Tashkent Airport (TAS) SIM Cards: Where to Buy & What to Know

Yes, you can buy a local SIM at Tashkent International Airport, with dated arrival evidence showing a Ucell counter in the baggage reclaim area. Buying there makes sense if you need an Uzbek phone number and help with setup; arranging a travel eSIM beforehand is more convenient if you mainly need mobile data.

Where Can You Buy a SIM at Tashkent Airport?

Look for the operator counters after passport control while collecting your luggage, before continuing into the public arrivals hall. An August 2026 traveler report places the purple Ucell booth near the currency exchange desk in the baggage reclaim area.

Information checked on 22 October 2026. The Ucell location is supported by an August 2026 arrival report, not an official terminal directory. Airport counter hours are not reliably published.

The practical point is to look for SIM assistance before leaving baggage reclaim. If you have already reached the public hall, ask the information desk where you can buy a SIM without returning through a controlled area.

If you are still deciding between a local SIM, travel eSIM and roaming, compare the broader internet options in Uzbekistan.

What Will You Actually Pay at the Counter?

Ask for the total payable for one activated SIM, rather than comparing only the data allowance on the sign. Your quote should identify the package, validity, included calls or texts, SIM charge and any activation or service fee.

One August 2026 purchase illustrates why this matters: a traveler reported a displayed price of 105,000 UZS for a 70 GB Ucell offer, but paid 300,000 UZS for two SIMs after service charges. That is a reported purchase from a particular visit, not a current price guarantee or proof that every customer pays the same fee.

A Useful Benchmark for Buying in the City

Beeline’s official Hello offers provide a reference when comparing an airport quote with a local tariff:

Beeline’s official Hello offer graphics checked on 22 October 2026. These are monthly tariff charges, including VAT, rather than verified airport purchase totals. Availability and any initial connection charges must be established with the selling outlet.

An airport package can still be worth buying if the full price is reasonable and you need a number immediately. Conversely, paying for a very large allowance adds little value if you only need maps, messaging and occasional browsing for a short trip.

If your transfer is arranged and you can wait until you reach Tashkent, an official city store gives you time to compare the tariff itself. Our guide to buying a tourist SIM in Uzbekistan covers the wider local purchasing options.

Passport Registration and IMEI: Two Different Steps

Bring your original passport when purchasing a local tourist SIM. The operator registers the mobile subscription to your identity; make sure your name is correct and collect your passport before leaving.

Before the sale is completed:

• Get the package name, allowance, expiry date and full price in writing.

• Establish whether the counter accepts your bank card or requires cash in Uzbek som.

• Ask staff to activate the package and test mobile data with Wi-Fi switched off.

• Keep the receipt and SIM packaging, including your new phone number.

Card acceptance at the specific airport counter has not been reliably verified, so carrying a payment backup is sensible.

IMEI registration concerns the phone itself. Non-resident visitors can use an unregistered device on a local mobile network for up to 60 calendar days from its first network event, under the published UZIMEI rules. Registering the SIM with your passport does not complete that separate device-registration process.

If you intend to use a local SIM beyond that period, arrange the required device registration and declare the phone on arrival as required for that process. If you have used the same phone with an Uzbek SIM on an earlier trip, check its existing IMEI status rather than assuming your allowance starts again.

The official UZIMEI guidance explains the non-resident period and the connection with the passenger customs declaration. Review Uzbekistan’s airport customs rules before travelling if you are bringing additional devices or expect to need registration.

Arranging a Roafly eSIM Before You Fly

Roafly’s Uzbekistan eSIM lets you prepare mobile data before departure, avoiding dependence on counter availability or a physical SIM swap. It uses Beeline, supports hotspot within your purchased allowance and allows top-ups.

The plans are data-only: they do not include an Uzbek phone number, ordinary voice calls or SMS. Your device must be unlocked and support eSIM.

Install over a reliable connection before travelling. On arrival, select the eSIM for mobile data and follow the supplied setup instructions. Keep data roaming disabled on your home line if you do not intend to use your home operator’s roaming service.

A local SIM remains useful if an Uzbek number is central to your plans. To compare travel providers and package choices, read our Uzbekistan eSIM comparison.

Can You Use Airport Wi-Fi While Getting Connected?

Tashkent Airport has offered free Wi-Fi, but prepare another way to access your booking and contact your driver. The airport’s published 2022 setup used the #TASAirportUzcloud network, phone-number verification by SMS and an advertising-supported free option; those launch instructions should not be treated as a guarantee of today’s login process.

Follow current terminal signage or ask the information desk for the correct network. If the portal requires a text message, a home SIM that cannot receive SMS abroad may leave you unable to finish signing in.

Download your hotel address, transfer details and an offline map before departure. This also gives you time to compare SIM offers without needing to buy the first package simply to retrieve a booking.

Which Option Makes Sense for Your Arrival?

Need an Uzbek number immediately? Look for the airport operator counter, get an itemized total and have staff test the connection before you leave.

Arriving late and mainly need maps or messaging? Prepare your data connection beforehand. Published counter hours are insufficient to promise that a particular desk will be staffed when your flight lands.

Staying longer or using substantial amounts of data? Compare the complete airport offer with an official city-store tariff. Account for your actual allowance needs and any IMEI registration that applies to your device.

Already have a transfer and first-night connectivity? There is less reason to make a rushed purchase in arrivals. You can compare local plans after reaching your accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a SIM before leaving Tashkent Airport’s baggage area?

Yes. Dated arrival evidence shows a Ucell counter inside baggage reclaim after passport control. Look for the operator desks while collecting your luggage.

Are Tashkent Airport SIM counters open 24 hours?

Their current official operating hours are not reliably published. Prepare a backup connection if you need internet immediately after a late arrival.

Are the airport SIM prices the same as city prices?

That has not been reliably established. Compare the complete airport quote, including service or connection fees, with the named local tariff.

Do I need to register my phone for a one-week holiday?

A non-resident’s first local-network use normally falls within the published 60-day IMEI allowance. Previous use of the same device in Uzbekistan can affect that assumption, so returning visitors should check their device’s status.

Should I buy a local SIM or arrange an eSIM beforehand?

Buy a local SIM when you need an Uzbek number and value staff-assisted setup. Arrange a travel eSIM beforehand when mobile data is your priority and you want to leave the terminal without depending on a SIM counter.