Money Exchange Shortchanging
Deliberate Undercounting at Booths
In bazaars like Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent or across the country, exchange vendors may use sleight of hand to give less Uzbekistani som (UZS) than the agreed amount, such as providing only 1,100,000 UZS for 100 USD instead of the official rate of about 1,250,000 UZS, exploiting tourists' unfamiliarity with large denominations.
- Count your UZS immediately in front of the vendor and verify using a currency app.
- Exchange money at state banks like Asaka Bank in major cities, where rates are transparent and commissions are around 1-2%.
- Avoid street-side booths and use ATMs for withdrawals, checking for skimming devices.
Fake Banknote Scams
Vendors in markets or small shops nationwide may claim a tourist's UZS notes are counterfeit and refuse them, then offer to 'exchange' for a fee, such as demanding an extra 10,000 UZS per transaction while pocketing the original notes.
- Only accept notes from official sources and use smaller denominations like 50,000 UZS for transactions.
- Have notes verified at a bank if suspected, and carry a UV light app on your phone for quick checks.
- Shop at established stores in tourist areas and report suspicious behavior to local police.
Souvenir Overpricing
Aggressive Bargaining Traps
In national bazaars, sellers inflate prices for items like silk scarves or ceramics, starting at 200,000 UZS but demanding 500,000 UZS from tourists, then using guilt tactics or fake 'discounts' to pressure sales.
- Research average prices online, such as 100,000 UZS for a quality silk scarf, and haggle firmly but politely.
- Shop in government-run stores or certified artisan cooperatives where fixed prices are around 20-30% lower.
- Use cash sparingly and pay with cards where possible to avoid overpayment disputes.