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Bishkek: A post-Soviet city of growth and potential
Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and its biggest city with plenty of transport connections for domestic and international travel.
With its Soviet past comes also a lot of fantastic Soviet-era architecture and mosaics scattered throughout the city, acting as a treasure hunt for Soviet art and passionate art enthusiasts alike.
If you take the time, you’ll find a city full of interesting things to do and discover to keep you occupied. Its cafes are modern and often expertly decorated. There is a wide of range (and quality) of cuisine, local and international. You can do and spend as little or as much as you want in Bishkek as a budget or extravagant traveller.
Depending on what you want to see or do, you could spend anywhere from two to four days in Bishkek.
The best way to explore this city is by foot so let’s get out there and explore Bishkek!
Key Information
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977,000 (2017)
Safe
Mostly cash
UTC +6Apps
I would recommend downloading the following essential apps to help you in Bishkek.
| Type of information | Name | Additional information | Web/Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
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2GIS | Offline navigation app that enables you to search for and use local public transport easily. |   |
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Maps.me | Offline navigation app. Make sure to download the Kyrgyzstan map so you can actually use offline navigational maps. | |
Use coordinates in 2GIS
A lot of places on 2GIS maps are not easily found using English words. To get around this, copy the latitude and longitude coordinates (select an area near the destination if required) from another map navigation app (such as Google Maps) and paste it into 2GIS. This will allow you to search in 2GIS for public transport options nearby and available.
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 bus stations or airport.
There are also ATMs widely available, especially inside supermarkets and malls. Be aware 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 carriers are:
Go to Tsum Center
Tsum Center in Bishkek is a mall full of tech and mobile data network stalls so if you want to explore different mobile options in one place, this is the small to go to.
Address:
155 Chuy Ave, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Opened 10:00 to 22:00 every day (Except public holidays).
There are three main public transport options in Bishkek:
- Large Buses
- Trolley buses (Electric wire-based)
- Marshrutkas (Mini-buses)
Buses and Trolley buses
These are standard large public transport buses that you can find in a typical urban city. The buses serve main areas around the centre.
A bus fare costs 8 som (2019 fare), a bit cheaper than marshrutkas. While cheaper, they tend to run less frequent than marshrutkas and waiting times can be long and unpredictable, especially during rush hour (and can be incredibly crammed full of people) Buses typically stop running after 22:00.
Marshrutkas
Marshrutkas are mini buses/vans and are the most common public transport option and service most of the routes around Bishkek more frequently.
They are flexible in passenger pick up and drop-off; they don’t just stop/pick up at designated bus stops. Marshrutka drivers can pick you up anywhere on the side of the road and drop you off anywhere, as long as it is on their route and if you ask them in advance.
If you’re claustrophobic, you won’t like marshrutkas. They tend to be overstuffed with people (especially during rush hour to/from work) and it can be incredibly awkward trying to get out of the marshrutka if you’re squeezed in at the back and wanting to get out!
A marshrutka bus fare costs 10 som (2019 fare) but after 9pm (21:00), the marshrutka fare is 12 som (2019 fare). Marshrutkas typically stop running after midnight and start again at 06:00.
Public Transport Etiquette
Priority seating should be given to elderly people, pregnant women, disabled people, and young mothers with infants. If you see any of these people enter the bus or marshrutka, act like a local and kindly give up your seat for them.
Be aware of pickpocketers
Public buses can be hunting grounds for pickpocketers so stay vigilant. Keep valuables out of sight, zip up pockets, and hold your backpack in front of you.
Taxis
The most cost-effective taxi solution is using a taxi via the Yandex taxi hailing app (like Uber). Yandex taxis are incredibly affordable and easy to use. There are options to pay via credit card or cash.
