Free Call to Uzbekistan from US — $0.23/min (2026)
Call Uzbekistan for $0.23/min with BubblyPhone. Telegram is #1 (NOT WhatsApp — government promoted Telegram). Country code +998, Tashkent 71. VoIP intermittently blocked. UZT (UTC+5).
Calling Uzbekistan costs $0.23/min with BubblyPhone — $13.80 for a full hour. The country code is +998, with Tashkent at +998 71. Unlike most countries, Telegram is the #1 messaging app — not WhatsApp. The main carriers are Uzmobile, Ucell, and Beeline Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan runs on UZT (UTC+5).
Whether you're calling family in Tashkent, friends in Samarkand, or business contacts in Uzbekistan, here's every option for calling Uzbekistan cheaply or for free.
Telegram Is #1 (Not WhatsApp)
Uzbekistan is one of the few countries where Telegram is more popular than WhatsApp. The Uzbek government promoted Telegram adoption, and it became the default messaging app. If you want to reach someone in Uzbekistan for free, install Telegram first. WhatsApp works too, but your Uzbek contacts are almost certainly more active on Telegram.
VoIP Restrictions
Uzbekistan has intermittently blocked VoIP servicesin the past. While Telegram messaging always works, voice calls through apps may be restricted at times. If a VoIP call doesn't connect, you may need to use a traditional phone call through BubblyPhone or another service.
Free: App-to-App Calls
Both people need the app and internet. Free when VoIP is not restricted.
1. Telegram — Dominant
Telegram is Uzbekistan's #1 communication app. The government promoted its adoption and nearly everyone uses it. Voice calls through Telegram work when VoIP is not restricted. Messaging always works.
Tip: Even if voice calls are blocked, you can send voice messages through Telegram. This is a common workaround in Uzbekistan when VoIP restrictions are active.
2. WhatsApp — Secondary
WhatsApp is used in Uzbekistan but is secondary to Telegram. Some users have both, but Telegram is the default. WhatsApp voice calls may be affected by VoIP restrictions.
3. Facebook Messenger — Limited
Facebook usage is lower in Uzbekistan compared to Telegram. Messenger works but is less commonly used for calls.
4. FaceTime — Very Limited
iPhone market share is low in Uzbekistan. FaceTime is only practical if both parties have Apple devices.
Calling Uzbekistani Phone Numbers
Uzbekistan is reasonably priced to call:
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.23/min | $0.23/min | Browser, iOS, Android |
| Google Voice | $0.08/min | $0.04/min | US Google account required |
| Rebtel | $0.05/min | $0.02/min | Calling plans available |
| AT&T / Verizon | $3.00-5.00/min | $3.00-5.00/min | Up to 22x more expensive |
Our honest take: Rebtel ($0.05/min) and Google Voice ($0.08/min mobile) are cheaper than BubblyPhone ($0.23/min) for Uzbekistan. Try Telegram voice calls first (free when working). If VoIP is blocked, BubblyPhone is a reliable fallback for actual phone numbers.
How to Dial Uzbekistan from the US
# From a US phone:
011 + 998 + area code + number
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+998 + area code + number
# Example — calling a Tashkent landline:
+998 71 123 4567
# Example — calling an Uzbekistani mobile:
+998 90 123 4567
# Example — calling Samarkand:
+998 66 234 5678
Drop the leading 0: Uzbeks dial numbers starting with 0 locally. When calling from the US, drop the 0 and use +998 followed by the rest. Tashkent area code is 71. Samarkand is 66.
Number Format
- Tashkent: +998 71 + 7 digits
- Samarkand: +998 66 + 7 digits
- Mobiles: +998 9X + 7 digits
- Drop the leading 0
- Country code: +998
Carriers & Mobile
- Uzmobile: State-owned carrier
- Ucell: Second carrier
- Beeline UZ: Third carrier
- Coverage: Good in cities
- Telegram: #1 app (not WhatsApp)
Which Method Should You Use?
Calling family in Uzbekistan
Telegram first — it's the #1 app. Try voice calls; if VoIP is blocked, send voice messages. WhatsApp is a backup. If neither works, use Rebtel ($0.05/min) or BubblyPhone ($0.23/min).
Calling a business in Uzbekistan
Rebtel ($0.02/min landline) or Google Voice ($0.04/min). Uzbek and Russian are both spoken. English is very limited.
VoIP is blocked
If Telegram/WhatsApp voice calls don't connect, VoIP may be temporarily restricted. Use BubblyPhone ($0.23/min) or Rebtel ($0.05/min) to call the actual phone number instead.
Tips for Calling Uzbekistan
- Uzbekistan is 10 hours ahead of EST (UZT, UTC+5). When it's 10 AM in New York, it's 8 PM in Tashkent. Best window: 7-9 AM EST (5-7 PM Uzbekistan)
- Telegram is #1 — the Uzbek government promoted Telegram, and it became the default app. Install it before trying to contact anyone in Uzbekistan
- VoIP restrictions happen — Uzbekistan has intermittently blocked VoIP services. If free calls don't work, use a paid calling service
- Uzbek and Russian spoken — Uzbek is the official language, Russian is widely used in business. English is very limited
- Voice messages as workaround — when VoIP calls are blocked, voice messages on Telegram still work. Use them as an alternative to real-time calls
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call Uzbekistan for free from the US?
Why is Telegram more popular than WhatsApp in Uzbekistan?
What is the country code for Uzbekistan?
What is the cheapest way to call an Uzbekistani phone number?
What's the best time to call Uzbekistan from the US?
Call Uzbekistan for $0.23/min
Open BubblyPhone in your browser and dial +998. A 60-minute call costs $13.80.
Try Free — Call Uzbekistan Now