Uzbekistan might not be the first name that comes to mind for digital nomads, often overshadowed by popular havens like Chiang Mai and Bali.
However, in this article, we debunk the misconceptions and reveal why Uzbekistan, especially Tashkent, holds immense potential as an ideal destination for digital nomads and distance workers.
Intro to Uzbekistan
Located in the heart of Central Asia and home to roughly 35 million people, Uzbekistan is a very welcoming country that is sadly overlooked by many tourists.
Lying on the Silk Road, this former historical empire is famous for its mosques, mausoleums, and ancient ruins. These days it’s better known for its friendly people, warm weather, and hearty cuisine.
For digital nomads and distance workers, the capital city Tashkent is likely to have the most to offer as itâs a sprawling metropolis. Other options are the smaller, historical cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Pros of Uzbekistan for Digital Nomads
Uzbekistan Culture and History
Uzbekistan is home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites and some of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its more recent history as a member of the Soviet Union creates a very unique mix of culture, food, and architecture that you wonât find elsewhere.
Off the Beaten Path
Unlike some of the digital nomad havens such as Chiang Mai in Thailand and Bansko in Bulgaria, Uzbekistan has relatively few foreign visitors and even fewer digital nomads and long-distance workers.
While this may bring some challenges, it can be a great experience for those with a sense of adventure. Unlike elsewhere, youâll not be faced with weary locals and overpriced lattes as you struggle to find a spot to place your laptop.
Youâll find that since few foreigners visit Uzbekistan, locals will be more interested in getting to know you. Uzbeks are known to be very helpful towards foreigners, especially when in need.
Cost of Living
Although itâs true that prices in Uzbekistan have slowly crept up in the last couple of years, it still remains a very cheap country for day-to-day expenses such as eating and traveling.
The capital city Tashkent is the most expensive city in the country, but you can find a cheap local meal for a couple of dollars. A metro ride across the city costs less than $0.15!
Accommodation will be your biggest expense, particularly in the center of Tashkent, but look for apartments on the outside of town for much better deals. You can find Airbnb rentals starting from around $500 a month for a studio apartment. For cheaper options try local website olx.uz, although English speakers will need to use a translation app.
Safety
Uzbekistan is a very safe country, and despite its proximity to Afghanistan, the country has normal safety levels according to both the US and UK governmentsâ foreign travel advice.
Violent crime is very rare, and although petty crime exists, it is still very uncommon and nothing that normal precautions canât prevent.
You can read more on safety in Uzbekistan here.
Internet Availability and Speeds
Many digital nomad review sites, such as NomadList, rate Uzbekistan as having poor internet. While itâs true that you wonât find the fastest internet speeds in Uzbekistan, the average internet speed as of 2023 is 63Mbps according to Wisevoter.
Internet speeds have increased over the past few years and are only likely to continue this trend.
Anecdotally, from my own experience with my internet connection, SIM card, and the cafes I regularly frequent, I very rarely have any internet issues.
As the global pandemic increased the number of international remote workers, Uzbekistanâs coworking spaces have also expanded, offering strong internet speeds and shared and private spaces.
Relatively Low Number of English Speakers
While itâs true that there aren’t a huge number of English speakers in Uzbekistan, you will find many English-speaking staff in service jobs catering to foreigners, such as cafes and coworking spaces.
Fortunately, translation apps have come a long way in the past few years, making this less of an issue.
Helpful websites and apps include Google Translation, photo-to-text translators for menus and signs, and taxi apps such as Yandex and MyTaxi which take away the need to communicate at all.
Visas
Unfortunately Uzbekistan doesn’t currently have specific visas for digital nomads but citizens of most countries can enter the country as a tourist without a visa for 30 days.
Visitors from EU countries, the United Kingdom, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia and many more can enter Uzbekistan without needing a visa.
For citizens of countries who do require a visa such as the United States, India and South Africa, this can be easily done online and is not expensive to apply for.
Visit the official Uzbekistan visa portal for more information on applying for visas.
Coworking Spaces
Coworking Spaces are still relatively new to Uzbekistan but a couple of notable ones have emerged.
Ground Zero
Ground Zero is one of the best-established coworking spaces in the country, offering a range of packages from one-off visits to monthly personal desks.
What they offer:
- 24 hour access
- High-speed wireless internet
- Comfortable shared and private spaces
- Meeting rooms and event hall
Prices start from 100,000 Som for a day pass up to 220,000 Som for a month private desk with extras. You can visit their website in English here.
C-Space
Another popular coworking space in Tashkent, C-Space also offers shared and private working spaces as well as flexible rental agreements.
- 24/7 availability and high-speed internet.
- Ready-to-use offices with flexible rental agreements.
- Fully equipped kitchen with free tea, coffee, and snacks.
Their English website is here although their standard prices are not readily available.
Conslusion
Uzbekistan may not have yet proved itself to the international masses of digital nomads and distance workers, but it offers a unique and enriching experience to those who do decide to come.
Despite its poor ratings on popular digital nomad websites, the country offers a rich cultural heritage, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and friendly locals eager to connect.
While internet speeds may not be the fastest, the growing number of coworking spaces and improving infrastructure address this concern. The cost of living remains budget-friendly, allowing digital nomads to thrive without breaking the bank.
Embracing the blend of history and modernity, Uzbekistan is a destination worth exploring for those seeking an authentic and rewarding work-life balance.
For those who are convinced to give it a try, we recommend our guide to visiting Uzbekistan in 2023.