First Time in Samarkand — A Practical Guide

Most European, UK, EU, Japanese, South Korean, Australian and many South East Asian passports are visa-free to Uzbekistan for 30 days. US and Canadian passports need an e-visa, easily obtained online in 2–3 days. Always check the current rules before flying.

• Fly into Samarkand International (SKD) — direct connections from Istanbul, Dubai, Moscow and several European cities.
• Train from Tashkent — the fast Afrosiyob takes about 2 hours 10 minutes and is comfortable, clean and worth booking a day or two ahead in high season.

The local currency is the Uzbek som (UZS). Cards are increasingly accepted in Samarkand but not everywhere. Bring some cash, use ATMs at large banks, and keep small notes for taxis and markets.

The old town is walkable. Yandex Go works reliably for taxis and is very cheap by European standards. Agree the price if you flag a car on the street.

• Spring (Apr–May) — perfect: warm days, cool nights, everything in bloom.
• Summer (Jun–Aug) — very hot, up to 40°C. Start early, rest at midday.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct) — the other great season: warm, dry, golden light.
• Winter (Dec–Feb) — cold and often overcast, but the monuments in low light are extraordinary and there are almost no other visitors.

Uzbek is the official language; Russian is widely understood. Younger guides speak English well. "Rahmat" means thank you and is always appreciated.

• Comfortable shoes — you will walk on stone all day.
• A light scarf — useful for sun, mosque entries, and evenings.
• A refillable water bottle.
• A little cash in small notes.

• Train tickets between cities in high season.
• A guided evening at the Registan.
• Dinner in a family home — one of the nicest things you can do in Samarkand, and we're happy to arrange it.