In this article, we explain what currency Uzbekistan uses, how the Uzbek som (UZS) exchanges against the Russian ruble, US dollar and euro, and where and how to exchange cash legally in Uzbekistan. The material is useful for residents and visitors: you’ll see the current rates, understand what affects them, and get practical tips for safe, cost‑efficient exchange. (Location: Uzbekistan; period: up‑to‑date data as of early 2026.)

Key takeaways

• Uzbekistan’s national currency is the Uzbek som (soʻm), code UZS. 1 som = 100 tiyin, but tiyin coins are essentially out of circulation. In practice, you’ll use banknotes from 1,000 to 200,000 UZS and coins of 50–1,000 UZS.
• Approximate official rates (Central Bank, early February 2026): 1 USD ≈ 12,225 UZS, 1 EUR ≈ 14,560 UZS, 1 RUB ≈ 162 UZS. Cash buy/sell rates in different banks may differ slightly.
• You can exchange foreign currency legally in bank branches and official exchange offices. They check notes and issue a receipt, which is useful for reporting and for potential re‑exchange.
• Rates are dynamic: compare buy vs sell rates, check update times and working hours, and use the rate widgets below to quickly find the best offers in Uzbekistan’s banks.

Uzbek som (UZS): what’s in circulation

The Uzbek som was introduced in 1994 and is the only legal tender in Uzbekistan. Prices are usually shown in som, and cash is still widely used alongside cards.

Banknotes and coins

In practice, you’ll most often see banknotes of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 UZS (sets may change as new series are issued). Coins are typically 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 UZS.

• Bring smaller notes for markets, taxis and small purchases — change may be limited.
• For exchanging, banks usually prefer clean, undamaged foreign banknotes.
• If you plan multiple exchanges, keep your receipts — they may be useful later.

The sub‑units (tiyin) are rarely used in everyday cash payments due to their low value.

UZS/RUB (som to Russian ruble): rate in Uzbekistan’s banks

The ruble is a common currency for remittances and travel. The bank cash rate differs between “buy” and “sell” quotes; the gap (spread) depends on demand, liquidity and bank policy.

Official reference (Central Bank, early Feb 2026): 1 RUB ≈ 162 UZS. Use the widget below to compare actual cash rates in banks and find the best offer today.

UZS/USD (som to US dollar): cash exchange rate

The US dollar is widely used for savings and international pricing. In Uzbekistan, banks publish separate cash buy and sell rates for USD. Differences between banks are usually small, but can be noticeable on large sums.

Official reference (Central Bank, early Feb 2026): 1 USD ≈ 12,225 UZS. Check the widget below for live bank cash rates.

UZS/EUR (som to euro): cash exchange rate

If you travel to or from the EU or keep savings in EUR, compare the buy/sell spread and bank availability. Rates can update several times per day.

Official reference (Central Bank, early Feb 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 14,560 UZS. Use the widget below to see current offers in banks.

Practical tips: how to exchange currency at a good rate

To get a better rate and avoid issues, follow these steps:

• Compare cash buy and sell rates across banks (the best rate depends on whether you’re buying or selling foreign currency).
• Choose official channels: bank branches and licensed exchange offices (including at airports, railway stations and malls).
• Ask about limits and commissions; conditions can differ by bank and transaction size.
• Check banknote condition requirements: damaged or old notes may be accepted at a worse rate or not accepted.
• Keep receipts — they may be needed to re‑exchange remaining cash or for reporting.
• If exchanging a large amount, consider calling the branch to confirm availability of the desired currency.

TheMoney.uz helps you quickly find the best cash rates in Uzbekistan’s banks without manually checking each website.

Safety and important notes

• Avoid street exchangers: it’s illegal and increases the risk of fraud and counterfeit notes.
• The rate shown online can differ from the rate at the cash desk due to update time, cash availability and internal bank rules.
• Exchange rates can move during the day; treat any rate as time‑sensitive.
• If in doubt, verify current rules and required documents directly with the bank.

This article is informational. For official details and reference rates, rely on the Central Bank and your bank’s published terms.

Conclusion

The Uzbek som (UZS) is the only legal currency in Uzbekistan. For exchanging cash, use banks and official exchange offices, compare buy/sell rates and keep your receipts.

Check today’s USD, EUR and RUB cash rates on TheMoney.uz and choose the best bank offer in a few minutes.

Sources and methodology

We use a combination of official reference rates and bank cash quotes to provide a practical view for everyday exchanges.

Sources

• Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan — official reference rates and background information.
• Bank websites and official cash exchange quotes (collected/updated by TheMoney.uz).
• Public reference information about UZS denominations and history.

Relevance period: early 2026.

Limitations: exchange rates are dynamic and may update several times per day; actual rates at the cash desk may differ due to update timing, cash availability and bank rules.