Uzbekistan SIM card guide 2026: where to buy, activation, and data tips

Where to buy

You can purchase and register a SIM at:

• Tashkent International Airport arrivals (operator kiosks — long hours)
• Official brand stores: Ucell, Beeline, Mobiuz (bring passport)
• Authorized dealers in malls and city centres

Required: original passport — the seller registers the line to your ID (AML rules).

Tip: ask staff to set the menu/SMS to English if available; test data in the shop before you leave.

Ucell

Major network with broad 4G coverage.

• Tourist-oriented packs change often — ask for the current “tourist” or data bundle at the shop; compare gigabytes vs. price.
• Top-ups: operator apps, payment kiosks, or stores.
• Call centre (verify on ucell.uz): +998 93 180 00 00.

Website: ucell.uz (rates and coverage maps).

Beeline

Strong urban network; competitive data packs.

• Passport registration required at purchase.
• Packages and short codes change — use the official app or store staff.
• Details: beeline.uz

No toll-free number is printed here — use the “Contact” page on beeline.uz to avoid outdated digits.

Mobiuz

Often good value in cities; check 4G coverage for remote legs of your trip.

• Passport required.
• mobiuz.uz — English section for travellers’ bundles when available.

How to activate

1. Choose operator and package in-store (airport or city shop).
2. Hand over passport; staff scan and register the line (a few minutes).
3. Insert SIM, restart phone, wait for network bars.
4. If data does not work: check APN settings (staff can set them) and mobile data toggle.

Keep the plastic SIM holder — it shows your new number.

Wi‑Fi & connectivity tips

• Hotels and cafés in tourist cities usually offer Wi‑Fi; speeds vary.
• Public station/airport Wi‑Fi may need SMS login — easier after you have a local SIM.
• Some foreign news or social sites may load slowly — a reputable VPN installed before travel can help.
• Download offline maps (Google / Yandex) for old-city alleyways.

Travel tips

• Set up a screen PIN — phones are valuable targets in crowded bazaars.
• Carry a small power bank; summer heat drains batteries fast.
• If your phone is lost, call your operator (with ID at a shop) to block the SIM.
• For disputes at purchase, note the shop address and keep the receipt.