Are you among the estimated 7 million tourists headed to Uzbekistan this year? Awesome choice. It’s tipped to be the next ‘hot destination’ and you can expect jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant bazaars, and more plov than you ever thought possible.
But before you get lost in the Silk Road magic, let’s talk about connectivity…
Unless you fancy hunting down WiFi in every tea house or getting slapped with a nightmare roaming bill, you need a solid SIM card. Whether you’re navigating the metro in Tashkent, haggling in Russian in Samarkand, or chasing sunsets in Khiva, a reliable SIM or an Uzbekistan eSim will save your sanity (and your Google Maps struggles).
So, which SIM card should you get for Uzbekistan? Let’s break it down shall we?
JetPac eSim
- Price > From $10
Holafly eSIM
- Price > From $19
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- Things to Consider When Choosing a SIM in Uzbekistan
- Best Local SIM Cards in Uzbekistan
- Can You Use an eSIM in Uzbekistan?
- Where to Buy a SIM Card in Uzbekistan
- How to Activate Your SIM Card in Uzbekistan
- What Is The Best Sim Card in Uzbekistan For Tourists?
- Final Recommendation: Which SIM Should You Get?
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Things to Consider When Choosing a SIM in Uzbekistan
As you should all know, not all SIMs are created equal. Here’s what you should keep in mind when comparing the best sim cards in Uzbekistan;
- Coverage: Uzbekistan’s cities are well-covered, but if you’re heading out to the desert or up to the mountains, some networks are a bit better than others.
- Data Packages: Planning to stream Netflix in your yurt? Then be sure to look for a provider with hefty data packages.
- Speed: Some networks are speed demons, others… run like the’re on rickety Soviet Railway.
- Ease of Purchase: Some SIMs require local registration or a bit of paperwork, so choosing one that’s a bit tourist-friendly is a win.
- Price: Some SIM cards in Uzbekistan are cheap but come with slow speeds, while others offer premium packages at higher rates.
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Best Local SIM Cards in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has four main mobile providers, and they all have their little quirks. Let’s check them out:
1. Uztelecom – Best Overall Coverage
- Pros: Best coverage, especially in remote areas; decent prices
- Cons: Can be a bit slow in big cities
- Best for: Those exploring beyond Tashkent
- Recommended Plan: 10GB data for around $10 USD
2. Beeline Uzbekistan – Fastest Data Speeds
- Pros: Great speeds in cities; tourist-friendly SIM packages
- Cons: Coverage can be patchy in rural areas
- Best for: City travelers who need fast data
- Recommended Plan: Unlimited social media + 15GB for $12 USD
3. Ucell – Best Budget Option
- Pros: Cheap; solid urban coverage
- Cons: Slower speeds compared to Beeline
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
- Recommended Plan: 5GB data for $6 USD
4. Mobiuz – Solid Alternative
- Pros: Good balance of price and coverage
- Cons: Less tourist-friendly setup process
- Best for: Those staying long-term
- Recommended Plan: 20GB data for $15 USD
There may also be smaller local sim providers available.
Now, please note at the time of writing this it was very difficult to get any of these companies’ websites to work properly in English so forgive us if any of this info is off.
With this in mind, our advice is to get yourself an eSim from a provider like Get Nomad to spare you the risk of something getting ‘lost in translation’.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REICan You Use an eSIM in Uzbekistan?
Yes, if your phone is eSim compatible then you can get an eSim for Uzbekistan.
There are many, many advantages of using an eSim. For one, you can download and get it ready before you leave home and activate it the very moment you land. This saves you shopping around, standing in line and potentially getting ripped off at the airport.
It also saves the hassle of removing and swapping your current sim and reduces plastic pollution too. In fact we wrote all about the advantages of eSim here.
However, eSims do tend to be a touch pricier than local physical SIM cards in Uzbekistan.
Here are your options for the best eSIM in Uzbekistan:
1. JetPac
- Well priced packages and excellent coverage.
- Plans range from 3GB for $10 USD to 20GB for $50 USD.
- Excellent choice.
2. Holafly eSIM
- Offers unlimited data plans for Uzbekistan.
- Prices start at $19 for 5 days and go up to $69 for 30 days.
- Pricey, but good for those who don’t want to worry about running out of data.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Uzbekistan
- Tashkent Airport – Probably the easiest option for travellers looking to buy a sim card in Uzbekistan. Just bring your passport. Be mindful that the desk may be closed if you arrive at night.
- Mobile Stores in the City – Better deals can be found, but may require a bit of Russian/Uzbek language skills. Note that the shop staff may be disinclined to help you.
- Malls & Supermarkets – Some bigger stores sell SIMs too.
- At Home – You can download the Get Nomad app and buy an eSim pack from the comfort of your own toilet.
How to Activate Your SIM Card in Uzbekistan
Most physical SIM cards in Uzbekistan require registration with your passport. Here’s a quick guide:
- Visit an official store of your chosen provider.
- Present your passport for registration.
- Choose a plan and make the payment.
- Insert the SIM and follow the activation instructions.
- Restart your phone, and you’re good to go!
Most providers offer English instructions, but Google Translate can be your best friend if needed. Personally I don’t really like having to hand my passport over to random shop staff in foreign countries so I am very glad that eSim options are available.
What Is The Best Sim Card in Uzbekistan For Tourists?
| Provider/Package | Price (Basic Sim) | Top Ups Allowed? | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uztelecom | $10 | ||
| Beeline Uzbekistan | $12 | ||
| Ucell | $6 | ||
| Mobiuz | $15 |
FAQs About Uzbekistan SIM Cards
Final Recommendation: Which SIM Should You Get?
Make no mistake, you will NEED an eSim for your trip to Uzbekistan. The only questions are which one is right for you?
Personally I would suggest you get an eSim at least to get you started. If you want to replace it with a plastic sim at some point in your trip then you are of course free to do just this.
- For best coverage: Uzmobile
- For fastest speeds: Beeline
- For budget travel: Ucell
- For long-term stays: Mobiuz
- For ultimate convenience: Get Nomad eSim
Now, go forth and explore Uzbekistan – with zero connectivity worries!
Happy travels!
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