Tashkent, Uzbekistan Report of what it's like to live there - 08/16/22
Personal Experiences from Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I have spent more than 20 years overseas. Germany, Belgium, Liberia, New Zealand.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
It takes about 36 hours from Tashkent to D.C. after layovers and connections. Some talks of direct flights to Europe, Asia, & New York in plans to return post covid.
3. What years did you live here?
2020-present
4. How long have you lived here?
Almost 2 years
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Everyone lives in a house. It is the biggest house I have ever lived in, and may be the biggest house I ever live in. I have enough space for a full gym in my basement. Plenty of storage space throughout the house. There are parts of my house I never go in, wild! Housing was one of the reasons I extended a third year. This used to be a post where everyone had a pool, but those numbers are dwindling due to seismic concerns. Eventually, post will get a residential compound but that will take time.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables available. You can find almost any meat locally, pork is more difficult to track down but can be done by the determined.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More laundry detergent, more canned beans.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Easiest takeout options, food is cheap.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Some people have ants and scorpions but facilities tries to help mitigate.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Embassy. Local customs make receiving mail locally very pricey
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Easy to find, housekeeper about $30 per day. Other people have pool people, gardeners, drivers, nannies, all the things!
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Some western type gyms, pretty pricey but pretty flash!
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Others seem not to have troubles.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
None that I know of.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
If you want a super enjoyable tour, Russian is HIGHHHLLLYYYY recommended. You can survive with google translate, pointing, and grunting but knowing Russian GREATLY Improves your quality of life. Uzbek is spoken mostly outside of Tashkent, but growing in popularity in the city.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
yes
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are easy and cheap. Buses are often stuffed to the brim, so taxis are the preferable mode of public transport.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Driving is WILD! If you forget almost every rule you have about driving, you will have fun! It is surprising how easy it is to adjust. You just have to look out for every driver and every possible scenario. The bigger the car, the better, 70% of the population drives small white sedans, they don't look out for fellow drivers but look terrified of giant SUVs. You can order parts and find servicing stations.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It depends, mostly easy to get installed. High-speed options available.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local sims easy to get, must register with passport. All phones accessing local towers with local sims are required to register their IMEI number with the government.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
There seem to be a few vets, but not many. Small yards, and most parks don't allow pets. People with pets seem to do ok, but wish they had more green space options.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Telecommuting positions.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Men wear dress pants and shoes most of the time.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No, Uzbekistan is pretty safe!
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Air quality isn't the best, especially in winter but air purifiers help that. International clinic can do most routine things, surgeries you will need to go elsewhere.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Bad, yes some people struggle badly with allergies.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Ask questions, prepare your own food. Bring allergy meds.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
It is pretty grey and drab from about November to April.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot HOT HOT in summer, mild winters with a few snow drizzles.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Schools is liked by parents, it seems with a decent IB program.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, everywhere also easy to get nannies.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
I've heard swimming, tennis, and karate. Language barriers exist.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It seems ok, there is an internations branch.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Internations, Pub quiz, couchsurfing
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Tashkent is definitely a family post, there are some singles who hang out together. The families are totally friendly and welcoming, so it doesn't feel like an isolated place. There are lots of social groups in town that regularly host events, nights out, etc. No safety issues with going out after dark...driving is wild but manageable. See above comment about Russian.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
People of Uzbekistan are very friendly, local language required,
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
LGBTQI+ is considered a concept of the West. Same sex accreditation is not granted by the government.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
As noted above, there are not many brown or people of colour in Uzbekistan. When they see people, they are curious to know if they are like the movies, so there is touching, catcalling, hollering, photo requests, but again nothing malicious just curiosity. If you pretend you are a celebrity, and bask in the attention it will be fine. Men of colour seem to have it easier, but they mostly think there are sports celebrities. Overall, it is totally fine, I know many people of colour who chose to extend. Uzbeks are friendly and curious people, all comes from a heart of love.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Khiva is my favorite. Hearing tales of old travelers, just so much amazing history to see!
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
So.much.stuff! Pottery, rugs, crafts.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Ancient buildings.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The level of curiosity with brown people.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes!
3. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Ambassadors.
