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Tashkent or Bust: My Freelance Photographer’s Messy Move Checklist

@Julian Moss2/7/2026blog
Tashkent or Bust: My Freelance Photographer’s Messy Move Checklist

a Here’s the messy rundown of moving to Tashkent as a freelance photographer who’s also trying to keep the rent from killing the gig.

- camera body you actually trust (no more broken DSLR drama)
- prime 35mm for street shoots, ISO 1600 is your new best friend in the dusty light
- a decent laptop that can handle Lightroom without melting
- power bank the size of a small watermelon (the outlets here are hit or miss)
- a stash of zip‑lock bags for those surprise rainstorms that roll in like a bad gig

- learn a few Russian‑ish phrases; locals love it when you try
- avoid the metro rush hour if you hate sweaty commutes
- scout the Chilanzar market for cheap snacks and fresh fruit
- keep an eye on the air quality; sometimes the city turns the sky an unsettling orange
- the city feels pretty safe, but keep an eye on your camera gear in crowded bazaars

*Cost‑of‑Living Snapshot (USD)*

ItemApprox. Cost
One‑bedroom apartment in the center350
Shared flat outside the core200
Meal at a cheap eatery4‑6
Coffee at a local café2
Monthly transport pass25
Basic internet (60 Mbps)12



white and brown concrete building near green trees during daytime

a large building with a dome roof


Official Tashkent Travel Guide - TripAdvisor
Yelp - Best Street Food in Tashkent
r/tashkent - Reddit community
Lonely Planet - Tashkent Tips


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About the author: Julian Moss

Unapologetically enthusiastic about niche topics.

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