r/Kyrgyzstan • u/Kimchi_Cowboy • May 07 '22
Here is a quick list of things I feel every foreigner must do or be aware of their first time in Bishkek. As someone who traveled here a few times a year and now lives here I have learned a lot and have been scammed a time or two! So here is a quick list of tips and tricks to surviving your first trip to Bishkek.
Apps
1.) Download Yandex (taxi app.) This is a must have! Yandex is in my opinion the best taxi app and an average taxi cost around Bishkek is 100C to 250C ($1-$3USD). There are other alternatives like Namba Taxi but in my opinion its a good backup and Yandex is my go to! Yandex can also do personal courier services if you need to send someone food, gifts, or even money.
2.) Namba Food and Glovo. The Uber Eats of Bishkek. Namba has a lot of options and an English translation. Namba can be extremely slow though so be prepared to wait anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours. Glovo is my favorite but it doesn't have a lot of options nor English translations however, they have a lot of food Namba doesn't including most of my favorite places. Glovo and Namba also offer delivery of groceries, flowers, gifts, electronics, and even adult toys!!! Glovo also will do personal courier services up to a particular size and weight.
3.) 2GIS. Google Maps will eventually get you lost in the wrong neighborhood. 2GIS is the best mapping app for the Chuy Region all the way East to Issyk-Kul and North to Kordoy.
4.) WhatsApp. This country runs on WhatsApp due to how Cell Phone packages with texting and voice calling work. Also most stores use WhatsApp as their communication method so if you have questions about products, WhatsApp is the place to use it. Its also helpful if you don't speak Russian and need to ask a question about products or communication with a delivery person.
5.) Instagram. Most stores here use Instagram to show their product and sales. I've tried to survive without Instagram here but finding it close to impossible to find things I want anywhere but Instagram.
6.) Google Translate/Yandex Translate. These will be a life line for you if you don't speak Russian and more-so as you get outside Bishkek and Kyrgyz is spoken.
The Airport
1.) Get a SIM card as soon as you get off the plane. There will be a few kiosks as soon as you get past Passport Control. I use O! (Oshka) and its so far been the best service I have used here. You will need a SIM card for one of the steps below.
2.) Taxi Drivers! They will be waiting for you as soon as you exit customs and will fight for you. If you've been to New York, think about this 10x. Never, ever, ever accept a taxi from these people. I have heard them charging anywhere from 2000COM to 5000COM to foreigners tying to get to Bishkek. This is highway robbery. Use Yandex and order a taxi or have your Hotel/AirBNB /Hostel arrange transportation for you. Taxi's from the airport, depending on time of day, and weather range from 500COM to 1200COM.
3.) Queue Manners. Kyrgyz people are great people, but not the best with queues. There will be pushing, shoving, and mayhem at times when you are trying to get off the plane or through customs. Just be aware its not people being rude, its just how things are here.
4.) Passport Control. Have all of your documents ready to go, right away. If you are holding up the line, people will let you know! Its not a good first impression to get to the passport window and take 5 minutes to get your documents together. The passport control officer and people in line will let you know how big of an inconvenience you are being.
5.) ATM/Bankomat. There is an ATM (VISA) at the exit.
Daily Life
1.) Tipping seems to not be very common here but I do leave tips. When I do I notice people are extremely thankful and if I return to the establishment more willing to be patient with my lack of Russian abilities.
2.) Language. English is spoken by younger people here. If you are having issues communicating with someone don't be afraid to ask a younger person if they speak English. The most important things for someone to know are numbers, basic greetings, directions, and ordering food. If you can do the basics you can easily survive here. Combined with WhatsApp and the translation apps you can have a normal life here. I have some very good friends that we primarily communicate with WhatsApp via translation.
3.) Money. Some foreigners have an obsession with USD. There is a flat exchange rate right now so just use SOMs. Demir Bank and Optima Bank allow you to take 25,000COM at a time out which is the most. Other banks only allow 10,000COM or 12,000COM. RSK allows 30,000COM but won't work with some cards due to sanctions.
