Living in Uzbekistan

Blending ancient Silk Road cities with Soviet monuments and inspiring mountainscapes, Uzbekistan offers an exotic Central Asian lifestyle for adventurous expats. From the ornate tilework of Samarkand to the bustling bazaars of Tashkent, this guide covers everything you need to know about living in Uzbekistan.

Why Move to Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan appeals to expats who:

• Want to explore fabled Silk Road outposts like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva frozen in time.
• Seek breathtaking natural beauty with mountains, lakes and deserts to satisfy any outdoor enthusiast.
• Are intrigued by the cultural interplay of Persian, Turkic and Soviet influences woven over the centuries.
• Hope to find better value especially in housing, dining and domestic help compared to the West.
• Aspire to learn Russian while surrounded by quintessential Soviet architecture and infrastructure.
• Desire to teach English or other skills to eager locals through ample volunteer openings.
• Want to launch a business or pursue opportunities in this emerging market with fewer regulations.
• Seek an exotic getaway that is more accessible than some neighbors thanks to tourism initiatives.

Living in Uzbekistan: Pros and Cons

While compelling, there are notable challenges:

Pros :

1. Legendary Silk Road cities
2. Breathtaking natural scenery
3. Blend of cultural influences
4. Affordability
5. Opportunity to learn Russian
6. Volunteer openings
7. Emerging business prospects
8. More accessible than neighboring countries

Cons :

1. Authoritarian governance with restrictions
2. Underdeveloped infrastructure outside Tashkent
3. Arduous climate with cold winters and hot summers
4. Limited healthcare requiring private clinics
5. High poverty and unemployment
6. Ethnic tensions simmer under surface
7. Environmental pollution is rampant
8. Language barriers abound outside major cities

Uzbekistan captivates history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts but offers substantive hurdles in politics, climate, language and amenities.

The Cost of Living in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan remains highly affordable for expats, especially outside Tashkent:

Housing

• Apartments can be rented from $200-$600 monthly in Tashkent based on location and quality.
• Far cheaper in rural areas.

Food

• Dining at local cafes costs just a couple dollars.
• Groceries about $150 monthly for two from markets and small shops.

Transportation

• Shared taxis and buses connect cities affordably.
• Fuel is around $0.50 per liter.
• Used cars under $5,000.

Utilities

• Expect to pay $50-$150 monthly total for electricity, heating, water, cell phone service and internet.

Healthcare

• Public care is lacking but private clinics cost only $30-$150 per visit without insurance.

Education

• Public schools need improvement but are free.
• Private schools average $2,000-$5,000 annually.

Taxes

• Corporate tax capped at 7.5%.
• Personal income tax is flat 15%. VAT is 15%.
• Exemptions for foreign companies.

Quality of Life in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan provides relatively good quality of life:

1. Healthcare –Decent private clinics available, especially in bigger cities with access to overseas care. Public infrastructure is underinvested.
2. Infrastructure – Soviet systems still functioning in places but roads, power and internet improving in cities while rural areas lack access.
3. Safety & Security – Very low violent crime makes safe for everyday life but petty theft exists. Authoritarian rule limits personal freedoms.
4. Economy – Poverty remains but natural resources, agriculture and trade offer growth potential if governance reforms allow.
5. Environment – Pollution is rampant especially impacting water and air quality. But government is slowly addressing issues.
6. Leisure & Culture – Strong traditions thrive around family ties, tea houses, bazaars, music and handicrafts. But restrictions exist on faith and socializing.

A Beginner’s Guide to Uzbek Culture

Key aspects of local culture:

• Influenced by ancient Persian roots and Soviet atheist policies, secular outlooks prevail. But Islamic renewal is also occurring.
• Elders deeply respected in this patriarchal society. Extended families maintain tight bonds.
• Hospitality integral to social relations. Greetings elaborate and lengthy. Reputations carry weight.
• Cuisine reflects culinary crossroads with kebabs, biryani, samsa pastries, plov rice dishes, breads and green tea.
• Handicrafts like textiles, ceramics and wood carvings maintaining Silk Road aesthetics.
• Literature and poetry enduring cultural loves. Celebrated poets like Alisher Navoi remain influential.
• Music and dance integral to life. Traditional performances often spontaneous at bazaars and parties.
• Soviet touches still visible in architecture, monuments, infrastructure and work mentality.

Best Places to Live in Uzbekistan

Top spots for expats:

1. Tashkent – Capital and largest city modernizing with international restaurants and improved amenities.
2. Samarkand – Legendary Silk Road city studded in ornate madrassas, mosques, mausoleums and markets.
3. Bukhara – Ancient center of art and learning with stunning Islamic architecture.
4. Khiva – Walled open-air museum city perfectly preserved.
5. Nukus – Hub to visit the unique Savitsky art collection and surrounding desert landscapes including dried Aral Sea.
6. Ferghana Valley – Fabled valley encompassing Andijon, Kokand and Ferghana towns amidst stunning mountain scenery.

From esteemed capitals like Samarkand to the hospitality of Uzbek communities found across every picturesque town and village, Uzbekistan unveils profound history and natural wonders for intrepid expats.