Welcome, Traveler!
Uzbekistan is truly a gem in Central Asia — a country full of breathtaking history, warm hospitality, and landscapes that seem to come straight out of a storybook. The food alone is worth the trip: mountains of perfectly grilled meat, plates filled with fragrant herbs, and enough freshly baked bread to make you forget every diet you’ve ever tried.
And if you enjoy exploring at your own pace, renting a car here is usually a fantastic idea. The roads between cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara are dotted with hidden gems, small roadside cafés, and unexpected adventures. Driving gives you the freedom to experience all of it on your own terms.
My Little Rental “Adventure”
During one of my trips, I decided to rent a car from Europcar’s branch in Tashkent — a global brand I had trusted and used before in other countries. The rental itself was smooth: the car was fine, the pickup was easy, and everything seemed perfectly normal.
Then came the security deposit (USD $300 was actually withdrawn from the card). I paid it in May, fully expecting it to be refunded a few days after returning the car — just as the company promises in its standard rental terms and just as every other branch I’ve used has done. Fast forward to five months later, and… well, I’m still waiting. The money hasn’t arrived.
Turns Out, I’m Not Alone
At first, I thought I was just unlucky. But then I started reading Google reviews of the Tashkent branch — and it turns out, my story is far from unique. Again and again, other travelers describe the same pattern:
- Deposits that are never refunded
- Reassurances that the refund was “processed”
- Weeks or even months of waiting with no result
A Friendly Heads-Up
So, why this website? Not to complain, and not to scare anyone away — Uzbekistan really is worth visiting, and driving here really is an adventure. But if you’re planning to rent a car from the Tashkent branch, well...
Safe travels, and enjoy the plov! 🍲🚗
💬 Below are screenshots of publicly available Google Maps reviews from other customers describing similar deposit experiences. They are shown here as citations of existing public opinions. You can verify current reviews yourself here: open Google Maps.