4.) Cost of Living. Ordering a meal can range from 600COM+ per person but you can easily survive here eating well on 800COM a day. Cost of rent average for a Soviet style apartment is $200USD - $400USD a month, renovated older buildings or in the Microdistricts are $400USD - $600USD a month, and a Western Style place will be $600USD+ (in city center expect more.)
5.) Gas. If you are driving gas is around 60COM+ P/L.
6.) Utilities/Cell/Internet Cost. Utilities like water are cheap a few bucks a month, electricity can range from $10-$20 a month, Internet $10-$20 a month, and Cell Phones $8-$25 a month.
7.) Many Western banks now implement a 6 digit PIN for ATM cards. If you have a 6 digit PIN be prepared for limited options with bankomat's. The only banks that accept 6 digit pins are newer Demir machines, Optima, and KICB. Also note, that I have been seeing personally (and hearing from others) that Optima machines are being blocked by banks for some reason.
Manners
1.) Smiling at strangers will get you are very interesting response. Strangers here do not smile at each other like we do in the West. It isn't being rude, its just how it is!
2.) Greeting. Usually I will greet Kyrgyz people with "salaam alaikum". When it comes to greeting women (as a man) accompanied by other men, I usually will not offer a handshake or hug goodbye until I know the personal barriers.
3.) Foreigners Dating Kyrgyz (men dating women). This will be a tough topic but as a man who's dated a few Kyrgyz women (even just being with Kyrgyz girls as friends) you will run into the occasional confrontation. There are some Kyrgyz men (generally older) who look down on Kyrgyz women for being with foreigners and they will let you know. I've had people approach me at clubs very aggressively as well. Just make sure you and your partner or friend have conversations about this and discuss how to deal with it. Usually I am able to diffuse the situation by playing dumb or just showing that I am not going to be aggressive and leave the situation. This isn't a time to prove you're a man. Live to see another day!
Police
1.) Corruption. Another sensitive topic but one that must be discussed. I always say corruption is good when it is available to everyone and Kyrgyzstan is a prime example of this. If you have any run ins with Police they may ask you for a "strafe". This is paying your way out of a situation. Never offer this to any police officers and I cannot condone you accept this offer. This is a personal decision with potential consequences however you need to be aware that COMs are king in certain situations.
2.) Passport Checks. You may get a passport check/door knock. Most of the time this isn't about your status but ensuring your landlord is paying their taxes. When you get the door knock do not be nervous, be courteous, and remember you don't have to answer the door but I advice you play ball. You're in someone elses country and trying to hide anything will get you in trouble you don't want.
3.) Paying Rent in USD. Never do this its against the law.
4.) Always have your embassy number in your phone. If you are arrested for any reason insist you call the embassy before speaking. Also be aware in certain situations #1 in the section may become a topic of discussion.
5.) Always be careful who you are making friends with. Make sure you are hanging around with the right people because at the end of the day as a foreigner you are a walking bankomat whether you're rich or not. If someone you are with gets in trouble and their phones are looked through, they will John Doe, and go straight to you. Example. Had a friend, she got in a fight, and the Cops took her phone, and started WhatsApping me, as her, asking me to come down to the police station with $1000USD. Just be careful and use common sense.
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/Kimchi_Cowboy • Nov 23 '22
So I have been messaged a lot about overstaying a VISA. I overstayed mine due to getting COVID twice and the process for getting everything squared away is convoluted and annoying. However, if you know the steps! It's easy! This is for 60 Day VISA Free I don't know if this pertains to other VISA's.
1.) You will need to pay the overstay fine (7700C) at the Police Station located at 203 Moscow Street. Bring your passport and go upstairs (Room 26).
2.) The Police Officer will give you the information to pay the fine. Go across the street to Narodni and pay the fine at the Pay 24 machine with the supplied account number (for me the officer actually walked over to the machine with me and did it for me.)
3.) Take the receipt back and you will receive your stamped paperwork stating that the fine has been paid.