Download Yandex app now:
| Type of information | Name | Additional information | Web/Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
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2GIS | Offline navigation app that enables you to search for and use local public transport easily. | |
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Avtovokzal | Official website detailing the bus schedule of Bishkek’s Western Bus Station ( main bus station). Note: You may need to use Google Chrome to translate the website. |  |
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izi.travel | A free travel audio guide app. Download the Bishkek audio walking tour to learn more about the city’s history. | |
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Maps.me | Offline navigation app. Make sure to download the Kyrgyzstan map so you can actually use offline navigational maps. | |
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Yandex | A taxi hailing app (like Uber). Yandex taxis are incredibly affordable and easy to use. There are options to pay via credit card or cash. | |
| Season | Average Max temp (°C) | Average Min temp (°C) | General clothing information |
|---|---|---|---|
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32°C | 18°C | The days are hot and nights are mild – always take a jacket for those unexpected cooler nights. If you’re going hiking, bring additional layers in case of unexpected cooler weather. |
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25°C | 11°C | The days are much cooler and nights can be unexpectedly cool so bring a warm jacket with you; the weather can be unpredictable. Hiking in early autumn can still be ideal, especially at nearby Ala-Archa National Park. Bring additional layers in case of unexpected cooler weather while hiking or camping. Rain starts to be more prevalent so pack waterproof clothing. |
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1°C | -9°C | It is best to pack thick clothing and hooded jackets ( (puffer or insulated), along with warm gloves and thermal undergarments. Wear thick socks (or wear two pairs of socks) with shoes that are well insulated. A beanie and scarf are also recommended. Do not go hiking during this period due to plummeting temperatures and snowfall. |
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24°C | 11°C | It is getting warmer but prepare for unexpected coldness. Rain can be plentiful so pack waterproof clothing. It is still recommended to wear layered clothing. |
Learn more:
Weather in Bishkek
Always be vigilant but not paranoid or naive regarding scams in Bishkeks.
It is highly recommended you have travel insurance to cover any potential loss in your personal belongings and safety.
| Scam/Crime | Method/Behaviour | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Airport driver/transfer intercept | Travellers are intercepted by unlicensed taxi drivers who call out their name posing as the private driver sent by your accommodation provider or company. An exorbitant fare is then charged. | When arranging for an airport transfer, get the driver’s photo, name and contact number so you can verify them at the airport. |
| Drink spiking | Food or drinks are spiked that places the victim at greater risk of robbery or assault. This can be common in Bishkek. | Do not accept drinks from strangers or drinks that you have not seen made in front of your eyes. Do not leave any drinks unattended.
Do not accept “free” food from strangers on public transport. |
| Fake police |
Fake police officers approach you and ask to check your passport or ID and even ask to search your belongings. They can accuse you of a crime and ‘charge’ you a fine, or steal something from your belongings.
This scam is common in Bishkek. |
Ask to verify their police badges and threaten to call the police hotline. Never surrender your physical passport and only show a photocopy of it.
Always keep your valuables out of sight. |
| Foreign Exchange money scam | At Osh Bazaar, there are money changers that lure travellers with advertised favourable foreign exchange rates.
During the physical exchange process, a large stack of notes is passed to you and via sleight of hand, some notes may be taken out without you realising it. |
Exchange at currency at banks or exchange offices in the city centre instead of at Osh Bazaar. |
| Overcharging taxis |
Some rogue and unlicensed taxi drivers may charge inflated fares, especially at Manas International Airport. They may double down by stating that their meter is broken.
Alternatively, the taxi meter has been rigged where it can be switched off and then back on again to re-appear with an inflated fare. |
Avoid taxis at tourist hotspots.
Use Yandex taxi app so you know how much you are paying upfront. Check online taxi fare estimators, taxi booking apps, or ask hotel/hostel staff for a fare estimate. You can use this information to negotiate a reasonable fare price if appropriate. Use a map app on your smartphone (GPS) to check the distance and the average time between the airport and your destination, along with seeing if you are being driven in the correct direction. Use public transport – It’s cheaper. |
| Pickpocketing |
Working as a single person: He or she will quickly grab an item from your pocket or slowly unzip your bag to grab the contents inside. This person can pick-pocket you from behind or by bumping into you.
Working as a gang: one person targets you, another distracts, one grabs your possession and passes it to another to escape with, often under a cover. This is most common in Bishkek, particularly Osh Bazaar. Be aware of being ambushed and targeted from left and right sides. |
Leave valuables in a locked place at your accommodation or keep valuables hidden out of sight. Keep a printed hardcopy of your passport on hand.
Do not carry excess cash and credit cards. Zip up and lock the pockets of your daypack/bag. You can carry your bag in front. Never leave your bag unattended or out of sight. If you’re in a restaurant or cafe, put your bag on your lap or in front and between your feet with a strap around a foot. Keep a hand on your front pocket where your valuables could be stored (such as smartphone). |
Learn more:
Scams in Kyrgyzstan
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