yet not too extreme.

Timing your visit for the shoulder seasons means that you’re more likely to enjoy the many sights without having to find cover from the burning sun all the time. 

I personally visited Uzbekistan in May and couldn’t have wished for better circumstances to discover this incredible country and its many historical sights.