Uzbekistan doesn't have a deep restaurant tipping culture — historically service was included in the check via a small "khizmat" service charge. But tourism has introduced a soft tipping norm.
Restaurants: - If a 10% service charge appears on the check, no additional tip is expected. - If not, leaving 10% cash on the table is now standard at mid-range and better. - Chaikhanas and small local places: no tip needed. - Round up small bills at cafés.
Hotels: - Porters: 5,000–10,000 UZS per bag (~$0.50–1). - Housekeeping: 10,000 UZS/day left in the room (~$1) if staying multiple nights. - Concierge: 20,000–50,000 UZS for meaningful help.
Taxis / drivers: - Yandex Go and Taxi apps have suggested tip; 5–10% is generous. - Street taxis: round up to the nearest 5,000 UZS. "Keep the change" is understood. - Private driver for a full day (city + monuments): $10–20 tip on top of the day rate is generous.
Tour guides: - Group tour, half-day: $5–10 per person. - Group tour, full day: $10–20 per person. - Private guide, per day: $15–30. - Multi-day trip guide: $50–100 per couple at the end.
Craft workshops: - Free demonstrations may include an implicit "tip the master a few dollars" if you enjoyed it. If you buy a piece there's no need.
Local currency preferred for tips — carry small som notes.
Uzbekistan in photos
A short visual companion to this entry — photographs from our Uzbekistan travel archive.
Related entries
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Uzbek som: currency and cash
The Uzbek som (UZS) is the local currency. Bring US dollars or euros in cash — ATMs work but often run dry, and card acceptance is patchy outside hotels and top restaurants.
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Alcohol in Uzbekistan
Yes — Uzbekistan is officially secular and alcohol is freely available. Local vodka, cognac and wine are cheap; imported spirits and beer sold everywhere. Public drunkenness is uncommon and looked down upon.
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Cultural etiquette and respect
Right hand for eating and passing objects, break bread with hands (not knife), remove shoes indoors and in mosques, dress modestly at religious sites, greet elders first.
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Drinking water and food safety
Not recommended. Buy bottled water (200 UZS/0.5L) or filter yours. Restaurant food is generally safe; be cautious with raw salads at street stalls in high summer.
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Getting around Tashkent
Metro for most routes (cheap, fast, air-conditioned). Yandex Go app for direct taxis. Walking works for tight clusters of sights. Buses functional but slow.
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Health and vaccinations for Uzbekistan
No vaccinations required. Recommended: hepatitis A + B, typhoid, tetanus/diphtheria, and routine boosters. Malaria risk is negligible. Good private clinics exist in Tashkent.