Travel tips in Uzbekistan

Hi, I am traveling to Uzbekistan for 10 days from Abu Dhabi from 22nd June to 3rd July. I will be in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent and this is my first solo trip. I had a few questions:

• Best SIM card
• I am landing at Samarkand Airport. What are the options for currency conversion?
• Is it a good idea to book hotels beforehand? Should I go there and make bookings?
• I have already booked the flights and train tickets beforehand. Is there anything else, I need to do beforehand?
• For traveling within the cities, how cheap are the taxis, should I install any application?
• Is there any application I should download before that will be useful within the country?
• I don’t have any dietary restrictions, what are some of the local dishes and drinks that I should try for must?
• What souvenirs would you recommend getting that are unique to Uzbekistan?
• Any other tips for a first-time solo traveler?