Traveling is always full of surprises, and sometimes those surprises aren’t the good kind. Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s bustling capital, was our first stop in Central Asia, and while the country’s charm and beauty are undeniable, there are a few things you should know to avoid getting scammed, especially at the airport. I’m sharing my own experience so you can learn from it—and save yourself some stress on your next trip!

1. Beware of Fake Taxi Drivers: My True Story

So, let me start with a personal tale—nearly getting scammed at Tashkent Airport. 😅

We arrived after a smooth 8-hour flight with Uzbekistan Airways and honestly, the airport was better than expected. There were ATMs with reasonable rates, and we managed to secure local SIM cards and internet access without any trouble. My husband, the official “navigator” in our marriage, had Yandex Go app ready to go for the city cabs. He was prepared! 😌

However, exiting the airport wasn’t as smooth as we hoped. Once we stepped outside, we were met with a crowd of people—some official-looking, others who definitely weren’t. We had already booked a taxi through the Yandex app, but we were approached by a man asking, “Yandex? Taxi?” Confused but curious, we followed him—thinking maybe he was our driver. But nope! He wasn’t.

After a brief exchange (with a language barrier that made it harder to understand), we politely declined, and just as things got awkward, our actual Yandex driver arrived. Talk about timing!

How to Avoid This Scam:
  • Stick to apps like Yandex or MyTaxi UZ—it’ll save you the trouble.
  • Don’t engage with random drivers who approach you outside the airport. They might not be as legit as they seem.

2. Overcharging for Currency Exchange

Exchanging money at the airport seems convenient, but sometimes it comes at a cost. The exchange booths in Tashkent Airport may not give you the best rates, so I recommend using ATMs or exchanging money before you get to the airport if you can.

How to Avoid This Scam:
  • Use ATM machines for better exchange rates.
  • Check the rates at booths if you absolutely must exchange currency.

3. Navigating the Unclear Taxi Process

Exiting the airport wasn’t just about dodging scammers—it was also about finding the actual taxi spot. There weren’t clear signs (or maybe we missed them?), and we had to walk through a parking lot filled with touts, making it all a little stressful for a first-time visitor. But once you find your way to the main road, you’ll see where taxis line up.

How to Avoid This Scam:
  • Know where the taxis actually stop—you’ll need to go through the parking lot and push past the touts to reach the main road.
  • Have a reliable app on your phone (Yandex, MyTaxi) to avoid confusion and get the best price.

4. Fake Souvenir and “Free” Tours: No Such Thing

Some locals may offer you “free” tours or discounted souvenirs, only to ask for a lot more once you’ve agreed. These kinds of offers should be approached with caution.

How to Avoid This Scam:
  • Do your research before you go—know typical prices for things like souvenirs and tours.
  • Stick to official vendors or well-reviewed places for the best experience.

5. Fake Wi-Fi Networks: Protect Your Privacy

Connecting to free Wi-Fi at Tashkent Airport? Think again. Public Wi-Fi networks can often be a hacker’s playground.

How to Avoid This Scam:
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or any personal data.
  • Use a VPN to keep your information secure when using any public internet.

Tashkent is an incredible city with so much to offer, and despite these few bumps, we had an amazing time. I just wanted to share my experience with you so you can avoid the stress and focus on enjoying your trip!

The takeaway? Download Yandex or MyTaxi and other important apps before you land in Tashkent—it’ll save you from a lot of hassle at the airport. Trust me. 🫡

Have you had any crazy taxi experiences abroad? Share them in the comments below! And make sure to follow @thefoodienomadcom on Instagram and TikTok for more travel tips and stories! 🫶