Uzbekistan’s rich heritage is intricately linked to the Silk Road, with captivating historical sites and natural wonders that stand out in Central Asia. While Tashkent serves as the capital and largest city, Uzbek is the official language, although Tajik and Russian are prevalent. Despite a relatively small expat community, the country’s flourishing economy attracts professionals seeking international career opportunities.
Cost of living in Uzbekistan
One of Uzbekistan’s most enticing features is the cost of living. Tashkent, the capital, ranks 218th among 227 global cities in Mercer’s 2023 cost of living assessment. Uzbekistan’s cost of living is notably lower than in Europe or the US but contrasts with higher costs in fellow Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Local markets offer excellent and reasonably priced fresh goods, and dining out is often a fantastic value.
Uzbek healthcare system
A chronic shortage of medical facilities and a significant emigration of healthcare professionals have contributed to the ongoing deterioration of public healthcare in Uzbekistan. This decline is further exacerbated by the recurrent scarcity of even the most fundamental medical supplies, including disposable hypodermic needles, essential anesthetics, and crucial antibiotics. Foreigners should choose private hospitals like Tashkent International Medical Clinic for healthcare, despite ongoing government efforts to enhance services. Outside of the capital, however, decent private clinics are scarce. Furthermore, it is common for foreign nationals living in Uzbekistan to travel outside the nation to acquire more sophisticated medical treatment. Due to this, expatriates should confirm that their health insurance policy covers medical evacuation. Make sure that your current coverage fully covers Uzbekistan when it comes to health insurance.
Uzbekistan’s educational system
Uzbekistan has just two international schools, both in Tashkent, so expats with children should consider this when moving. These are the British School, established in 2010, and the Tashkent International School, a K–12 institution with an international curriculum. The English National Curriculum is used here to provide children of all nationalities with a wide range of options. The school meets with the Uzbek Board of Education’s regulations as well. Tashkent Financial Institute and Westminster International University in Tashkent, established in 2002 with the UK’s University of Westminster, are Uzbekistan’s top-rated universities. Both of these colleges enjoy a strong reputation on the national and regional levels in Central Asia. For a smoother stay in Uzbekistan, consider enrolling your child in a Russian language course if your stay is long-term.
Uzbekistan’s transportation system
Tashkent International Airport is where you’ll probably land if you’re flying into Uzbekistan. A few flights from Russia go to places like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Urgench. Most cities require you to make your domestic flight reservations at the airport. Uzbekistan boasts a network of mostly navigable roads, though there are some exceptions, and traffic flows on the right side. It is possible to rent a car and go on independent trips, but choosing a rental with a driver is sometimes the smarter move, especially for lengthy trips. For safe travel circumstances, the speed limits are set at 100 km/h for interstate roads and 50 km/h within towns and cities. Uzbekistan’s strategic location allows road connections to all its neighboring countries. However, it’s essential to note that border crossings into Afghanistan are limited to residents of the two nations with special permissions. This increases the complexity of cross-border travel plans. One of only two cities in Central Asia having an underground transit system is Tashkent. North and South railway stations serve the capital. Train service is excellent to the major population centers in Bukhara, the Ferghana Valley, Nukus, Samarkand, and Termez. There are scheduled bus, tram, and trolley services in Tashkent. Additionally, buses offer links to all of Uzbekistan’s major cities and localities. Buses are reasonably reliable and inexpensive in general.
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