Uzbekistan to Ban Cash Purchases for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Real Estate for the First Time

Starting April 1, 2026, Uzbekistan will ban cash payments for alcohol, tobacco products, real estate, vehicles, gasoline, electricity, public services, and any goods priced at 25 million sums (approximately $2,070) or more. Payments for these goods and services will only be permitted through QR codes or bank cards. The relevant decree has been signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

These measures aim to combat the shadow economy and reduce the use of cash payments by 2030.