Kyrgyzstan

It is highly recommended that you:

• Download the 2GIS app for offline map navigation. But don’t just download the app – download the Kyrgyzstan map as well!
• Make sure to have some foreign currency (such as US dollars) that you can exchange for Kyrgyz som currency at your destination port. Not many countries have Kyrgyz som currency outside their borders.

I would recommend:

Exchanging your foreign currency to Kyrgyz currency (if you could not in the previous destination)

There are multiple foreign exchange facilities, either at a main bus terminal or airport.

There are also ATMs widely available, especially inside supermarkets and malls, some of which can also dispense USD currency. Note some ATMs may not accept certain cards (such as Visa or Mastercard).

Getting a local SIM card

Mobile data is affordable here and having a sim card with mobile data available can be life-saving, especially if you are visiting rural areas or hiking in the wilderness.

Main mobile service carriers are:

• Beeline
• MegaCom
• O!

How to top up mobile data

To top up mobile data or continue a monthly prepaid plan, go to any multi-purpose information and payment kiosk (widely available in supermarkets, malls, canteens and public space areas). Select your mobile service provider, enter your mobile phone and deposit cash notes to top up. Note you need to top up the same (or more) amount of money to continue the same prepaid plan. If you want to change your mobile data plan, you can either call the mobile service provider or go to their shop to talk to someone who can change it for you.

Most travellers to Kyrgyzstan require a visa (either from online or a diplomatic mission) unless the traveller is from a visa-exempt country or a country where its passport holders are eligible for a visa-on-arrival (some visa-on-arrivals are only issued at Manas International Airport, depending what country a traveller is a citizen of).

Typical visa lengths range from 30 days to 90 days.

The Visa Run

For visa-free visitors who want to stay longer in Kyrgyzstan than their allowed maximum length of stay, it is possible to leave Kyrgyzstan and re-enter again on the same day and be re-issued with a new visa at the Kyrgyz border (for example, exiting Kyrgyzstan via the Kazakhstan border town Korday/Kordai and cross/re-enter Kyrgyzstan after leaving Kyrgyzstan with an exit stamp and Kazakhstan entry and exit stamps).

Note:
If you do decide to do a visa run within one day, you can be potentially asked why you are only visiting the neighbouring country for a day, or why you are coming back so soon so be prepared with answers.

UPDATE: Closed to foreigners

The Korday border-crossing is closed to foreigners due to construction and pandemic restrictions. It is possible to use the Ak-Tilek border crossing instead. Do note though if you are thinking of doing a visa run in one day, there is limited transport to take you back to Bishkek from the border on the Kyrgyz side.

View visa policy of Kyrgyzstan

View visa requirements by nationality

Note: The above information is general visa advice. Please consult with your official government or foreign embassy for the latest official visa information.

Avoid mentioning flights

Avoid mentioning that you have a flight to catch (if you do). A local medical student told me that sometimes a border official can purposely hold you at their office for a long time where you may need to “pay them off” in order for them to let you go to catch your flight! I am not sure how true this is, or even prevalent, but it’s interesting to note.

There are multiple transport options within Kyrgyzstan but by far the most widely available option is via mini-bus, also known locally as a “marshrutka”. Marshrutkas are used within a city, domestically and internationally.

Currently most domestic and international marshrutkas do not operate on a strict schedule; they often depart to a destination when the marshrutka is full or near full of passengers.

Read more: How to use the Kyrgyzstan public transport system

No online bus bookings

In general, currently there are no or limited online bookings for bus tickets so you need to buy a ticket in advance at the bus station. For more popular destinations, it is recommended to buy/reserve a ticket a few days in advance.

Type of information	Name	Additional information	Web/Download link
	Air Kyrgyzstan	National plane carrier of Kyrgyzstan for domestic and international flights. Note you may need to use Google Chrome browser to translate the website to English.
	Kyrgyz Railways	There are trains available but they are limited in frequency and destinations available. There are north and south rail networks but they are unfortunately not connected to each other currently. Note the website is not in English so you may need a browser like Google Chrome to translate it.
	Kyrgyz Autobeketi	Transport website detailing domestic and international bus routes. Note you may need to use Google Chrome browser to translate the website to English.
	Rome2Rio	A travel search engine website to find numerous transport options. It is not always accurate but it is a good starting point to get a general sense of transport options available.
	Tutu	Russian-based train search booking site that includes stops in Central Asia. Ticket prices here are generally higher. IMPORTANT: The currency used is often the Russian ruble and not the local currency, even if you are using a localised version of the website so always make sure you know what foreign currency you are paying in so you know how much you are paying in your own currency. ALSO IMPORTANT: Some train tickets require you to pick up a physical ticket from a Russian station IN Russia so please read any warning notes and fine print.

Dates of public holidays in Kyrgyzstan are subject to yearly changes.

