International Calling
Reach family and friends in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and across Uzbekistan — instantly from any device. Crystal-clear connections with transparent per-minute pricing.
Uzbekistan
Country code +998
$0.28
Landline
$0.28
Mobile
~60%
vs retail*
Same per-minute Sayfone rate for landline and mobile calls.
Average call quality
*Illustrative savings vs 2.5× directory rate — not a carrier quote.
Simple steps
Drag the slider to match your Uzbekistan call volume. See what you're spending versus what you could be spending with Sayfone.
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220
min / month
~$13.72/min
~$10.36/min
~$6.16/min
~$1.40/min
$0.280/min
Annual saving vs. AT&T
Based on 220 min/month
GETTING STARTED
Calling Uzbekistan is simple — no international calling card or special app needed. Just open your browser and connect in three easy steps.
Instant access
Visit Sayfone from any device — phone, tablet, or desktop. No download or install required.
Dialer
+00 000 000 00
Type the full number with the +998 country code, or choose Uzbekistan from the country selector and enter the local number.
HD audio from your browser
Hit call and you're connected. Enjoy clear audio quality to any Uzbek landline or mobile at affordable per-minute rates.
UNDERSTANDING COSTS
International calls to Uzbekistan often carry high charges through traditional carriers. Understanding why helps you find smarter alternatives.
Uzbekistan's international telephone traffic is routed through Uztelecom, the state-owned telecom provider. This centralized gateway structure limits competition on international termination, keeping wholesale rates elevated.
Uzbekistan's telecommunications network is largely based on Soviet-era infrastructure. While modernization is ongoing, upgrading aging copper and switching equipment requires significant investment that gets passed on as higher termination fees.
Major US and European carriers typically add steep markups on international calls to Central Asian destinations. Uzbekistan routes carry premium pricing because carriers have fewer competitive interconnect options.
Uzbekistan's fixed-line telephone density remains low, and the network is still being modernized with loans from international lenders. Calls to landlines in rural areas may traverse more network hops, adding to per-minute costs.
Sources
Supports claims about Soviet-era infrastructure and Uztelecom gateway control.
Supports claim about Uztelecom controlling international gateways.
ALTERNATIVES COMPARED
There are several ways to reach someone in Uzbekistan from abroad. Each option has trade-offs in cost, reliability, and convenience.
Traditional Carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon)
Major US carriers charge premium rates for calls to Uzbekistan. Per-minute costs can add up quickly, especially without an international plan add-on.
International Calling Cards
Prepaid calling cards have long been popular among the Uzbek diaspora but often carry hidden fees, connection charges, and expiring balances.
Telegram Voice Calls
Telegram is the dominant messaging app in Uzbekistan, used by roughly 80–88% of internet users. Voice calls work well when both parties have strong data connections, but call quality depends heavily on bandwidth.
WhatsApp Calls
WhatsApp is used by only about 22% of internet users in Uzbekistan. Past service disruptions and government restrictions have limited its reliability for Uzbek contacts.
Sayfone (Browser-Based Calling)
Call any Uzbek number directly from your browser — no app needed, no account on the recipient's end. Reaches landlines and mobiles that messaging apps can't.
Bar lengths reflect relative cost tiers for each option — not survey percentages.
RELIABILITY MATTERS
Telegram dominates in Uzbekistan, but app-based calling has real limitations when you need to reach landlines, older contacts, or people with unreliable data connections.
Sayfone routes your call through real phone networks, so the person in Uzbekistan receives a normal incoming call — no app, no data connection, no account needed on their end.
The problem
Messaging apps only work when the person you're calling has the same app and a data connection. Many Uzbek landlines, offices, and older family members can only be reached by a regular phone call.
Uzbekistan has periodically restricted access to VoIP services and social media platforms. Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber were unavailable for extended periods, and broader social media blocks occurred as recently as November 2021.
Internet coverage in Uzbekistan is concentrated in tourist centers and major cities. In rural areas, mobile data speeds and availability can be poor, making app-based voice calls unreliable or dropping frequently.
Even Telegram, which performs relatively well in low-bandwidth environments, requires both caller and recipient to have sufficient data. A standard phone call via Sayfone only needs your internet connection — the recipient answers a normal phone call.
Sources
Supports claim about intermittent platform restrictions.
Supports claims about platform blocking history.
TIPS & TIMING
Uzbekistan is on UTC+5 year-round with no daylight saving time. Planning your calls around Uzbek time and customs helps you connect more effectively.
