Welcome to Kyrgyzstan 😊

Quick Facts About Kyrgyzstan

Money and Finances

The currency of Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani som (KGS). Notes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 som. Coins are available in denominations of 10 and 50 tiyin, and 1, 3, 5, and 10 som.

ATM Network

ATM networks are available in the major cities of Kyrgyzstan. However, it is advisable to carry cash as ATMs may not be available in remote areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Kyrgyzstan, especially outside of main cities. Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than American Express.

Internet and Phones

Kyrgyzstan has internet speeds that are generally slow compared to many other countries, with an average download speed of 6.4 Mbps and an average upload speed of 2.8 Mbps. The government does not interfere with internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Kyrgyzstan are Beeline and MegaCom, both of which provide 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE services. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively low, with many options available for prepaid and postpaid plans. There may be sim compatibility issues with some non-local phones.

Dialling to Kyrgyzstan

To call Kyrgyzstan from another country, you will need to dial the country code +996. Within Kyrgyzstan, most phone numbers are 9-10 digits long and begin with 0. Different areas within the country may use different area codes.

Transport Around Kyrgyzstan

Air Travel

Kyrgyzstan has one international airport, Manas International Airport located near the capital city Bishkek. There are also regional airports in Osh and Jalal-Abad.

Train Travel

Kyrgyzstan has a limited railway system, connecting the capital Bishkek to nearby cities like Kant, Tokmok, and Balychy. The ticket prices are affordable, with an average of 100-200 Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS) for a one-way journey, and the travel time is usually around 2-3 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro system in Kyrgyzstan.

Buses

There are several long-distance bus companies operating in Kyrgyzstan, connecting major cities and towns. The ticket prices vary depending on the distance, but generally range from 50-300 KGS. The journey times can be long due to the mountainous terrain and road conditions.

Rideshare

There are several rideshare companies operating in Kyrgyzstan, including Yandex.Taxi and Namba Taxi. The prices are reasonable, with an average fare of 150-300 KGS for a short ride within the city.

Driving by Car

Driving in Kyrgyzstan can be challenging, especially outside of major cities. The roads can be narrow, poorly maintained and have few streetlights, making night driving difficult. The speed limit is 60 km/h in cities and 90 km/h on highways. The country drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Kyrgyzstan, it is not common to tip. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Men generally address women with formal titles, such as 'Madam' or 'Miss,' and avoid physical contact. However, between close friends and family members, kissing on the cheeks may be common. It is polite to address elders with respect. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be polite and formal, and avoid controversial topics such as politics or religion.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Kyrgyzstan has a state-run healthcare system, with public hospitals and clinics available throughout the country. Private healthcare is also available, but may not be up to the same standards as the public system. Costs for a visit to the doctor are relatively low, with a standard consultation costing around $10-20 USD.

COVID Situation

Kyrgyzstan has had a relatively high number of COVID-19 cases, with over 140,000 confirmed cases as of August 2021. The government has implemented a range of public health measures to try and curb the spread of the virus, such as mandatory mask wearing and social distancing rules.

Common Health Risks

Travellers to Kyrgyzstan should take precautions against food and waterborne illnesses, such as typhoid and hepatitis A. Malaria is also a risk in certain areas, particularly during the summer months. Visitors should also be aware of the high altitude in Kyrgyzstan, which can cause altitude sickness in some people.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Kyrgyzstan, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is widely available in the country, but public consumption is prohibited in some areas. In addition, there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol during certain hours and during religious holidays. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to minors.

Recreational Drugs

Kyrgyzstan has strict laws regarding drugs. The possession, use, and trafficking of any type of drug is illegal and can result in severe punishment, including long prison sentences.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Kyrgyzstan is a conservative society, and pre-marital relations are generally frowned upon. However, there are no laws specifically prohibiting pre-marital relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Kyrgyzstan is a socially conservative country and same-sex activity is illegal, with the law providing for up to three years in prison for those found guilty of engaging in 'sodomy'. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Firearms / Guns

Kyrgyzstan has strict laws concerning the ownership and use of firearms. Only individuals with a valid license are allowed to possess guns, and there are strict background checks and other requirements before a license is granted. The use of firearms is restricted to hunting and personal protection only.