Getting a local Uzbekistan SIM card or eSIM for your phone or device can ensure you remain connected throughout your trip. This guide will provide key information on Uz mobile carrier options, best SIMs for tourists, where to buy them, how to activate and use them, costs, and more specifics to consider about staying connected with a Uz SIM card in Uzbekistan.
Uzmobile is the main mobile carrier in Uzbekistan, operating under the consumer brand Uztelecom. Key facts about Uz in Uzbekistan include:
Getting a local Uz SIM card ensures you tap into the leading Uzbek mobile network. Here are some details on what type of Uz coverage and speeds you can expect while traveling in Uzbekistan with a local SIM.
In all major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva you’ll get excellent 3G and 4G LTE signals with a Uz SIM card throughout your stay. In rural areas, basic 2G connectivity is still common relying on legacy networks. But overall coverage is expansive across Uzbekistan with Uzmobile.
Testing shows typical Uz 4G LTE speeds averaging around 25-35 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up. In congested areas at busy times, you may only get 3G with speeds around 5-12 Mbps – still usable for basic internet access. Top tested speeds show Uz 4G LTE reaching up to about 75 Mbps down in ideal conditions on compatible devices. For reference, 3G ranges from 384 Kbps to about 25 Mbps while 2G maxes out below 500 Kbps. So aim for 4G access whenever possible!
As a traveler to Uzbekistan, you have a couple options to connect your phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, or other cellular-enabled device to Uzbek networks:
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SIM card | – Inexpensive rates for local calls/data – Can get a local number – Works on most unlocked phones | – Need to provide passport info for registration – Language barrier to set up account |
| Wi-Fi hotspots | – Free basic connectivity – Available in some hotels, cafes, airports | – Limited/slow speeds – Coverage only in hotspot areas |
| International roaming | – No need to change SIM cards – Works with existing carrier/plan | – Very expensive rates for calls/data – Slow speeds due to roaming |
| Portable Wi-Fi hotspot | – Works like local broadband anywhere – Can share with travel partners | – Upfront equipment cost – Monthly subscription/data fees |
For short trips under 30 days, getting a tourist Uz SIM card is most common for the convenience factor. But eSIMs allow more flexibility if you have an eSIM-compatible device. Read on for more about the best SIM card and eSIM options from Uz.
For tourists visiting Uzbekistan for up to 30 days, Uz offers an International Tourist SIM card with great rates and packages tailored towards visitor needs.
Some key details about Uz’s tourist SIM in Uzbekistan:
| Plan Name | Data | Calls | Price (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel 5 | 6 GB | 500 mins | 5.5 USD | 30 days |
| Travel 10 | 12 GB | 1000 mins | 11 USD | 30 days |
The 7-day and 30-day tourist SIM packages have generous enough data, talk time, and international calling access for most visitors not relying heavily on their phones. Power users can always add more minutes or bigger data packages via affordable top-ups if needed.
For longer trips, getting a standard prepaid SIM card from Uz is another good option, with similarly excellent rates.
In 2022, Uzmobile launched eSIM support in Uzbekistan for compatible iOS and Android phones & smartwatches. Having an eSIM allows you to activate Uzmobile service remotely, without needing to physically insert a nano SIM card.
Some benefits of using Uz eSIM instead of physical SIM in Uzbekistan:
So while tourist Uz SIM cards provide the best plug-and-play connectivity, eSIMs offer more flexibility that some travelers may prefer for Uzbekistan.
You have a couple options to purchase Uz SIM cards for Uzbekistan. eSIMs can only be activated digitally direct from Uz.
Popular options to buy Uz SIM card in Uzbekistan:
Buying at Tashkent’s airport upon arrival is the easiest and fastest option to get connected right away with a fresh Uz SIM. But Uz SIMs can be purchased just about anywhere across Uzbekistan at official stores, retailers, and partners if you miss getting one at the airport or want to shop around for best promotions.
Online pre-orders are also possible for delivery in Uzbekistan to your hotel or via airport pickup. This lets you lock-in a SIM card rate ahead of arrival.
As eSIMs are digital, you activate service directly from Uzmobile online or via their app:
Follow the steps to sign-up and register payment info, then scan your passport/visa and await activation. Finally, download the service profile to enable your Uz eSIM!
Activating your new Uz SIM card or eSIM is quick and convenient following a few simple steps.
To activate a physical tourist SIM in Uzbekistan:
Once activated, you can insert into any unlocked phone and start using cellular & data immediately in Uzbekistan!
If you choose Uzmobile eSIM option instead, the activation process involves:
No physical Uz SIM card required with an eSIM. Just download the service profile sent over-the-air and your Uz plan will be ready to use.
Uz SIM cards and eSIMs come with some domestic and international calling minutes. But knowing rates helps when budgeting extra usage.
Some key call & SMS rates on Uz network in Uzbekistan:
Very affordable rates even without an active plan. But bundles and tourist SIM packs reduce per-use charges further.
USSD codes are useful for checking balances, usage details, or activating options directly from your phone’s dial pad.
Here are some common Uz USSD codes to know in Uzbekistan:
Simply dial the codes above to check or manage your Uz SIM without needing to use the mobile app.
When needing to add more minutes, texts, or mobile data to your Uz SIM card or plan, topping up your balance is easy.
Popular ways to top-up your Uz SIM/eSIM:
Vouchers are the most common way to add credit for extra service. But convenient online top-ups are also possible on the Uzmobile site or using their mobile app.
As Uzmobile’s Uz brand dominates with over 95% mobile market share, alternatives are very limited in Uzbekistan.
The only other GSM option is Beeline, but with much more limited 2G/3G coverage focused mainly in Tashkent. So Uzmobile remains the clear choice for most travelers seeking the broadest coverage around Uzbekistan. Let’s explore data plans from Uzbekistan eSIM from GIGAGO:
For longer trips, some digital nomads or remote workers get rental WiFi hotspots or USB modems for laptops/tablets. These provide unlimited data usage on Uz’s network. However they are overkill for shorter tourist trips.
Yes, Uz SIMs do work for roaming in nearby countries. But double check roaming is active before travel by using the *157# USSD code. Disabling data roaming is also recommended before crossing borders to ensure you don’t rack up unintended usage fees.
Topping up your Uz SIM is easy by purchasing and redeeming recharge codes online or vouchers available widely at stores/kiosks. Vouchers allow adding incremental amounts starting from 10,000 UZS ($0.80) up to any amount needed.
Yes, Uz SIM cards expire after 180 days without any activity. To keep it active, you’ll need to top up periodically even if not using it. Tourist SIMs have shorter 30-60 day expiration periods typically.
Yes, Uz supports eSIM connectivity in compatible iOS and Android smartwatches. Simply activate a data plan via eSIM similarly as you would on a smartphone. This allows using mobile data, messaging, and calls directly on a smartwatch while traveling.
I hope this detailed guide gives you all the key information needed to stay connected with a tourist Uz SIM card or eSIM during your travels in Uzbekistan. With Uzmobile being the top network in Uzbekistan, getting a local Uz SIM ensures you tap into the fastest 4G speeds and broadest coverage no matter where you are exploring.
Both physical SIM cards and eSIM options provide excellent convenience and connectivity across this beautiful country. Have an amazing trip with the help of Uz keeping your mobile access smooth and affordable throughout your journey!
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