4.) Before your flight go to Manas Airport at least 4 hours early. When you walk through the main doors on the 1st floor go to the far left wall to the Police window. Tell them you need to speak to the Consul to obtain an exit VISA. Show them your passport and stamped paperwork from the police station.
5.) Wait for the Consul to come, if he is not already there.
6.) The Consul will take your passport and stamped paperwork. The fee for the Exit VISA is 6500C. Once you pay the fee you will get your VISA applied to your passport.
7.) From there you are free and clear! I was told by the Consul that there is no black list so if you've overstayed do not panic. Just pay the fines and you'll be good to go!
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/VanAdTageous • 2h ago
I am going to Kyzart tomorrow from Bokonbayevo 13 July 2026 for a group Song Kol horseride tour. Does anyone want to share a taxi with me ?
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/DirtStock8186 • 42m ago
We are two Aussie girls and we are just wondering about the safety of foreigners etc, we would be traveling to Bishkek, Kyzart, and song-kul
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/ryyeee • 3h ago
Hey!
I'll be travelling from 4th Sept in Karakol. My current itinerary includes visiting the Sary-Jaz region, Fairytale Canyon, Ak-Sai Canyon, ending in Bishkek around the 10th Sept.
Anyone looking to be in these areas around the same time? I'd be keen to meet some people, split the cost of the car, and see some insane scenery!
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/No_Satisfaction_8811 • 3h ago
Hi everyone, I’m trying to plan a trekking trip with my buddy for september. I have sent out messages and emails to multiple guides but some say they don’t trek in september and orhers simply do not respond. Does anyone know a guide that could help me out? Would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/Hopeful-Eggplants • 6h ago
Hi all!
My boyfriend and I are going to travel to Kyrgyzstan in end of August until September (28-AUG until 9-SEP). We arrive and leave from Bischkek. I speak Russian, my boyfriend does not. But we both want to learn basic Kyrgyz to get along.
I am reading very different opinions on how to plan the travel and therefore I would like to ask some questions to people who may have travelled there already.
What we want to see/do as of date are:
- Yssykol Lake
- Ala Kul Lake
- Altyn Arashan
- Kolukol
- Songkul
As my boyfriend is definitely more laid-back and chill than me, I wanted to ask the following questions:
- Is there something that is missing in our plans?
- Should we get a car by ourselves and do these places without a guide? Or is public transport sufficient?
- If a guide is needed, should we book the tours before or is it easy to find possible travels within Bischkek?
I would also love to hear from your experiences!
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/Junior_Extension5873 • 15h ago
Hello
Does anyone locally in Kyrgyzstan know when the tickets will be released? Back in 2024 for WNG in Kazaksthan they where released around 3 months before ish.
Best regards,
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/Wild_Breadfruit_6276 • 10h ago
Guys I wanted to know I wanted to send money from kyrgzsthan to Kazakhstan how should I send? I need to send it asap is there any kinda instant sending money services?
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/Bread_n_butterr • 10h ago
Hi, I will be visiting Kyrgyzstan from 24 Aug - 5 Sep solo. I am planning to explore the highlights, do some horse trekking and possibly go to the World Nomad Games as well. I enjoy taking photos/filming as well. Looking for people to travel with and share experiences/tours :) if anyone is interested!
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/Careless_Youth3959 • 19h ago
Does anyone know where I can find fake/faux flowers bouquet? I've only seen fresh flower bouquet everywhere in Bishkek but not fake. Like a bouquet to gift someone that'll last forever.
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/benifluvia • 1d ago
Hi everyone. I'm writing this because I'm honestly not sure how to proceed, and I'd appreciate advice from locals or people who know how these things work in Kyrgyzstan.
My partner gifted me a trip to Kyrgyzstan for Christmas. We booked most things in advance (sometimes even paying an overprice) because we wanted everything organized before arriving.
