Tourism in Uzbekistan is booming, travel here is becoming easier, and crowds are starting to get thicker. With just weeks to go until the peak season, Kursiv Uzbekistan wraps up everything you need to know to reclaim most of the tax you pay while shopping locally.
Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for shoppers, with everything from handmade ceramics and textiles to carpets, jewellery and local crafts. According to the World Tourism & Travel Council (WTTC), international visitor spending surged past $5 billion in 2025; in 2026, that figure is projected to rise to $5.2 billion.
Earlier this year, a new tax-free system was put in place, allowing foreign visitors to reclaim part of the VAT paid on eligible purchases before leaving the country.
The VAT rate in Uzbekistan is currently 12%, but your refund will likely be slightly less because of processing fees. Do keep that in mind before spending 12% above your budget.
Here are our tips for navigating Uzbekistan’s tax refund system.
Download and install the Soliq app
The Soliq app, available on the App Store and Google Play, is your entry point to the whole tax refund process. It was designed by Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee to streamline all tax-related processes.
You will need a local mobile phone number to get in, but many Uzbek operators offer tourist data plans.
Signing up is straightforward and should not take long. Once in, you can add your preferred bank card to which the tax refund will be credited. The system only currently works with Visa and Mastercard.
Shop at eligible stores and collect your slips
Make sure you shop at stores connected to the tax-free system to get your VAT back. The Uzbek tax legislation requires every vendor to print out a paper receipt. Always ask for one when checking out and make sure the slip has a scannable QR code – you will need that later.
A paper slip is your proof of purchase, so do not throw it away until you leave Uzbekistan.
Small markets and individual sellers may not always connect to the system. For this reason, larger stores and shopping malls are often the safest bet.
Spend at least 300,000 soums ($25) to qualify
The minimum purchase amount for a tax-free refund is 300,000 Uzbek soums (including VAT), or $25 at the current exchange rate. This is roughly the equivalent of a modest souvenir shopping trip, rather than a major purchase.
The threshold applies to eligible purchases, so keep this limit in mind if you are buying several smaller gifts.
What can you claim a refund on?
The tax-free scheme covers most goods bought in Uzbekistan and taken out of the country.
Popular items that qualify:
- traditional textiles and handmade crafts;
- ceramics;
- carpets;
- clothing and accessories;
- souvenirs;
- other locally purchased goods.
Food products are excluded from the scheme, including items such as:
- meat;
- fish and seafood;
- dairy products;
- fruit and vegetables;
- grains and flour;
- spices;
- sugar;
- coffee and tea.
Customs officials may ask to see the items you purchased, so avoid packing tax-free goods deep inside checked luggage before completing the procedure.
File your paper receipts in Soliq (it’s easier than it sounds)
In Uzbekistan, the tax refund process works differently than in Europe or North America, where merchants handle the paperwork and complete the refund documents for you.
Open your Soliq app, go to the bottom right of the screen, and tap the ‘Tax Free’ button. You will then need to scan a QR code on the paper receipt, which will then go directly into the Customs Committee system.
Claim tax refund before boarding your flight home
Tax-free refunds are currently available at Uzbekistan’s international airports. Plan to arrive a little earlier than usual, as you may need time to complete the paperwork before departure.
Check in for your flight, find a Tax Free counter and present your:
- passport;
- boarding pass;
- receipts;
- purchased goods (ensure they are unused by the time you board your flight).
A customs officer will examine the goods indicated in your receipts for integrity and the presence of the original packaging. They will fill out a VAT Refund Form and clear the cashback.
Choose between cash or bank transfer
At this stage, travellers can receive their refund either in cash or via bank transfer.
If you choose a cashless refund, the money is transferred to your bank card after the goods leave the country, with payments processed within up to three working days.
Cash refunds in US dollars are also available at departure points.
Don’t leave shopping until the last minute
You can often find Uzbekistan’s best souvenirs in traditional markets and craft workshops, where payment systems can vary.
If you are planning a larger purchase, such as a carpet, artwork or handmade item, ask about tax-free eligibility before paying. It is easier to arrange paperwork at the time of purchase than to sort it out at the airport.
What is worth buying in Uzbekistan?
Many visitors look for:
- Silk products – scarves, fabrics and traditional clothing
- Ceramics – especially handmade plates, bowls and decorative pieces
- Embroidery – including colourful suzani textiles
- Craft jewellery – silver and traditional designs
- Carpets and home décor – larger purchases may make the tax-free process worthwhile
