Silk Road Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

Readily available at airports and official stores of major mobile providers. Inexpensive data packages. Passport needed for registration.

Mobile Providers

Beeline, Ucell (Uzbekistan); Kcell, Beeline (Kazakhstan).
Megacom, Beeline (Kyrgyzstan); Tcell (Tajikistan).
Consider an eSIM from Airalo for instant internet access upon arrival.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is common in hotels, guesthouses, and many cafes plus dining places in major cities. Speeds vary, rural connectivity less reliable.

Connectivity Options

Wi-Fi common in hotels and cafes in major cities.
Local SIM with data plan for consistent internet.
Portable Wi-Fi devices from Solis Wi-Fi are another option.

Language Barriers & Resources

Russian is widely spoken. Local languages are Uzbek, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen. English is less common.

Essential Phrases

Learn some simple phrases in Russian or local languages. It is appreciated.
Google Translate is invaluable; download offline language packs.
Enhance your language proficiency with Rosetta Stone before your trip.

Business Hours & Schedules

Operating hours for businesses vary. Organize around public and religious holidays.

Typical Hours

Government offices: Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 6 PM. Banks: Mon-Fri, 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
Shops & Bazaars: Generally 8 AM to 6 PM. Restaurants & Cafes: 10 AM/11 AM until 11 PM+.
ATMs are widespread in major cities; carry cash for smaller towns.

Religious & Public Holidays

Holidays

Navruz (March 21): Widely celebrated, festivities and cultural events.
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Islamic holidays, the dates are not fixed; expect closures.
National Day of independences: Each country celebrates its own date; public holidays.
Other Public Holidays: New Year, International Women's Day, Victory Day.

Seasonal Considerations

Mountain roads/attractions may close in winter due to heavy snow.
Check the weather for winter travel to high-altitude areas.
Some seasonal closures or infrequent schedules for certain services.
Dates for some holidays vary annually; verify specific dates closer to your travel.

Important Note:

Being aware of local communication options and operating hours greatly simplifies your journey. Plan for reliable internet access, especially outside major urban centers.

Airport Services & Etiquette

Lounge Access

Gain access to airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass for comfort during layovers.

Flight Compensation

For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair aids in securing compensation.

Arrival Assistance

Consider pre-arranging airport transfers for ease, especially with early or late arrivals.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engage respectfully with Central Asia's rich and diverse cultures.

Social Interactions

Shake hands with men. Nod or slight bow for women unless handshake is offered.
Elders are highly respected; show deference to them.
Remove shoes before entering homes or mosques. Use right hand for things.

Photography Permissions

Generally permitted at public sites. Always ask permission for individuals.

Photography Guidelines

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural areas.
Avoid photographing military installations, border areas, or sensitive government buildings.
Some museums may charge a small fee for photography.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Conversation Topics

Avoid discussing politics, especially critical views of governments.
Refrain from discussing religion unless invited by a local.
Approach the Aral Sea disaster with sensitivity.

Cultural Sensitivities

Do not compare countries in the region negatively to each other.
Gender roles are generally traditional. Public displays of affection are uncommon.
LGBTQ+ rights are limited; public expression of same-sex relationships is not advisable.

Cultural Awareness:

A little cultural knowledge significantly enhances interactions and guarantees a respectful journey.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is generally limited in Central Asia.

Mobility Challenges

Public transportation, sidewalks, and lots of heritage sites lack accessible features.

Infrastructure Limitations

Cobblestone streets, uneven pavements, and numerous stairs present challenges.
Public transport is typically not accessible for wheelchairs.
Some newer hotels or modern government buildings might have basic accessibility features.

Specialized Services

Limited services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments.

Planning for Accessibility

Contact local disability bodies for certain information.
Travel agencies specializing in accessible travel may offer tailored tours.
Arranging private transport and assistance with a tour operator is often the best approach.