Internet in Uzbekistan: SIM, eSIM and how to stay connected

Internet in Uzbekistan during a trip

Having access to Internet in Uzbekistan is useful for checking maps, communicating with hotels and local services, using transport apps and staying in touch while travelling.

In the main cities and tourist destinations, travellers can use mobile networks, local SIM cards, eSIMs and Wi-Fi connections. In rural, mountainous or desert areas, connection quality may vary depending on the operator and available coverage.

Travellers arriving from Italy can mainly choose between using their mobile operator's roaming service, purchasing a SIM in Uzbekistan or activating a compatible eSIM.

Buying a SIM in Uzbekistan

Foreign citizens can purchase a local SIM card from mobile operators. The Uzbek government portal specifies that when a non-resident purchases a SIM from a local operator, it must be registered with non-resident status.

There are also plans specifically designed for foreign visitors. UZTELECOM, for example, offers Travel plans for foreign tourists through its sales offices and authorised points.

It is advisable to compare the offers available at the time of arrival, as data allowances, validity periods and prices may change.

Where to buy a local SIM card

SIM cards can be purchased from official operator offices and authorised retailers. Some operators also provide digital procedures or additional sales channels.

Ucell, for example, indicates that its Tourist offers can be purchased through company offices and official dealers.

To avoid registration or activation problems, it is preferable to use the official channels of the selected operator.

What documents are required to buy a SIM?

Customer identification is part of the activation procedure. Requirements may vary depending on the operator and product.

Ucell's tourist offers require a foreign passport, while UZTELECOM requires an identity document for the subscription of its eSIM services.

It is therefore advisable to carry your passport when purchasing a local SIM and to check directly with the operator whether any additional information or documents are required.

Mobile operators in Uzbekistan

Several mobile operators provide services in Uzbekistan. Those offering services that may also be useful to travellers include UZTELECOM/UZMOBILE, Ucell, Beeline and Mobiuz.

It would not be advisable to identify one operator as the “best”, as coverage, plans and conditions can change and the most suitable choice depends on the areas visited and how the connection will be used.

It is better to compare current offers shortly before departure or upon arrival, particularly in terms of data allowance, validity and eSIM availability.

eSIM in Uzbekistan

An eSIM allows users to activate a digital mobile profile without inserting a physical SIM card, provided the smartphone supports this technology.

Ucell currently allows users to activate a new eSIM through its app using the self-registration section and states that this option is also available to non-residents.

UZTELECOM also provides eSIM services; for a new local subscription, it requires a compatible device and an identity document.

In July 2026, Mobiuz also announced a project with Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee to make eSIMs for foreign tourists available through the national tourism platform, with plans to allow travellers to obtain them before arrival. As this is an evolving project, availability should be checked before travelling.

SIM or eSIM: which should you choose?

A local SIM is a straightforward solution for travellers who prefer to have a traditional Uzbek phone number and use plans provided directly by local operators.

An eSIM may be more convenient for compatible smartphones because it does not require replacing the physical SIM and, depending on the device, can allow the Italian line to remain available.

Before choosing an eSIM, it is important to check smartphone compatibility and the conditions of the plan, particularly whether it includes data only or also calls and SMS.

IMEI registration in Uzbekistan

This is an important point for travellers using a local SIM card.

Uzbekistan uses the UZIMEI system for mobile-device registration. Official information indicates that when a non-resident purchases a local SIM, it must be registered with non-resident status. IMEI registration becomes necessary to continue using local mobile network services beyond the permitted period.

UZIMEI states that the device must be registered within 30 calendar days from the first connection using a SIM from a local mobile operator. Otherwise, access to local GSM services is suspended until registration is completed.

For an ordinary short tourist trip, this requirement is therefore generally less relevant, while it becomes important for longer stays.

Travellers using a foreign SIM in roaming are subject to different UZIMEI conditions.

Official UZIMEI System

Roaming from Italy in Uzbekistan

Another option is to keep your Italian SIM and use international roaming.

Uzbekistan is not part of the European Union and therefore does not fall under the European “Roam Like at Home” system. The cost of calls, SMS and mobile data depends on the Italian operator and the plan associated with the line.

Before departure, it is therefore important to check your provider's rates for Uzbekistan and any available international packages.

To avoid unexpected charges, travellers using a local SIM or eSIM can disable data roaming on their Italian line while keeping it available, if necessary, to receive SMS required by certain services.

Wi-Fi in Uzbekistan

Wi-Fi provides another way to connect to the Internet during a trip.

Hotels, accommodation facilities, airports, restaurants and many businesses in the main cities offer Wi-Fi connections, although quality and speed may vary.

Uzbekistan's official tourism information also indicates Wi-Fi availability at various tourist attractions, international airports, major hotels and other tourism-related facilities.

However, it is better not to rely exclusively on Wi-Fi when maps, messaging or online services are needed while travelling between destinations.

Connectivity in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva

In the country's main destinations, including Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, access to mobile networks and Internet services is generally easier than in less urbanised areas.

Actual network quality depends on the operator, location and local conditions. For this reason, absolute speeds or coverage levels should not be considered permanent.

Travellers who expect to use mobile data extensively can check the latest coverage maps published by operators before choosing a SIM.

Internet in rural, desert and mountain areas

Outside the main cities, mobile coverage can be less consistent.

When travelling through the Kyzylkum Desert, around Lake Aydarkul, in the Nuratau Mountains or through small villages, it is sensible to consider the possibility of a weaker or temporarily unavailable connection.

Before reaching these areas, it can be useful to download offline maps, travel documents, booking confirmations and other essential information.

This allows the smartphone to remain useful even when a mobile connection is unavailable.

Practical tips for staying connected

Before departure, check whether your smartphone supports eSIM, review the roaming conditions of your Italian operator and decide whether a local SIM is necessary.

If you purchase an Uzbek SIM, use an official sales point and keep the relevant subscription information. For longer stays, the IMEI registration rules should also be taken into consideration.

Downloading offline maps and keeping copies of important travel documents on your phone can also make periods without connectivity easier to manage.

To help you plan your expenses during your stay, find out how currency works in Uzbekistan, with useful information about the som, exchange rates, cards and payments.

Internet and SIM in Uzbekistan: what to know before travelling

When travelling in Uzbekistan, you can choose between a local SIM, eSIM, international roaming and Wi-Fi. The most suitable solution depends on the length of the trip, the device being used and the amount of mobile data required.

Travellers visiting different regions should not assume that a mobile connection will always be available: services are easier to access in cities, while offline tools are useful when travelling through rural and natural areas.