Uzbekistan

With the generally depressed state of the Uzbek economy jobs are hard to find. Most of the foreign companies which were operating in Uzbekistan have packed up and left in the last few years. Even many of the local restaurant workers and nightclub dancers have upped sticks and left for the bright lights of Almaty in Kazakhstan.

There are the usual language teaching jobs, although there are not many private schools around and the pay is not great. If you are a qualified teacher then there is an International school in Tashkent and a British university, Westminster International or WIUT who may have some better-paid openings. There is also the possibility of picking up some proof-reading work with some of the international organizations based in Tashkent.

The local currency is the Uzbek som, currently trading at around 1200 to the US Dollar. It is not convertible so you cannot buy them outside the country. It is illegal to pay for things in Uzbekistan in foreign currency, although some private hotels will ignore this. You should bring recent US Dollar bills or Euros as these are accepted at all exchange places. The black market no longer exists as such. For foreigners it is now easier to use official exchange offices which are found in hotels and banks. There are some ATMs but you shouldn’t rely on them as they are few and far between. You can also get cash advances on major credit cards, but you will be charged commission on this.

The largest note is 1000 som. If you are unlucky enough to be given 200 som notes then you will need a backpack to carry your money around in. Prices tend to be a lot lower than in the west so you can get by comfortably on about 35 USD a day – this will get you a nice place to stay, three meals and a few drinks in the evening. If you want to slum it then it is possible to get by on 15 USD per day.

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