Best Prepaid SIM Card for Tourists in Uzbekistan in 2026

Planning a trip to Uzbekistan and wondering what is the best prepaid SIM card for tourists in 2026? In this complete guide I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Uzbekistan, including the best mobile networks, up to date prices, where to buy a SIM card and my personal experience traveling around the country.

I recently spent more than 2 weeks traveling across Uzbekistan by train, visiting places like Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara. It was honestly one of the most enjoyable trips I have done in a long time.

Uzbekistan is a very affordable country, the people are incredibly friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is amazing. Traveling around is easy and comfortable, especially by train.

During my trip I tested mobile networks, compared SIM card options and experienced first-hand how important it is to pick the right mobile internet provider. Mobile data in Uzbekistan is extremely cheap for Western tourists, which means choosing the best SIM card is not about saving a couple dollars, but about having the best network coverage when traveling around the country.

Last updated: March 2026.

If you are traveling to multiple countries in Asia, you can also check my guide to the best SIM cards for traveling in Asia. However, for Uzbekistan specifically, local prepaid SIM cards offer the best value and network coverage.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on independent research and personal experience.

Do you need a SIM card for Uzbekistan?

Yes, if you are traveling to Uzbekistan it is highly recommended to buy a prepaid SIM card or use an eSIM to stay connected. Although Uzbekistan is an easy and relaxed country to travel around, having mobile data will make your trip a lot smoother and more enjoyable.

During my trip I traveled for more than 2 weeks across Uzbekistan by train and having a working internet connection was essential almost every day. Whether it was checking train schedules, navigating through cities like Tashkent or Samarkand, or simply staying in touch with friends and family.

Think about ordering a taxi through apps like Yandex, using Google Maps for directions, checking restaurant reviews, accessing your hotel bookings or even managing your banking apps. Especially on long train rides between cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, having mobile data is very convenient to pass time or plan your next steps.

Another important reason is safety. In case of emergencies it is always better to have access to mobile data instead of relying on WiFi.

Do not rely on WiFi when traveling in Uzbekistan. Although most hotels, restaurants and cafes offer free WiFi, the connection is often slow or unreliable. On top of that, public WiFi networks are not secure and using a VPN is recommended if you connect to them.

Also avoid using data roaming from your home provider. International roaming plans are still very expensive and often come with reduced data speeds. Some providers charge up to a few dollars per MB, which can quickly turn into a very expensive mistake. Always make sure to turn off data roaming when traveling abroad.

Luckily, mobile data in Uzbekistan is very cheap. For just a couple of dollars you already get a large data bundle, which makes getting a local SIM card the smartest and easiest option for staying connected during your trip.

If you are visiting multiple countries on one trip, you can also look into using an international SIM card. I wrote a detailed comparison of the best options here: best international SIM cards for traveling abroad. However, for Uzbekistan specifically, a local prepaid SIM card still offers much better value and network performance.

Where to buy a prepaid SIM card in Uzbekistan

There are several places where you can buy a prepaid SIM card in Uzbekistan, including at the airport on arrival, in city centers and at train stations. Based on my experience, I highly recommend buying your SIM card in an official retail store of the mobile operators for the best service and network setup.

Buying a SIM card at Tashkent International Airport

Buying a SIM card at Tashkent International Airport is easy. After arriving and collecting your luggage you will find SIM card shops in the arrival hall that sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists.

However, keep in mind that the options at the airport are limited and may not include the best mobile network in Uzbekistan. If you want to know exactly which providers are available, prices and what to expect, check out my detailed guide: buying a SIM card at Tashkent Airport.

There is also a SIM card shop at Samarkand Airport, but availability and choice can vary. If you want the best network provider, it is often better to wait and buy your SIM card in the city center.

Buying a SIM card in Uzbekistan city centers

The best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Uzbekistan is in an official retail store of the mobile operators like Uzmobile or Ucell. You can find these stores in all major cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.

In official stores you get proper service, access to the best deals and the staff will help you set up your SIM card and make sure your mobile data is working before you leave the shop. This is especially useful in Uzbekistan where language barriers can sometimes make things more complicated.

During my trip I ended up buying my SIM card in the city center of Tashkent. It took a bit more effort, but it guaranteed I could choose the best network provider instead of being limited to the SIM cards available at the airport.