Learn more:
English to Russian translation

English to Kyrgz translation

General:

• Kyrgyz people are hospitable and ceremonial, typically treating you to a lot of delicious food, including mutton.
• At the dining table, the locals offering mutton from the sheep’s head is a sign of the highest respect for a guest. A guest is typically is first offered the sheep tail fat, shoulder blade mutton and then the mutton from the head. The guest should give some of what is offered back to the women and children at the dinner table as a sign of respect by the guest.
• Hosts don’t normally ask you “Would you like to drink something?” – they just give it to you without asking!
• Men and women normally sit on opposite sides of a table, with the eldest and most respected at the head of the table, typically away from the door entrance.
• It’s okay to leave a bit of food on the plate.
• At the end of a meal, a quick prayer from the Qur’an may be said. The hands are held out, palms up, and then everyone at the table cover their face in unison while saying “Amen”.
• Respect is given to elders and figures of authority.
• Men typically shake hands with other men and say “Salam Alaikum” which means “Peace be unto you.” This is especially true when a young man greets an elder man.
• Close male friends hug and even kiss on the cheek.
• Men don’t shake hands with women but women will shake hands if she is offered it.
• Different words are used to address an unknown person: for a female person, it is “Gospozha” (Madam), “Zhenshina” (Woman), addressing elder Kyrgyz women (mostly in rural villages) say “Edje” (Older sister), and for a young woman “Devushka” (Girl) or Chon Kyz if addressing a Kyrgyz girl.For a male person, you can address him by “Gospodin” (Sir). You can call a young man “Paren” (Boy) or “Molodoi chelovek” (Young man). To address an elder Kyrgyz male, you can say “Baike” (Older brother).
• Verbal respect to older people is given by using a polite pronoun and endings, and by using the titles “eje” (elder sister) and” baikay” or “aga” (elder brother).
• There are often cultural differences between the North and South (Naryn can be considered the central point). The North is more liberal and modern, whereas the South is more conservative. Friends greet each other differently in each area. In the south, men and women greet friends of the same gender by shaking hands, often with the left hand over the heart. The opposite gender is normally not acknowledged. Elder women and female relatives often will kiss on the cheek while shaking hands. In the South, men and women often occupy separate rooms during large celebrations. Boys and girls normally don’t befriend each other.
• It is normal for strangers to brush against each other in public without saying “Excuse me” or apologising.
• Strangers don’t normally acknowledge one another when passing on the street.
• Many restaurants and cafes allow their customers to smoke inside. There is often no separation between the smoking and non-smoking areas.
• Time is a fluid time in Kyrgyzstan where gatherings and meetings will involve people being late!

Do:

• If you are on public transport, kindly give up your seat for an elderly person, pregnant women, disabled people, and young mothers with infants.
• If you are invited to a local’s house as a guest, bring a small gift with you, like fruit and candy.
• Take off your shoes if you are visiting a local’s house.
• Bread is sacred and it should never be placed on the ground or placed or left upside down.
• Drink some tea to finish off a delicious meal when at a local’s house.
• Eat with your right hand.
• Eat what you are served, even if you may not like it!
• Do not start eating the food until the host invites you to the table.
• Let the eldest or guest(s) of honour try the food first.

Do not:

• Get upset over the lack of personal space that can often happen, especially on public transport. It’s how they roll here!
• Leave your food on the table untouched.

Learn more at: Every Culture and Facts and Details.

The table below represents the average temperature in the capital city, Bishkek.

Season	Average Max temp (°C)	Average Min temp (°C)	General clothing information
	31°C	16°C	The days and nights are hot so thin layers are important. Always take a jacket for those unexpected cooler nights. If you’re going hiking, bring additional layers in case of unexpected cooler weather.
	18°C	5°C	The days are cooler and nights can be unexpectedly cool so bring a warm jacket with you. Hiking in early autumn is still ideal. Bring additional layers in case of unexpected cooler weather while hiking or camping. Rain starts to be more prevalent so pack waterproof clothing.
	4°C	-5°C	It is best to pack thick clothing and hooded jackets ( (puffer or insulated), along with warm gloves and thermal undergarments. Wear thick socks with shoes that are well insulated with good grip. A beanie and scarf are also recommended. It is not the best time to go hiking.
	18°C	4°C	It is still cold with snow still prevalent in some areas in the early months of spring. Rain can be plentiful so pack waterproof clothing. Layered clothing is ideal as well.

Vaccinations in general take many weeks or months and multiple shots for full immunisation so it’s best to plan ahead before your travel date.

You should already have the standard vaccines that include:
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, Varicella (chickenpox), and Polio vaccines.

Please note that all vaccination information is general advice.

It is highly recommended that you consult a registered GP or doctor for professional and specific medical advice regarding vaccinations for your travels.

Learn more:
Comprehensive health information for Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most affordable and budget-friendly Central Asian countries where you could splurge on amazing local food and accommodation and it will still be affordable and cheap.

Learn more:
Cost of living in Kyrgyzstan

Daily costs per individual will always vary from traveller to traveller due to different styles of travelling and different interests with varying costs (restaurant dining vs cooking food at your accommodation).

Typical costs include:

• Accommodation
• Transport
• Food
• Attractions such as museums and tours.

Like any budget, see the number as a limit and not as a target!

Below are average daily budget estimate costs for a single traveller.

Learn more:
Kyrgyzstan Travel Budget

Exchange rates & converter

Always be vigilant but not paranoid or naive regarding scams.

It is highly recommended you have travel insurance to cover any potential loss in your personal belongings and safety.

Learn more:
Scams in Kyrgyzstan