USE OF CREDIT CARD IN UZBEKISTAN

Using a credit card in Uzbekistan is becoming easier, especially in the country’s main tourist cities. Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara offer the most options for international travelers.

You can usually use Visa and Mastercard at larger hotels, international restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centers, and some tourist shops. Modern cafes and souvenir shops may also accept international cards.

The situation changes when you leave the main tourist areas. Small shops, family-run restaurants, traditional markets, and some local services still prefer cash. Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent and Siyob Bazaar in Samarkand, for example, are places where you should carry Uzbek soum.

Visa or Mastercard: Which Card Is Better?

If you plan to travel around Uzbekistan, Visa is a good card to carry. Your information shows that Visa has traditionally had wider acceptance than Mastercard. Mastercard also works in Uzbekistan, but you may find fewer terminals and ATMs that support it.

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan also lists ATMs by payment system. Its ATM database includes filters for Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Humo and Uzcard, which can help travelers find machines that support their cards.

Check the Central Bank of Uzbekistan ATM list

Where Do You Need Cash And Not Credit Card In Uzbekistan?

Cash still plays an important role in everyday life in Uzbekistan. Keep some Uzbek soum (UZS) with you when visiting:

• Traditional bazaars
• Small local shops
• Street food stalls
• Small cafes and teahouses
• Street taxis
• Some museums and historical sites
• Rural areas and small towns

Your source material also recommends carrying cash instead of relying only on cards, especially outside the main cities.

Cash also gives you an advantage when shopping at traditional markets. Bargaining is common in Uzbekistan, and cash can make small purchases easier.

Can Tourists Withdraw Cash from ATMs?

Yes. ATMs are now much easier to find in Uzbekistan than they were in the past. Major cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara have ATMs, including machines that accept international cards.

The Central Bank’s current data also shows the continued growth of the country’s ATM and payment-terminal network. As of July 1, 2026, Uzbekistan had thousands of ATMs and self-service kiosks across its banking network.

However, do not assume that every ATM accepts foreign cards. Look for the Visa or Mastercard logo before inserting your card. Some machines mainly serve local payment systems such as Uzcard or Humo.

How Much Cash Should You Carry?

You do not need to travel around Uzbekistan with a large amount of money. ATMs and exchange facilities make it easier to get Uzbek soum when you need it.

A practical approach is to keep enough cash for one or two days of small expenses. You can then use your card for larger purchases and withdraw more cash when necessary.

Your collected information recommends having around $200 in cash as a backup, especially if you plan to travel outside the major cities.

What About Card Fees?

Check your bank’s international transaction and ATM fees before your trip. Your source material mentions that foreign card payments can involve additional charges, with figures around 1–3% appearing in the information you collected.

The ATM owner and your own bank may also apply different fees. For this reason, check the final amount on the ATM screen before confirming a withdrawal.