Practical Information: Khiva

Communication

Staying connected in Khiva is straightforward with local SIM cards and Wi-Fi options.

Stay Connected

Local SIM cards: Ucell, Beeline, UzMobile. Buy at official stores. Passport needed. Data plans are good value. Consider an ESIM from Airalo for convenience.
Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, guesthouses, many restaurants, and cafes. Speed varies but good for browsing and communication. A portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi can be a good option.
Postal services: Available but rarely used by tourists, who use digital communication.

Language & Translation

Language barriers are manageable, especially with translation tools and basic phrases.

Language Tips

Languages: Uzbek (official). Russian widely spoken by older generations. English by tourism staff.
Translation: Google Translate (offline packs for Uzbek/Russian). Carry a phrasebook. For deeper learning, check out Rosetta Stone.
Phrases: Learn 'Assalomu alaykum' (Hello), 'Rahmat' (Thank you), 'Qancha?' (How much?).

Business Hours

Be aware of typical operating hours for businesses and attractions.

Operating Schedules

Shops & Markets: Generally 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; markets open earlier.
Restaurants: Noon - 10:00 PM; some cafes open for breakfast.
Attractions/Museums: Usually 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (winter 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Confirm locally.

Banking & Holidays

Know banking hours, ATM locations, and how holidays might affect services.

Financial & Holiday Notes

Banks: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. ATMs: More in Urgench than Khiva. Get cash in Tashkent/Bukhara if possible.
Public holidays (Navruz, Independence Day, New Year's Day) cause closures. Religious holidays (Eid) may mean reduced hours.
Seasonal closures: Smaller spots may have reduced hours in low season (winter, extreme summer heat). Verify locally.

Money & Banking Essentials

Currency & Payment

Uzbekistan Sum (UZS) is the local currency.
Credit card acceptance is growing, but cash is king.
Exchange currency at banks or official exchange points.
Carry small denominations for everyday purchases.

ATM Access & Travel Tips

ATMs are available but often sparse in smaller cities like Khiva. Plan cash withdrawals.
Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
Budget for cash-only purchases at local markets and smaller eateries.
Some hotels accept foreign currency, but official exchanges are better.

Cash is King

While some places accept cards, carry sufficient local currency. ATMs are in Khiva, but more common in bigger cities like Urgench, Bukhara, or Tashkent. Be aware of exchange rates.

Local Customs & Etiquette

This covers social norms to help you respectfully engage with the local culture.

Greetings

A handshake is common among men. Women often greet with a slight bow or hand over the heart. Greet elders first as a sign of respect.

Attire

Modest dress is good, especially in religious sites; shoulders and knees covered for all. Women might need a headscarf in mosques or mausoleums. Casual wear for sightseeing is fine.

Dining

Wait to be invited to eat. Never put bread on the floor or upside down. Tea is frequently offered. Tipping (5-10%) is appreciated if service charge not on bill.

Photography

Generally fine to photograph people if you ask permission first. A gesture with your camera is understood. Respect religious sites. Some museums may charge for photography or prohibit flash.

Ethical Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially children or women.
Avoid military installations or government buildings. Do not use flash inside museums if forbidden.
Be mindful of privacy, avoid intrusive photography.

Cultural Sensitivities

Avoid sensitive topics and public displays of affection in conservative Uzbekistan.

Taboos & Respect

Avoid overt political discussions.
Avoid public displays of affection; generally frowned upon for all couples.
Same-sex relations are illegal for men. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion.

Airport Services

Airport Lounge Access

International airports offer various services.
Lounge access for comfortable waits before flights. Consider Priority Pass.
Food, drinks, and Wi-Fi available in lounges.

Flight Disruption Compensation

In case of flight delays or cancellations, know your rights.
Service helps with compensation claims. Check out Compensair.
Eligibility depends on delay duration and reason.

Be Mindful of Local Norms

Uzbekistan is a conservative country.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges will find Khiva presents obstacles.

Mobility Challenges

Khiva's Ichan Kala has uneven cobblestone streets, narrow passages, and many steps within historical buildings. This means challenges for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

Navigating Ichan Kala

Cobblestones and steps are common.
Many buildings lack ramps or elevators.
Very few attractions are fully accessible.

Transportation & Services

Public transportation is not wheelchair accessible. Private taxis may give more flexibility for getting around, but vehicle entry and exit can still be difficult.

Assistance & Resources

Private taxis can be arranged, but entry/exit can be hard.
Limited specialized services for visual or hearing impairments. Travel with assistance is good.
Few dedicated accessibility resources exist. Contact accommodation in advance.

Planning for Mobility

Careful planning is suggested for travelers with mobility challenges to ensure a smoother visit.

Proactive Steps

Contact your hotel or guesthouse to discuss their specific accessibility. Confirm if they have ground-floor rooms or easy access.
Review maps of Ichan Kala to identify flatter routes or areas with fewer steps. Some main pathways may be more navigable than smaller alleys.
Consider bringing compact, foldable mobility aids if possible, as larger equipment may not fit everywhere.

Support & Guides

Traveling with assistance is recommended for those with significant mobility challenges.

Guidance for Assistance

A travel companion can provide practical assistance with navigation and access.
Local guides with experience in assisting travelers with special needs might be found through specialized tour operators, though they are rare.
While few specific resources are available, general travel forums or disability travel groups might offer personal experiences and tips from other travelers.

Safety Alerts

Uneven Surfaces

Be cautious of uneven cobblestones, especially after rain or in low light.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip to prevent slips or falls.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings and footing.

Limited Accessibility

Access to upper levels of minarets and some buildings involves steep, narrow stairs.
Some older sections or less-visited sites might have restricted access.
During peak seasons, crowds can make navigation harder in confined spaces.

Inclusive Travel Tips

Pre-Arrival Research

Research specific attractions for their accessibility details before your visit.
Call ahead to hotels or tour operators to confirm facilities.
Plan routes within Ichan Kala that avoid the most challenging terrain.

On-Site Strategies

Do not hesitate to ask for help from locals or hotel staff. They are generally helpful.
Allow extra time for navigation, especially if mobility aids are used.
Focus on ground-level sights that offer easier access and a rich experience.

Travel Prepared

For travelers with mobility concerns, be prepared for cobblestone streets and many steps. It is good to travel with assistance. Always ask your accommodation about specific accessibility features before booking.

Practical Information