Samarkand, Uzbekistan

• Samarkand is an ancient Silk Road city with Islamic architecture featuring turquoise-tiled buildings. Tourist police are visible at the main sites and speak some English. Street harassment is much lower here than in many tourist destinations. The local culture is welcoming without being pushy.
• You'll find some European-style cafes where you can sit alone with coffee or a book. English works at tourist sites and nicer hotels, but you'll need basic Russian or Uzbek phrases for markets and local restaurants. There's a 24/7 tourist hotline (1173) with English speakers if you run into problems.
• Uzbekistan is Muslim-majority but has secular policies. Local women wear everything from headscarves to Western clothing. You should cover shoulders and knees at religious sites, but otherwise the heat (often 40-45°C in summer) will dictate loose, breathable clothing.
• Taxis through Yandex Go are cheap and work well. The historic center around Registan Square is walkable - the major monuments form a loop you can cover on foot. Tourist police patrol the main sites.

Uzbek and Russian are the main languages. English works at tourist police (who patrol major sites), upscale hotels, and some restaurants near Registan Square. The 24/7 tourist hotline (1173) has English speakers. Limited English in local markets, residential areas, and traditional restaurants - Google Translate or basic Russian/Uzbek phrases are helpful.

• Cover shoulders and knees at mosques and religious sites. Carry a light scarf for covering hair at some locations, though it's optional at most tourist sites. Take your shoes off before entering mosques and private homes.
• Locals wear everything from Western clothing to traditional dress. In summer, loose breathable fabrics work better in the 40-45°C heat. Tight or revealing clothing will get you more attention in traditional areas.
• Locals may invite you for tea or meals - refusing repeatedly is rude, so accept at least once if you can. Greet elders first with 'Assalomu alaykum'. Women and men generally avoid physical contact unless they're related.
• English is limited outside tourist zones and upscale hotels. Basic Russian or Uzbek phrases help - 'rahmat' (thank you), 'iltimos' (please), 'kechirasiz' (excuse me). Keep Google Translate handy. Markets and local restaurants rarely speak English.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Unified Emergency Services: 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Use Yandex Go app for taxis - it's cheap and you'll see the price upfront. Regular yellow taxis work too but negotiate the fare first, expect 10,000-15,000 som for most city center trips. Don't get in unmarked cars.
• Buses and marshrutkas (shared minivans) cost 2,000-4,000 som per ride. Routes M1 and 256 connect the railway station to the airport. Pay the driver when boarding or exiting. Service runs 6am-9pm daily.
• The historic center is walkable. Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda, and Gur-e-Amir form a loop you can cover on foot in a few hours. Streets are well-lit around the major monuments. The cobblestones get tiring, so wear comfortable shoes.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Samarkand with local guides and curated experiences.