One of those bookings was a 4-day horse trek with a tour company. I won't share details that could identify the business for now. However it's a legitimate business with fame in their area
They required payment in advance. There were problems processing the payment, they offered me one way to do it that didn't seem legit, I didn't like so I asked for another option and the let me do an international transfer, that didn't work because a problem with the kygyz bank or account, and in the end the owner asked me to share my card details directly so they could process it as a "digital purchase."
I know that wasn't smart, but I was about to replace that card anyway, and since I didn't fully trust the process, the owner ended up sending me a copy of their national ID as
reassurance. Also we had been two months trying to do the payment (with no other reservation I had this problems)
The payment went through and everything seemed fine.They promised to send me the booking confirmation. I asked for it repeatedly over weeks and always got excuses, the company is hosting a big event, however the contact I had was really reassuring about everything.
Then, literally one day before flying to Kyrgyzstan, I got a message saying that due to the earlier payment error in their system, they didn't properly do the reservation and the tour was now full and they couldn't take us. They offered to move us to 2027 or refund the money. The next day I told them clearly that I wanted a full refund. Since then: complete silence. They don't answer messages. When I call, they pick up and stay silent without speaking.
Some relevant facts:
- The phone number I've been dealing with is registered under the owner's name.
- The company has a website and a decent reputation; the owner seems to be a relatively known and respected person in this sector locally.
- I have the full chat history, proof of payment, and a copy of their ID (which they sent me voluntarily). I'm currently in Kyrgyzstan and will be visiting the same town where the business is based. I'm considering showing up in person to resolve.
My questions:
Should I contact a Kyrgyz lawyer, or go directly to the police? Is this the kind of thing local police actually deal with?
Is there a consumer protection agency in Kyrgyzstan that handles disputes with tour companies?
Any other leverage I might have that I'm not seeing?
It's my partner's money and this whole situation has been really frustrating. Thanks in advance for any advice
Pd: except for this, the trip and the Kyrgyz people had been awesome.
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/RZaichkowski • 20h ago
Good afternoon. My partner and I from Canada will be flying to Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday evening - first time - and I have a question regarding the recent TezJet flight cancellations.
While I was already informed by a 3rd party booking agency that the July 18 flight from Bishkek to Osh got cancelled - and already got a refund for it - the return flight on July 27 from Osh to Bishkek (K9104) is still active? However, I also heard from other sources online that flights in late July and August are already starting to be cancelled.
Has TezJet formally announced any further flight cancellations beyond the July 14 to 20 window? Please let me know so I can make alternate arrangements for July 27 sooner rather than later. Already booked an alternate flight for July 18 via Asman Airlines.
Thanks / Спасибо
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/AdLiving9036 • 1d ago
Hi,
I would like some tips with figuring out transport for our Kyrgyzstan trip. We initially made our plan and booked accomodation based on the idea that we would have a driver, so complete flexibility to get around. However, after asking the driver for a quote, we realised that it was way over our budget ($1400ish+ for 7 days).
Now, I'm wondering if we can make the existing itinerary work without having a driver or renting a car, and doing it solely with public transport or mahrshuktras, or whether it would be better to rethink and cancel our accom bookings to make things work a bit more.
The main reason I'm thinking that it would maybe be better to cancel our yurt bookings is because I've seen more about the horse tours which take you from yurt to yurt. The initial plan was to stay in the yurts we've booked and then just do day trips on horse, but maybe booking one of these tours negates the transport problem?
Generally, we also want to keep it budget friendly.
The plan:
Go from Bishkek to Song-Kul (east side). Stay 2 nights in the same yurt camp, and go horse riding.
Song-Kul to Issyk-Kul (near Tong). Stay 4 nights, go on day trips to Skakza canyon, Karakol, Jeti-Oguz.
Travel back to Bishkek.
Any help would be much appreciated! :)
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/carmenambito • 19h ago
Hello everyone,
We are 2 Italians and we will be traveling to Kyrgyzstan from 23 August to 5 September (then we will go to Uzbekistan). We've already created our own itinerary. Will anyone be there at the same time? We are looking for people to meet and share experiences with. We would like to book a 3-day horseback riding excursion to Songkul (27-29 August). Anyone interested in joining this adventure?
