"Money bags" Top 5 Page for this destination Uzbekistan Warnings Or Dangers Tip by TheWanderingCamel

Changing money can be a real problem in Uzbekistan. Even if the banks and hotel money changers haven't actually run out of money (yes, that does happen), with the exchange rate currently being about 1500cym (sum) to the dollar (October 2009), even with denominations of 500 and 1000 cym more readily available, change $100 and you end up with quite a wad so be prepared to carry a stack of money around with you and practice the bank teller's trick of counting notes quickly. Everyone does it.

Credit cards are not a lot of use, as far as I know there are only one or two ATM machine's in Tashkent and none anywhere else in the country. Don't even think about drawing money against your credit card - you'll still be in the bank when it comes time to leave for the airport. Strictly speaking, US dollars are not currency but you can use them sometimes, just don't bank on it. Small US bills are useful for tips and big purchases can usually be paid for in dollars.