Are There ATMs Available Throughout The Uzbekistan?

ATM availability in Uzbekistan has improved significantly in recent years, particularly in major cities and tourist destinations. However, coverage remains uneven across the country, requiring travelers to plan their cash needs carefully.

ATM distribution:

• Tashkent: Numerous ATMs available in shopping centers, hotels, and bank branches
• Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva: ATMs can be found in tourist areas and near major hotels
• Smaller cities and rural areas: Limited or no ATM availability

Banks with reliable ATM networks:

• National Bank of Uzbekistan
• Kapitalbank
• Ipak Yuli Bank
• Hamkorbank

Most ATMs in tourist areas offer instructions in English and other languages. However, the interface quality varies considerably between machines. Newer ATMs in upscale hotels and shopping centers typically provide the best user experience.

Withdrawal considerations:

• Daily limits: ATMs typically impose withdrawal limits between 1-3 million Som per transaction
• Foreign cards: Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard; American Express has limited acceptance
• Fees: Your home bank will likely charge foreign transaction fees (typically 1-3%)
• Local bank fees: Some Uzbek banks charge additional fees for foreign card withdrawals

Practical tips:

• Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize transaction fees
• Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent cards being blocked for suspicious activity
• Carry backup payment methods including some cash in US dollars or Euros
• Test your card at an ATM upon arrival to ensure it works with local systems

ATM reliability can be affected by technical issues and occasional cash shortages, particularly during major holidays or in remote areas. It's advisable to withdraw cash in advance when traveling to smaller towns or rural regions where banking infrastructure is less developed.

While card payments are becoming more common in upscale establishments, Uzbekistan remains largely a cash-based society, especially for day-to-day expenses like transportation, market purchases, and meals at local restaurants.