Question 1

What is the "Black Market Currency Exchange at Lyabi-Hauz" scam in Bukhara?

Accepted Answer

Around Lyabi-Hauz square, the tourist centre of Bukhara, touts approach visitors openly offering unofficial currency exchange at rates well above the official bank rate. The trick involves quick-counting som notes that include old low-denomination bills buried inside a larger stack, or straightforward short-changing during the distraction of the handoff. Because the sums involved appear small in foreign currency terms, many tourists only notice the loss later. Exchange currency only at licensed bank branches or official exchange kiosks, both of which are available within a short walk of Lyabi-Hauz. Never exchange money on the street regardless of the rate offered — the spread will not compensate for the risk of receiving a short count or counterfeit notes.

Question 2

What is the "Currency Exchange Manipulation" scam in Bukhara?

Accepted Answer

Informal money changers operating near tourist sites and bazaars offer attractive exchange rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange customers. Common techniques include miscounting large stacks of sum notes, adding smaller denomination notes in the middle of a bundle, or providing a rate that differs from what was quoted once counting begins. The high-denomination sum notes in large bundles are difficult to count quickly. Exchange currency only at licensed bank branches or official exchange offices with posted rates and receipts. If using an exchange office, count all notes yourself before leaving the counter and verify the math independently. Avoid any changer who creates urgency or crowds the transaction.

Question 3

What is the "Short-Changing in Sum for Small Purchases" scam in Bukhara?

Accepted Answer

Vendors at souvenir stalls, small shops, and food stalls frequently short-change tourists dealing in Uzbek sum by giving back fewer notes than owed. The large number of notes required for transactions (due to low-denomination banknotes being common) makes it easy to miscalculate or deliberately omit notes in change. This is particularly common when tourists pay with high-denomination notes. Count your change immediately before leaving any transaction. Familiarize yourself with Uzbek sum denominations before shopping. Keep smaller denomination notes to avoid needing change, and use a calculator app to verify the math on any purchase over 50,000 sum.

Money & ATM Scams in Bukhara

Black Market Currency Exchange at Lyabi-Hauz

Currency Exchange Manipulation

Short-Changing in Sum for Small Purchases

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