Tashkent ranks among the top relocation destinations in the CIS and Central Asia. Cheaper than Dubai, warmer than Almaty, safer than many cities — and rapidly developing. But like any new city, your first month is crucial: either you adapt and start living fully, or you waste energy on chaos.
This guide is written for those who've already made the decision — and want to navigate the first 30 days without unnecessary mistakes.
Days 1–3: Basic Infrastructure
SIM Card
The first thing to do after leaving the airport is buy a local SIM card. Main operators: Ucell, Beeline, Humans (Uzmobile). All are sold at shops throughout the city — you only need a passport.
- Ucell — best coverage nationwide
- Beeline — convenient app, excellent in Tashkent
- Humans — popular with young people
Average tariff with internet costs 50,000–150,000 som per month (roughly $5–13). Internet in Tashkent is fast — 4G is stable, 5G is already being tested.
Cash and Cards
Uzbekistan remains largely a cash-based country. Cards are accepted at major restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels — but at markets, smaller cafes, or with taxi drivers, you need physical money.
What to do:
- Withdraw cash from an ATM (better rates than airport exchangers)
- Open a local bank card — Kapitalbank, Ipoteka Bank, TBC Bank (the latter is Georgian, very convenient)
- Sign up for Payme or Click — local payment systems that work everywhere
Exchange rate as of June 2026: 1 USD ≈ 12,040–12,050 som
Days 4–7: Housing
If you've arrived at a hotel or Airbnb — good, you have time to explore. If you're looking for long-term rental right away, here's what matters.
Tashkent Districts
Yunusabad — business and residential area, many expats, good infrastructure. Above-average prices.
Mirzo-Ulugbek — quiet, green, suitable for families. Slightly further from center.
Chilanzar — affordable prices, Soviet-era buildings, many local residents.
Tashkent City / Yakkasaray — new business hub. Expensive, but everything's nearby: restaurants, offices, banks.
Sergeli — outskirts, cheap, but far from everything.
Rental Prices (2026)
| Type of Housing | Price per Month |
|---|---|
| Room in apartment | $150–250 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $300–500 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $450–800 |
| Apartments in Tashkent City | $700–1500+ |
| Cottage / house | $800–2000+ |
Where to look: OLX.uz, Kun.uz classifieds, Telegram channels (search "аренда Ташкент"), real estate agencies.
Tip: For the first 1–2 weeks, rent daily and don't rush into a long-term contract — you need to feel out the neighborhood.
Days 8–14: Transport and Navigation
How to Get Around
Yandex Go — main taxi service. Works great, low prices. City ride — $2–5.
Metro — 4 lines covering the center and main districts. Cost per trip — about 1,400 som ($0.11). Clean, safe, fast.
Buses and minibuses — cheap, but difficult without city knowledge and Uzbek language skills.
Car rental — if you're planning to stay long-term, it makes sense. Parking is free in many places, traffic exists but it's not Moscow-level.
Navigation
Google Maps works well, but Yandex Maps is more accurate for Tashkent — more up-to-date data on traffic, establishments, and addresses.
Days 15–21: Food, Essentials, and Shopping
Where to Shop
Korzinka — main retail chain, everywhere. Like a regular supermarket.
Makro — hypermarket, large selection, good wholesale prices.
Bazar (market) — fruits, vegetables, meat, spices. Lower prices, higher quality. Main markets: Chorsu, Kuilyuk, Yunusabad.
Dining
Uzbek cuisine is more than just plov. Samsa, lagman, shashlik, manti, naryn — all cheap and delicious. Average lunch at a cafe — 50,000–150,000 som ($4–13).
Mid-range restaurants — $10–20 per person. Premium — $30–60.
Important: Tap water isn't safe to drink. Buy bottled water or install a filter.
Home Internet
Home internet — Uzinfocom, Sarkor Telecom. Good speeds, price — around $10–20 per month for unlimited.
Days 22–30: Networking and Social Life
Where to Meet People
Tashkent is actively growing as a hub for entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and expats. Finding your crowd is easier than you think.
Telegram Channels and Chats:
- "Ekspaty Tashkent", "Relokacija Uzbekistan", topic-specific chats. One of the leading such chats PRO Business | Tashkent is a platform for business networking in Tashkent.
Coworking Spaces:
- Beehive, Impact Hub Tashkent, Aloqa Digital Hub — where the business crowd hangs out
Events:
- Business breakfasts, startup pitches, networking evenings — look in Telegram and on sites like horix.uz
Restaurants for Business Meetings:
- Business breakfasts and negotiations often happen in Tashkent City restaurants or on Broadway. Venues with meeting rooms and event spaces — on Horix.
Documents and Registration
This is an important point many ignore and later face problems.
For CIS Citizens: Visa-free entry, but you must register with migration authorities within 3 days (if not staying at a hotel — the hotel does this automatically). Registration — through the khokim's office (district administration) or through your landlord.
For Citizens of Other Countries: Check visa requirements in advance. Uzbekistan has visa-free agreements with many countries, including EU nations.
Business and Sole Proprietorship: You can register as a sole proprietor in Uzbekistan in 1 day via the my.gov.uz portal. Tax for sole proprietors — 4% of turnover (one of the lowest in the region).
First 30 Days Checklist
- SIM card with internet
- Cash in som
- Local bank card + Payme/Click
- Long-term housing found
- Migration registration completed
- Downloaded: Yandex Go, Yandex Maps, Payme
- Located nearest supermarket and market
- Joined 2–3 relevant Telegram chats
- Attended one networking event
- Tried authentic Uzbek plov 🍚
In Conclusion
Your first 30 days in Tashkent are a period of adjustment. The city opens up gradually: first it seems chaotic, then you start noticing its logic, rhythm, and opportunities. Those who arrive with an open mind and willingness to figure things out — they tend to stay.
If you're looking for a place for a business meeting, negotiations, or just a great dinner in your new city — Horix.uz will help you find the right venue for any format and budget.
Horix — a platform for finding and booking venues in Tashkent.