Traveling alone through Uzbekistan: What you need to know

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After the fall of the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan also became its own independent state. Since then, the historic country flourishes in their own culture and stunning nature. Of course, travelers do not miss this and drive up tourism in Uzbekistan! Solo travel has also taken off in recent years! Many solo travelers are praised for their courage to travel alone, though it's often not actually as dangerous as one might first think. But due to many incidents you hear in the media about some countries, it's still not uncommon to ask yourself: is it safe to travel there alone? We show you how safe it really is and how you can make an unforgettable trip through Uzbekistan without hesitation!

When traveling in the landlocked state, one often sees police and soldiers patrolling the streets, as the state still has traits of a police state. This also explains the low crime rate! Mutual trust also seems to be very big and widespread here, as even wallets and cell phones are left on the tables without disappearing. Also, the locals are very helpful and hospitable, which leads to spontaneous invitations to tea or dinner. In addition, the place is relatively modern, making public transport very easy and safe - with normal precautions, of course! All in all, according to travelers, the Silk Road country should be a safe place for solo travelers, except for some dangerously fast car rides!

Despite this security, however, you can never be safe enough, right? In addition to the usual recommendations, such as stowing money safely and not going with strangers, there are other useful tips especially for solo travelers in Uzbekistan:

Learn about the culture

The more you know, the less will surprise you! Since Uzbekistan opened up to international influence not so long ago, the society is still somewhat conservative. Therefore, don't be surprised if you are often asked if you are married, especially if you are a woman. Especially outside the bigger cities it is still common to marry early as a woman and therefore you arouse a lot of attention as a single traveler. Often, however, the intention is to find out how other cultures work. Also, it is always advisable to acquire some Uzbek or Russian. In the big cities, many may be able to speak English, but outside, the situation is somewhat different.

Clothes make the man

The Central Asian country is Islamic, so in order to be respectful of the culture here, you should take some care with your clothing. Basically, you can dress however you want, but you should still try to cover up as much as possible. This means not skin-tight if possible, and no shorter than knee-high or a tank top. These clothes not only let you move more freely, but also help you against the strong sun. In addition, when visiting a mosque, women should wear a scarf over their heads if possible. But don't miss the chance to feel like you are in historical Uzbekistan! Traditional clothes here are beautiful and very colorful and can be bought at any market for little money!

When Traveling Alone Through Uzbekistan It Is Helpful To Adjust Your Clothes.

Restroom topics

Different country, different practices! For example, if you want to use a public toilet in Tashkent, don't be surprised if, instead of a modern, Western toilet, you find practically only a hole in the ground. Using this squat toilet can be very complicated and uncomfortable if you wear the wrong shoes, so sturdy shoes are more advisable here. Likewise, it would be beneficial to always have disinfectant and wet wipes with you. Especially for the women: It is better to bring sanitary products, such as pads or tampons, from home. If necessary, you can find products in local pharmacies, but they may not be what you prefer.

Attention

Depending on your appearance, you might attract a lot of curious looks, as the inhabitants have only recently been exposed to tourism. From conversations to selfies with random people, people try to demonstrate their curiosity. If you are a woman, sometimes in this still somewhat patriotic country the opposite sex is even more interested in you as a tourist. If a guy doesn't leave you alone, a clear "no" is enough. If it doesn't help, the locals will often help you and drive the troublemaker away.

As you can see, there is not much to keep in mind to make your solo trip work, because Uzbekistan is generally a very safe place to travel. Keep this knowledge in mind and you should be able to explore Uzbekistan without any problems. Last but not least, we can always recommend you to learn the language. It will not only help you in (emergency) situations, but will make an ordinary trip fantastic, as you will be able to interact much more with the locals and meet so many nice people! If you do feel uncomfortable at any point during your trip, it's always best to approach helpful locals! So don't be intimidated by this new world and start your unforgettable solo adventure in Uzbekistan!

If you want to know what adventures await you in Uzbekistan and what you can experience there, take a look at the six best activities in Uzbekistan in our magazine and get inspired!

Also look at Instagram and see the most beautiful destinations in the world.

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