Uzbekistan Time (UZT)
UTC +5
No daylight saving time
Offset from US Eastern
+10 hours (EST) / +9 hours (EDT)
Offset from US Pacific
+13 hours (PST) / +12 hours (PDT)
Dial the Full International Number
Uzbek numbers are 9 digits after the country code. Dial +998 followed by the 2-digit area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix, then the 7-digit subscriber number.
Identify Mobile vs. Landline Prefixes
Mobile numbers use prefixes like 90, 91 (Beeline), 93, 94, 55 (Ucell), 97, 88 (Mobiuz), 95, 99, 77 (Uzmobile), and 33 (Humans). Landline numbers start with a city area code like 71 (Tashkent) or 66 (Samarkand).
Avoid Calling During Uzbek Lunch
The lunch period (1:00–2:00 PM UZT) is common in Uzbek offices. For business calls, aim for late morning or mid-afternoon Uzbekistan time.
Consider Holiday Schedules
Major holidays like Navro'z (March 21), Independence Day (September 1), and Eid celebrations may affect business availability. Personal calls are especially welcome during these occasions.
Greet Formally First
Uzbek business culture values respectful greetings. Begin calls with a formal salutation — 'Assalomu alaykum' is universally appropriate and appreciated.
Use Titles and Patronymics
In formal contexts, Uzbeks often use patronymic names (father's name + suffix). Address contacts by their title or full name until invited to be more casual.
Be Patient with the Pace
Uzbek business conversations often begin with extended pleasantries about family and health before moving to the agenda. Allow time for this important social ritual.
Language Considerations
Uzbek is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken in business. In Tashkent and larger cities, many professionals also speak English, especially in tech and tourism sectors.
Sources
Supports UTC+5 and no DST claim.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS
Whether you're calling family in Tashkent or coordinating business in Samarkand, here are the most-called cities in Uzbekistan and useful context for each.
Tashkent
Tashkent is the economic, cultural, and political center of Uzbekistan with a metro area of over 2.5 million people. Landline area code: 71. The city has the country's most developed telecom infrastructure and widest 5G coverage.
Best time to call: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM UZT for personal calls; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM UZT for business
Photo brief: Tashkent cityscape modern architecture Uzbekistan
Samarkand
Samarkand is Uzbekistan's second-largest city, famous for its stunning Islamic architecture and historical significance. Landline area code: 66. Growing tech and tourism sectors make it a frequent business calling destination.
Best time to call: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM UZT for personal calls
Photo brief: Samarkand Registan Square blue mosaic Uzbekistan
Bukhara
Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage city with deep historical roots and a strong tourism economy. Landline area code: 65. Internet quality has improved but remains less consistent than Tashkent.
Best time to call: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM UZT for personal calls
Photo brief: Bukhara old city minaret Uzbekistan architecture
Namangan
Namangan is the largest city in the Fergana Valley and an important agricultural and industrial center. Landline area code: 69. A significant share of the Uzbek diaspora has roots in this region.
Best time to call: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM UZT for personal calls
Photo brief: Namangan city Fergana Valley Uzbekistan
Fergana
Fergana is a key city in eastern Uzbekistan known for its cotton industry and cultural heritage. Landline area code: 73. Calling to this region is common among diaspora communities.
Best time to call: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM UZT for personal calls
Photo brief: Fergana city Uzbekistan landscape
Urgench
Urgench is the capital of Khorezm Region and the modern gateway to the ancient city of Khiva. Landline area code: 62. Important for tourism-related business calls.
Best time to call: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM UZT for personal calls
Photo brief: Urgench Khorezm region Uzbekistan
DIALING GUIDE
Uzbekistan uses country code +998. Phone numbers are 9 digits long, consisting of a 2-digit area code or mobile prefix followed by a 7-digit subscriber number. No trunk prefix is used.
+998 XX XXX XXXX
+998 XX XXX XXXX
| City / region | Code |
|---|---|
| Tashkent | 71 |
| Samarkand | 66 |
| Bukhara | 65 |
| Namangan | 69 |
| Fergana | 73 |
| Andijan | 74 |
| Nukus | 61 |
| Urgench | 62 |
| Karshi | 75 |
| Termez | 76 |
| Jizzakh | 72 |
| Gulistan | 67 |
Sources
Supports numbering plan details.
Supports city area code listings.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers to the most common questions about international calls to Uzbekistan — from dialing formats and costs to connectivity and timing.
Still have questions? Our support team is here to help.
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Uzbekistan is just one of many countries you can call affordably with Sayfone. Explore rates to other popular destinations.
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Connect with family, friends, and business contacts across Uzbekistan — from Tashkent to the Fergana Valley. Affordable rates, crystal-clear quality, and no app to install.
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