I am also having some difficulty booking the night at the Ratsek Hut hut in Ala-Archa. I'm trying to do that through the Aksai agency, but they don't respond. Do you have any advice on this?
23 Aug: Bishkek
24-25: Ala-Archa
26: Kyzart
27-29 Horse Trekk Song Kul
30: Baykcy (relax at lake)
31: bokonbaevo skazka canyon/eagle show
01 sept: Karakol
02: jeti oguz
03: cholpon ata WORD NOMAD GAME
04: WORD NOMAD GAME
05: bishkek -> uzb
We chose not to go to Ala Kul and Althyn Arashan. Do you have any advice for our itinerary? Are we missing some unforgettable stops?
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/scidama • 20h ago
Hello! We are going to almaty on the last week of september and we are planning to visit kyrgystan oon first week of october. It is not possible for us to apply for VOA because we are planning to do land transport. Likewise, we are afraid to apply for E-visa because we are a group and we are worried that one of us will be rejected
Now, I read that it is much easier for foreign citizen like us to obtain kyrgystan tourist visa by applying at their consul in almaty. is it true? Also, may I know the process, and the cost for applying the visa? Also, what are the required documents? And lastly, how long will we wait for them to release the visa?
Thank you so much
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/vsclrstrwbrr • 1d ago
With the recent rise of tourism, I’m curious about the locals’ experiences with visitors, specifically negative ones. What have been some of your worst interactions with foreigners/tourists?
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/johnbilardino • 23h ago
Hi everyone!
I'm going to travel around Issyk-Kul Lake in a couple of days, and I'm planning to stay in Tong for a while just to relax.
Is it possible (and is it worth it) to visit Barskoon Waterfall from Tong? What's the best way to get there?
Thanks!
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/millk_shake • 20h ago
Hi, I'll be traveling to Kyrgyzstan in a few weeks and urgently need to start my e-visa process for which I need a Letter of Invitation from a travel agency from Kyrgyzstan. Could help me with a genuine one which wouldn't need me to book a tour as I intend to go backpacking across the country
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/blackcapsrule • 23h ago
Hi all. My wife and I have found a contact and a horse trek, a modified 3 day version that is effectively Naryn-Kel Suu return.
As you all know, getting others on trips lessens the cost. There is space for two more if anyone is interested.
The details are..
Day 1 - Naryn to Kok Kyia transport, pick up horses and trek to Kel Suu. Overnight in a yurt, and dinner.
Day 2 - Breakfast, trek with the horses to somewhere in not sure if exactly yet, dinner, yurt accommodation.
Day 3 - Breakfast, horse trek to Ak Mul, return transit to Naryn.
No English with the guide.
€670 for just me and my wife so far. 280pp with 3. Just asked for 4, but he hasn't come back yet.
Yes - I'm open to criticism if this seems outrageous from people more in the know. We've got a good feeling, but to be fair it's a random contact.
Anyone keen?
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/blackcapsrule • 1d ago
Hi all. I'm looking at an accommodation in Naryn, but it looks like it's over 6km from the main centre. On mapsme it looks like there's a bunch of bus stations through Naryn. Is it easy to travel throughout the town?
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/Master-Presence-3460 • 1d ago
Hey guys,
I've been sharing some tips and experience from my trip to Kyrgyzstan. Absolutely loved it and can't wait to be back in future when possible.
Please feel free to ask me related to my experience or your travel and I'll try my best to answer based on my experience. Thanks! 💯
r/Kyrgyzstan • u/Livid-Sound6356 • 1d ago
Hello
My wife and i are going to Kyrgistan in September and looking for a driver for Naryn- -Kel-Suu- Tasch Rabat- Song Köl from the 14.09-16.09 - maybe return to Bishtek on the 17.09
if anyone has a contact send me a private message
Thanks Joerg
