Is Uzbekistan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Uzbekistan is generally safe for solo female travelers. The country's people are known for their warm hospitality, and violent crime is relatively low. However, like every tripping spot, it requires precautions. It's advised to be respectful of local customs and avoid alone adventurous activities after dark. Always share your itineraries with someone trustworthy. No place is entirely without risks, but with precautions in place, the journey can be remarkably safe and rewarding.

Safety rating

4.6 /5

Based on 11 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Uzbekistan is generally a safe country, especially for solo female travelers. Most locals are hospitable towards foreigners and the crime rate is relatively low. Walking alone at night is usually safe in major cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, or Bukhara where streets are well-lit and regularly patrolled. However, it's always best to stay vigilant about your surroundings, avoid less crowded or poorly lit areas, and follow local customs and dress modestly.

Public transportation: Safe

Uzbekistan's public transportation, especially in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, is pretty reliable and considered safe. Buses, trams, and metro are often available. However, it gets crowded during peak hours. Also, be aware that information such as maps or schedules is usually in Uzbek or Russian. Since not many people speak English, you should learn a few essential local phrases.

Street harassment: Low

Uzbekistan is known for its hospitable and respectful culture. Street harassment is relatively rare, making it a comfortable choice for solo female travelers. Nonetheless, appropriate dressing and avoiding late-night walks alone in unfamiliar places are recommended. Cautiousness is suggested, as in any other place in the world.

Petty crimes:Low

Uzbekistan generally maintains a low rate of petty crimes. However, it's still good to take normal precautions that one would in any other country. Keep your belongings safe and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets or public transport.

Tap water:Unsafe

While Uzbekistan's major cities may have water treatment facilities, the tap water safety is generally inconsistent and not recommended for consumption. Different bacteria and heavy metals may be present, which could lead to health problems. It is suggested to consume bottled water, or if tap water is the only available source, boiling before use is highly advised.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 11 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.8/5

Solo travel experience

I was in Uzbekistan with my mother. Very beautiful city. We went and shopped at the Chorsu bazaar. The Chorsu bazaar serves excellent pilaf and kebabs. I bought traditional souvenirs and a scarf. I saw beautiful mosques. And visited Magic City

Posted: November 8, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
Author:Instagram
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Solo travel experience

I have been to Uzbekistan for 4 days. I stayed in Samarkand and Bukhara. I was traveling solo and had no guide. Took the train from Samarkand to Bukhara (and back) and did tons of sightseeing in both cities. I experienced it as a super friendly country and had no trouble with catcalling etc. I really enjoyed my time there, as a female solo it was no trouble and I would love to go again.

Posted: August 2, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I traveled to Samarkand and Tashkent and it was an amazing trip. We are 4 ladies on this trip and we felt very safe. I love the food, the architecture, and the people. We didn’t speak Russian or Uzbek but we managed it. Uzbekistan is so amazing and very cheap.

Posted: August 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went solo and made friends every day because people were so friendly. Uzbekistan is very cheap. A meal costs around 3€ in a nice restaurant with local food and drink. The ATMs used to be a problem in the past but now they are widely available in tourist cities, they're always in the Old Town, even multiple ones. I didn't have any problems, I didn't take any Uzbek money with me. I exchanged there and then withdrew from the ATMs in every city, and all good.

Posted: May 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I visited solo for 10 days. I felt completely safe with normal precautions. No cat-calling or aggressive vendors. I hired a couple of guides who were fabulous in Tashkent and in Bukhara. I took trains, shared taxis, etc. The Uzbek people were very nice. Be very careful with the food. Much is delicious but I got sick as hell. No local water and I suggest not eating anything fresh unless guaranteed to be cleaned in filtered water. Bukhara, and Samarkand are just wonderful.

Posted: May 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I visited Uzbekistan a few years ago and everyone was very respectful. I personally didn’t experience any catcalling or anything which made me uncomfortable. I really enjoyed my time there.

Posted: May 21, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was in Uzbekistan last year. I went to Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva and did a yurt stay. I travel to all these cities by train that I booked myself in the country. I spent 2 weeks there and felt very safe.

Posted: April 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

I joined a group tour that covered the main sites Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. We also did a yurt stay in Aya Kala. Tashkent was a lovely city with quite a bit to see. I felt safe and did not have any problems there. Islamic architecture was amazing.

Posted: April 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Visited Uzbekistan as a single brown female. There were certain challenges of language and being hoodwinked by the travel agent, railway personnel etc. But overall it's an beautiful country with majestic historical places like Registan Square in Samarkhand. I visited Samarkhand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent. The magnificent historical architecture is overwhelming. Given half a chance I would go there again.

Posted: November 27, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Group travel experience

Uzbekistan is fab! I went for business but managed to fit in quite a bit of tourism too. Everyone is very friendly and I felt very safe walking around on my own. People aren't pushy trying to sell to you, which I really like. The underground metro in Tashkent was one of my favourite parts and the older buildings along the Silk Road. In terms of clothing it's classed as a Muslim country but it doesn't require you to keep covered as other countries might. I would still recommend keeping shoulders covered anyway and avoiding short skirts etc. When I wasn't working, I wore jeans and a top.

Posted: November 19, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Uzbekistan

Нигина

Нигина

Speaking

About Me

Hi, My name is Нигина and I'm interested in books, cinema, dancing, events & social, fashion, food & cuisine, nightlife, shopping and swimming

Countries I’ve Visited

🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇸🇬 Singapore

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балнура

балнура

Speaking

About Me

I’m young traveler and student

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Nilufar

Nilufar

Speaking

About Me

Seriously, Friendly, sweetheart

Countries I’ve Visited

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan

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Stay with locals in Uzbekistan

Nilufar

Nilufar

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Seriously, Friendly, sweetheart

Countries I’ve Visited

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan

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балнура

балнура

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

I’m young traveler and student

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Molly

Molly

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hey, My name is Molly and I'm interested in animals, art, books, cinema, culture, cycling, dancing, education, food & cuisine, languages, nature, photography, sightseeing, shopping, solo travel and writing

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Upcoming visitors to Uzbekistan

Georgina

Georgina

About Me

Love travelling and seeing new places! I frequently go by myself but always like to share the moments and meet new people.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇲 Gambia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇲🇼 Malawi, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇸🇳 Senegal, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇱🇻 Latvia

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Safety in Uzbekistan