To find the nearest official store simply open Google Maps and search for your preferred provider. Order a Yandex taxi to get there. Riding hailing taxis are very cheap and usually costs less than $1 USD in cities.

Buying a SIM card from street vendors

Although you may come across small phone shops or kiosks selling SIM cards, it is not recommended to buy your SIM card there. Staff often have limited English skills and if something goes wrong you will likely be sent to an official store anyway.

For a hassle-free experience, always go to an official mobile operator store.

Buying a SIM card at train stations

You can also find SIM card kiosks at major train stations like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. These are usually small stands, often operated by providers like Mobiuz.

While it can be convenient, be aware that English is not widely spoken and support is limited. If you want to be sure everything is set up correctly, it is still better to visit an official retail store.

Buying an eSIM for Uzbekistan online

If you prefer to arrange everything before your trip, you can buy an eSIM for Uzbekistan online and install it on your phone within minutes. This is by far the easiest option as you are connected as soon as you land.

However, keep in mind that all eSIM providers in Uzbekistan currently operate on the Beeline network, which has the weakest coverage in the country. This means eSIMs are convenient, but not the best option if you plan to travel around Uzbekistan or visit more remote areas.

Traveltomtom recommends using Airalo eSIMs for visiting Uzbekistan.

Prepaid SIM card providers in Uzbekistan

There are 4 mobile internet providers in Uzbekistan: Uzmobile (Uztelecom), Ucell, Mobiuz and Beeline. All of them offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists and getting connected is easy.

Prices for prepaid SIM cards in Uzbekistan are very similar across all providers and mobile data is extremely cheap. Because of this, the most important factor when choosing a SIM card is network coverage and reliability, not the price.

Below is a breakdown of the mobile operators in Uzbekistan and what to expect from each of them.

Uzmobile (Uztelecom)

Uzmobile is the best overall mobile network in Uzbekistan in 2026. It has the strongest nationwide coverage and performs especially well in rural areas and along long-distance travel routes between cities.

If you are traveling around Uzbekistan, taking trains between destinations like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara or visiting more remote places, Uzmobile is the most reliable choice.

On top of that, Uzmobile offers very competitive data prices, making it the best overall prepaid SIM card for tourists in Uzbekistan.

Ucell

Ucell is a very strong alternative and in many parts of Uzbekistan its network coverage is almost identical to Uzmobile. It has a more modern infrastructure with faster data speeds and the best 4G+ and 5G performance, especially in cities.

In regions like the Fergana Valley (including cities like Fergana, Andijan and Namangan), Ucell actually has a slightly denser network and can even be the best SIM card option.

If your trip mainly focuses on cities or the Fergana Valley and you want the fastest mobile internet, Ucell is an excellent choice. For overall nationwide travel, Uzmobile still has a small advantage in more remote areas.

Mobiuz

Mobiuz offers some of the cheapest data plans in Uzbekistan and works fine in major cities. However, its network coverage is less consistent compared to Uzmobile and Ucell, especially outside urban areas.

It can be a good budget option, but for traveling around the country there are better and more reliable choices.

Beeline

Beeline is the weakest mobile network in Uzbekistan based on the latest coverage data. Although it often has competitive prices, its network coverage is clearly behind the other providers.

For tourists planning to travel between cities or explore more remote regions, Beeline is not recommended.

SIM card registration process in Uzbekistan

When buying a prepaid SIM card in Uzbekistan you are required to show your passport. The SIM card will be registered on your name and passport number, which is a standard procedure in the country.

The staff in official stores will handle the registration for you and activate your SIM card on the spot. You will receive a local phone number starting with +998 and your mobile data should be working before you leave the shop.

If you prefer not to register a SIM card with your passport, then an eSIM can be an alternative. eSIMs do not require ID verification and can be activated online. However, keep in mind that eSIMs in Uzbekistan use a weaker network compared to local SIM cards.

Mobile internet in Uzbekistan: 4G and 5G coverage

When choosing the best prepaid SIM card for Uzbekistan, mobile network coverage is by far the most important factor. Mobile data is very cheap in Uzbekistan, so it simply does not make sense to choose a SIM card based on price alone.

The real difference between providers is how well their network performs across the country, especially when traveling between cities or visiting more remote areas.

