TCAS From France, joined Sep 2006, 0 posts, RR: 0 Posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 503 times:
Well, due to the overwhelming response from the Tajikistan (or is is Tajikstan) I have seen it both ways. But, I digress, I have been to every Central Asian country and former Soviet Socialist Republic. In this thread, you can ask me any questions, or share your experiances.
Metwrench From United States of America, joined Aug 2001, 750 posts, RR: 3 Reply 1, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 495 times:
Okay, how is the "infrastructure" there? Can the government provide for basic services?
Utilities, sanitation, education, transportation, health & welfare, judicial system.
TCAS From France, joined Sep 2006, 0 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 490 times:
Yeesh, kinda broad there. Each country is VERY different. I will use Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan as examples because they are most developed. They are both relatively corrupted, but not on a large scale. They both have western hotels. Sanitation is good in the nicer parts with sewer systems and everything. Yes, the government provides for BASIC services, but some poor are left with nothing. The roads and infrastructure are good, with pretty good communications facilities. Doctors are available to the middle to upper class, with lower class and some middle class people not being paid attention to in hospitals. Hospitals provide basic service.
Cba From United States of America, joined Jul 2000, 4530 posts, RR: 4 Reply 3, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 489 times:
I've got a quick question about Kazakhstan. Are the native Kazakhs of East Asian descent, or Turkic descent?
Twaneedsnohelp From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 483 times:
Good question Cba. Before our host answers, I'll chime in.
I think the ethnic Kazaks are a mix of East Asian and Caucasian/Turkic lineage. Of course a lot of Kazahstan is still ethnic Russians who are part of the Slavic family of peoples.
Metwrench From United States of America, joined Aug 2001, 750 posts, RR: 3 Reply 6, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 483 times:
Yeesh, kinda vague there. You asked for questions, you got some.
Let me expand then. Is there any hope that these countries can ever enjoy some of the benifits that the people in Westen Europe, Noth America, and Easter Asia expect on a day-to-day basis?
Ammunition From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2002, 1057 posts, RR: 5 Reply 7, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 482 times:
i will be flying through uzbekistan later this year, is it possible for me to make a stop over at tashkent for a day or so, to check out the city? i will beflying uzbekistan airways. I have been before, but only transited. Will i need a visa, or transit visa of some sort to leave the airport? isit a friendly place, what are the people like? is it safe? any places that u would recommend i see if/when i go?
sorry for the amount of questions.
thank you
Saint Augustine- 'The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only 1 page'
TCAS From France, joined Sep 2006, 0 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 478 times:
A passport and visa are required; official invitations from a sponsoring organization or individual are no longer required for American citizens. Visas are issued by Uzbek embassies and consulates abroad. Visitors coming from countries where Uzbekistan does not have diplomatic or consular representation should obtain visas in a third country. Visas are issued at the airport only as a rare exception and only through prior arrangement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least four business days before arrival.
Note: Uzbekistan has suspended the 72-hour transit rule that allowed travelers with visas from other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States to transit Uzbekistan without an Uzbek visa. All travelers, even those simply transiting Uzbekistan for less than 72 hours, must obtain an Uzbek visa before traveling to Uzbekistan.
I loved Uzbekistan and found the culture intriging and the people very friendly.
Ammunition From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2002, 1057 posts, RR: 5 Reply 10, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 475 times:
AFAIK i wont be needing a visa for transitting uzbekistan, i will not be leaving the airport, and the travel agent has not informed me otherwise. I have been 3 times before, and no visa was ever required for transit. When did this rule come into place.
I am british, so will i need sponsorship e.t.c by someone if i wanted to leave the airport?
Saint Augustine- 'The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only 1 page'
TCAS From France, joined Sep 2006, 0 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 472 times:
Here is all the British info:
Visas are required for all non-CIS nationals coming to visit Uzbekistan. Group tourists will have visas processed by their agency, but individuals must either book and pay in advance for transport and accommodation, or acquire an invitation from a 'host organisation' with obtained approval for your visit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The approval must be communicated to the relevant Uzbek embassy to issue the visa. Firstly enquire about the latest set of rules at the Uzbek embassy in (or nearest to) your country (see list below). All foreigners travelling, studying or working in Uzbekistan should register their presence and residence with the local OVIR (the Office of Visas and Registration).
In practice, hotel staff register their tourists automatically. While staying with local families - one of the most enjoyable freedoms to follow independence - one should register with the OVIR, as the law requires registration.
Pacificjourney From New Zealand, joined Jul 2001, 2695 posts, RR: 10 Reply 13, posted (10 years 1 month 1 week 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 457 times:
I have visited Ukraine a few times and this August plan to go again. this time via Tashkent.
I want to know if I can do what I do in Kiev regarding accomadation i.e. ask someone at the station (or perhaps some other place) if they have an apartment to let for a week or so. In Kiev about US$ 60 for a week.
Also, can I flag down any car by sticking my hand out and negotiating a price ?
How do people feel if I only speak in Russian, really bad Russian in fact ?
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