A travel content creator has shared his experience of visiting what he describes as the 'cheapest country in the world', where a beer on a terrace costs around 87p and a local meal is just £2.60 per person.
Discovering Uzbekistan
Lourens, known as @l.ourens on Instagram, is a Dutch travel creator with over 15,000 followers. He regularly posts about discovering unknown destinations and aims to visit every country in Europe, having already visited 47 of them. In a recent reel, he gave followers an insight into his trip to Uzbekistan, which he called the 'cheapest country in the world'.
In the clip, he says: 'I went to the cheapest country in the world, where you can have a beer on a terrace for about €1 (87p) and stay in a local apartment for about €15 (£13) per night.' He adds that the capital city feels like a mini Dubai, with modern glass towers and a spotless metro, yet also has ancient buildings, rich culture, and local cuisine. For example, they ordered a local dish for about €3 (£2.60) per person.
Beyond the Capital
Those put off by the Dubai-style architecture can take a luxury high-speed train for around €15 to Samarkand, where Lourens saw 'one of the most beautiful buildings of the ancient Silk Road'. He also mentions a guided day trip over the border to Tajikistan to see the Seven Lakes, which have clear water and pristine mountain views.
In the caption, Lourens notes that Uzbekistan is the 'best budget friendly country' he has visited after visiting over 60 countries.
Social Media Reaction
The post amassed over 70,000 likes. One user said: 'One of my favourite countries ever!' Another agreed: 'I just left Uzbekistan and it's amazing.' A third commented: 'Looks so interesting, I love the idea of going somewhere that's not over-touristy.'
Is Uzbekistan the Cheapest?
While Uzbekistan ranks among the most wallet-friendly destinations, it is not technically the absolute cheapest. Countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Libya, and India generally have a lower cost of living. Within Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are often considered even more budget-conscious.
Safety in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is widely regarded as safe for tourists. UK government advice says the country is generally safe, but travellers should remain vigilant of terrorism risks and avoid protests. Popular destinations like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara have strong security and a prominent police presence. Areas near the borders with Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, especially the Fergana Valley, require caution. Uzbekistan ranks #1 in the Solo Female Travel Safety Index, with low reports of harassment. Street crime is uncommon, and walking alone after dark in main cities is considered safe.