Based on the latest network coverage data in 2026, Uzmobile and Ucell clearly have the best mobile networks in Uzbekistan. Mobiuz and Beeline fall behind and are not recommended for most tourists.

4G/LTE coverage in Uzbekistan

In major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, all mobile operators offer good 4G/LTE coverage. You will have fast and stable internet in city centers, hotels, restaurants and tourist areas.

However, the differences become noticeable when you start traveling around the country.

Uzmobile has the strongest overall 4G coverage in Uzbekistan and performs best on long-distance routes such as the popular train journey between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. It also has better coverage in rural areas and more remote regions.

Ucell has very similar 4G coverage and performs almost just as well nationwide. In most parts of Uzbekistan the difference between Uzmobile and Ucell is minimal.

In the Fergana Valley, one of the most populated regions in the country (including cities like Fergana, Andijan and Namangan), Ucell actually has a slightly denser network and a much better 5G network compared to Uzmobile.

Mobiuz and Beeline have noticeably weaker coverage, especially outside cities and along intercity routes. If you are traveling around Uzbekistan, these providers are less reliable.

Is there 5G in Uzbekistan?

Yes, there is 5G in Uzbekistan, but it is still limited and mainly available in parts of Tashkent and the other major cities.

Ucell has the most advanced network infrastructure and currently offers the best 5G and 4G+ performance in the country. If you are looking for the fastest mobile internet speeds, Ucell is the best option.

Uzmobile also offers good 4G/LTE performance, but its focus is more on nationwide coverage rather than maximum speed.

For most tourists, 4G/LTE is still the network you will use most of the time when traveling around Uzbekistan.

Conclusion: which network is best in Uzbekistan?

For traveling around Uzbekistan, Uzmobile is the best mobile network because of its superior nationwide coverage and reliability in rural areas and along travel routes.

Ucell is a very close second with almost identical coverage and faster data speeds. If your trip focuses on cities or the Fergana Valley, Ucell is even the better choice.

Because data prices are so low in Uzbekistan, choosing the best network will have a much bigger impact on your travel experience than saving a few dollars on a cheaper SIM card.

Prices of prepaid SIM cards in Uzbekistan in 2026

One of the best things about traveling in Uzbekistan is that mobile data is extremely cheap. Compared to most countries in the world, you get a huge amount of data for just a couple of dollars.

Because prices are so low across all providers, the difference between them is minimal. This means choosing the best SIM card should be based on network coverage rather than price.

Below is an overview of the latest prepaid SIM card prices in Uzbekistan in 2026.

Uzmobile prices

Uzmobile offers excellent value for money and combines the best network coverage with very competitive prices.

• ~45GB data → ~61,000 UZS (~$5 USD)
• ~100GB data → ~77,000 UZS (~$6 USD)
• ~200GB data → ~101,000 UZS (~$8 USD)

For most tourists, even the smallest data bundles are more than enough for a trip to Uzbekistan.

Ucell prices

Ucell is slightly more expensive than Uzmobile but still very affordable and offers faster data speeds and better 5G performance.

• ~45GB data → ~69,000 UZS (~$5.50 USD)
• ~60GB data → ~79,000 UZS (~$6.30 USD)
• ~85GB data → ~99,000 UZS (~$8 USD)

Mobiuz prices

Mobiuz has some of the cheapest data plans in Uzbekistan and is a budget-friendly option, especially for city use.

• ~5GB data → ~33,000 UZS (~$2.50 USD)
• ~10GB data → ~50,000 UZS (~$4 USD)
• ~20GB data → ~55,000 UZS (~$4.50 USD)

Beeline prices

Beeline also offers competitive prices, but keep in mind that it has the weakest network coverage in Uzbekistan.

• ~20GB data → ~60,000 UZS (~$5 USD)
• ~50GB data → ~100,000 UZS (~$8 USD)

Conclusion: SIM card prices in Uzbekistan

Prepaid SIM cards in Uzbekistan are among the cheapest in the world. For just a few dollars you already get tens of gigabytes of data.

The price difference between providers is only a couple of dollars, so it is much more important to choose a SIM card with the best network coverage rather than the cheapest option.

What is the best prepaid SIM card for tourists in Uzbekistan in 2026

Based on my travel experience and the latest 2026 network data, Uzmobile is the best prepaid SIM card for tourists in Uzbekistan.

