Tashkent is the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, a city where the ancient Silk Road meets modern architecture. Known as the "City of Gardens" and the hospitality hub of Central Asia, Tashkent offers a unique blend of Soviet-era landmarks, turquoise-domed madrasahs, and contemporary skyscrapers. For detailed information regarding life, culture, and attractions, please visit the official tourism portal of Uzbekistan: https://uzbekistan.travel/en/
Money and Costs
The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS).
Cards: Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in major hotels, high-end restaurants, and supermarkets.
Cash: Many local shops and traditional bazaars operate on a cash-only basis.
Exchanges & ATMs: Currency exchange offices and ATMs are easily accessible throughout the city, starting from Tashkent International Airport to shopping malls and bank branches.
Dining and Cuisine
Tashkent is a gastronomic capital offering an incredible range of culinary experiences. From the world-famous Uzbek Plov and traditional kebabs to a vast array of international cuisines (Turkish, European, Korean, and more), there are options for every budget. Most mid-range and top-end restaurants offer affordable "Business Lunch" deals on weekdays between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Power Plugs and Electricity
In Uzbekistan, the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. If your country uses a different voltage, you may need a power converter. The sockets used are Type C and Type F:
Type C: Also known as the standard "Euro" plug. This socket also works with plug types E and F.
Type F: Also known as "Schuko." This socket also works with plug types C and E.
Wi-Fi and Internet
For the convenience of all guests and participants, wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) will be provided at the school/venue during the Olympiad. To stay connected while on the go, you can purchase a local SIM card. The primary mobile operators in Uzbekistan are:
Uztelecom (https://uztelecom.uz/en)
Beeline Uzbekistan (https://beeline.uz/en)
Ucell (https://ucell.uz/en)
Mobiuz (https://mobi.uz)
Transportation and Taxi
While the Olympiad organizers provide transportation for official events, you may wish to explore the city independently. For personal travel, we recommend downloading the following ride-hailing apps:
Yandex Go (The most widely used and reliable service)
MyTaxi
inDrive
Pro Tip: Don't miss a ride on the Tashkent Metro. It is not only an efficient way to travel but is also famous for having some of the most beautiful, artistically designed stations in the world.