Uzbekistan Introduces 200,000-Som Banknote To Ease Cash Payments

A woman counts money at a market in Bukhara.

Uzbekistan's Central Bank has announced it will introduce a new, 200,000-som banknote as of July 15.

The bank said on July 13 the banknote will carry pictures related to the ancient Silk Road and the history of the Ferghana Valley.

The new banknote will be worth about $18.20, according to the official exchange rate.

Currently, the 100,000-som banknote is the largest denomination in Uzbekistan. It was introduced in February 2019.

Uzbek financial experts have said for years that the introduction of larger-denomination banknotes was necessary to address the cash-payments problem.