Uzmobile offers the strongest nationwide coverage and is the most reliable network when traveling between cities like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, as well as in more remote areas. Since mobile data is very cheap in Uzbekistan, choosing the best coverage is much more important than saving a few dollars on a cheaper plan.

If you are planning to travel around the country, take trains between cities or explore less touristy regions, Uzmobile is the best choice.

Best alternative: Ucell

Ucell is a very strong alternative and has a network that is almost identical to Uzmobile in most parts of Uzbekistan. It also offers the fastest data speeds and the best 4G+ and 5G performance.

In regions like the Fergana Valley (including Fergana, Andijan and Namangan), Ucell even has a slightly stronger and denser network, making it the best SIM card option in that area.

If your trip mainly focuses on cities or you want the fastest mobile internet, Ucell is an excellent choice.

Budget options: Mobiuz and Beeline

Mobiuz and Beeline are cheaper options, but they come with weaker network coverage.

Mobiuz works fine in cities but is less reliable when traveling around Uzbekistan. Beeline has the weakest coverage overall and is not recommended for tourists who plan to explore beyond major cities.

Final Conclusion

For most travelers, Uzmobile is simply the best SIM card for Uzbekistan thanks to its superior coverage and reliability.

Ucell comes very close and is a great alternative, especially if you value speed or plan to visit the Fergana Valley.

Because data prices are so low in Uzbekistan, picking the right network will make a much bigger difference to your travel experience than choosing the cheapest SIM card.

Using an eSIM for visiting Uzbekistan in 2026

If you want to get connected as soon as you land in Uzbekistan, buying an eSIM online is by far the easiest option. You can install it on your phone in a couple of minutes and have instant internet access without visiting a SIM card shop.

However, there is one very important thing you need to know before choosing an eSIM for Uzbekistan.

All major eSIM providers in Uzbekistan use the Beeline (Unitel) network.

This includes providers like Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, Holafly and Airhub. Although these companies offer different prices and data plans, they all run on the same underlying network.

Other providers like Saily, SimOptions and Sim Local do not specify the network they use in Uzbekistan.

Based on the latest 2026 network data, Beeline has the weakest mobile coverage in Uzbekistan. This means that while eSIMs are very convenient, they are not the best option for travelers who plan to explore the country beyond major cities.

Which eSIM provider is best?

Since all eSIM providers use the same network in Uzbekistan, the main difference comes down to price and data plans.

Airalo is the most popular and reliable options with a wide range of data packages and even unlimited data plans. Jetpac often offers competitive pricing for larger data bundles, while Airhub can be one of the cheapest options for smaller plans.

Holafly only offers unlimited data plans, but these are significantly more expensive compared to other eSIM providers.

Typical eSIM prices for Uzbekistan in 2026 are:

• 5GB data → ~$12 - $15 USD
• 10GB data → ~$20 - $22 USD
• 20GB data → ~$30 - $32 USD

Compared to local prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs are much more expensive and offer a weaker network experience.

When should you use an eSIM in Uzbekistan?

An eSIM is a good option if you:

• Want instant internet access on arrival
• Are staying mainly in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand or Bukhara
• Prefer convenience over the best network performance

If you are traveling around Uzbekistan, taking trains between cities or visiting more remote areas, a local prepaid SIM card from Uzmobile or Ucell is a much better choice.

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My experience buying a SIM card in Uzbekistan

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here is my personal experience buying a SIM card in Uzbekistan. These are my on-ground travel stories from 2023.

Before my trip to Uzbekistan I already researched what would be the best SIM card for traveling around the country. Since me and my friends were traveling by train between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, I wanted a SIM card with the best mobile network coverage.

After landing at Tashkent International Airport I planned to buy a SIM card straight away and was hoping to find a Uzmobile shop. Unfortunately, there was no Uzmobile available at Tashkent Airport, only Beeline and Ucell.

If you want to know exactly what to expect, check out my detailed guide for buying a SIM card at Tashkent Airport or watch my vlog below about my arrival at Tashkent Airport.

Using the free public WiFi at the airport, which actually worked quite well, I decided to quickly buy an Airalo eSIM with 1GB of data so I was at least connected. This was just a temporary solution.

The next day I went to a Uzmobile store in the city center of Tashkent and bought a prepaid SIM card there. This gave me access to the best network coverage for the rest of my trip.

While traveling around Uzbekistan I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Uzmobile SIM card. The network coverage was excellent and the data speeds were more than good enough for daily use.

On average I experienced around 40 Mbps download speeds and about 20 Mbps upload speeds. Using Google Maps, browsing the internet, or watching content on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube was never an issue.

Sometimes hotel WiFi was slightly faster, but most of the time I didn’t even bother connecting because my mobile data was already fast and reliable enough.

Things to know before buying a SIM card in Uzbekistan

You need your passport to buy a SIM card

When buying a prepaid SIM card in Uzbekistan you are required to show your passport. The SIM card will be registered on your name and passport number, which is a standard procedure in the country.

The registration is done in the store and only takes a couple of minutes. Your SIM card will be activated on the spot and ready to use before you leave.

Choose your network based on your travel plans

Since mobile data is very cheap in Uzbekistan, choosing the right network is much more important than choosing the cheapest plan.

If you are traveling around the country, Uzmobile is the best choice for coverage. If you mainly stay in cities or visit the Fergana Valley, Ucell is also an excellent option with faster data speeds.

Airport SIM cards are convenient but limited

Buying a SIM card at Tashkent International Airport is easy and convenient, but the available providers are limited and may not include the best network.

If you want the best SIM card for your trip, consider buying your SIM card in the city center at an official retail store.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

Before traveling to Uzbekistan, check if your phone is unlocked and supports international SIM cards or eSIMs. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, a local SIM card will not work.

eSIMs are easy but not the best network

eSIMs are very convenient and can be installed in minutes, but in Uzbekistan they all run on the Beeline network, which has the weakest coverage.

If you plan to travel outside major cities, a local SIM card will give you a much better experience.

Data packages are more than enough

Mobile data plans in Uzbekistan are very generous. Even smaller data packages come with tens of gigabytes, which is more than enough for navigation, social media and daily use during your trip.

FAQ about SIM cards in Uzbekistan

Can tourists buy a SIM card in Uzbekistan?

Yes, tourists can easily buy a prepaid SIM card in Uzbekistan. You only need your passport for registration and the process is quick and straightforward in official stores.

What is the best SIM card for Uzbekistan?

The best prepaid SIM card for tourists in Uzbekistan is Uzmobile because of its superior nationwide coverage. Ucell is a very strong alternative, especially for faster data speeds and in the Fergana Valley.

Where can I buy a SIM card in Uzbekistan?

You can buy a SIM card at Tashkent International Airport, in city centers at official retail stores or at major train stations. For the best experience, it is recommended to visit an official store in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand or Bukhara.

How much does a SIM card cost in Uzbekistan?

SIM cards and mobile data in Uzbekistan are very cheap. You can get tens of gigabytes of data for around ~$5 USD, making it one of the most affordable countries in the world for mobile internet.

Is there 5G in Uzbekistan?

Yes, 5G is available in Uzbekistan, mainly in Tashkent and some major cities. Ucell currently has the most advanced 5G network, but most tourists will use 4G/LTE during their trip.

Are eSIMs available for Uzbekistan?

There are lots of eSIM providers online. However, all online eSIM providers use the Beeline network, which has weaker coverage compared to local SIM cards from Uzmobile or Ucell.

Do I need to register my SIM card in Uzbekistan?

Yes, all SIM cards in Uzbekistan must be registered with your passport. This is done in the store when you purchase your SIM card.

Final thoughts

Traveling in Uzbekistan is an amazing experience and staying connected makes your trip even easier and more enjoyable. Whether you are exploring the historic Silk Road cities, traveling by train or discovering more remote regions, having reliable mobile internet is essential.

Because mobile data is so cheap in Uzbekistan, choosing the right SIM card is all about picking the best network. For most travelers, Uzmobile is the best choice thanks to its excellent coverage across the country.

Ucell is a very strong alternative with fast data speeds and performs especially well in cities and the Fergana Valley.

If you prefer convenience and want to be connected instantly on arrival, an eSIM can be a good option, but keep in mind that it runs on a weaker network.

Enjoy your trip to Uzbekistan and have an amazing time exploring this beautiful and underrated destination. And if you are curious what my full time travel life since 2012 looks like then check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along.

• uzbekistan
• central asia
• tashkent
• bukhara
• samarkand
• khiva