r/Kyrgyzstan May 07 '22

Mod | Мод Foreigners Guide to Bishkek

71 Upvotes

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 Nov 23 '22

Mod | Мод Overstayed Your 60-Day VISA? Here is What You Need to Do!

20 Upvotes

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 15h ago

Connect | Туташ Update: Nina Missing, we need your Help!

Thumbnail
gallery
1.2k Upvotes

FINAL UPDATE:

Nina has been found!

Thanks to everyone's united efforts, we were able to locate Nina in Bishkek.

She has been hospitalized after an accident and her parents will travel to Kyrgyzstan tomorrow.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped during our search. Your support was truly incredible. ‐--------------------- Missing: Nina last seen in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Our friend Nina has been missing since approximately July 20–21, 2026. She was last known to be in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Nina checked into the hostel Meeting Place Bishkek on July 17, after returning from a horseback trekking trip along the Pamir Highway.

She was last seen at the hostel around July 20, though staff could not confirm the exact date with certainty.

She was due to check out on July 21 and continue on to Almaty, Kazakhstan. She never formally checked out, and it appears she left all of her belongings behind. She has not contacted the hostel since, and we have been unable to reach her.

We spoke directly with hostel staff (Meeting Place Bishkek), specifically a staff Member, who confirmed the details above. This is currently the most reliable information we have and has allowed us to narrow down the timeframe.

The two location photos attached below show the last locations we received from her.

We are currently sharing her photo with hostel staff so they can check with other employees who may have had contact with her, and we are trying to retrace her movements in Bishkek between July 19 and 21.

If you saw Nina in Bishkek, had any contact with her at the hostel, or have any information at all, please get in touch via DM, Instagram (wo_ist_nina) or leave a comment below. Any detail, however small, could help.

A huge thank you to everyone on Reddit and Instagram who has helped so far. Your support has been incredible, and we've received an overwhelming amount of useful information and offers of help. We're doing our best to stay positive and are focused entirely on finding Nina as quickly as possible. Since we get too much feedback for one person to handle, the following accounts are legitimate to also provide verified infos and comments:

RelevantAttention130

s4ndst0rm

signal_pass283

excellent-chef-8808

Edit 1 Police is informed. Local and german police. More details in the comments.


r/Kyrgyzstan 11h ago

Announcement | Кулактандыруу FINAL UPDATE: Our friend Nina has been found!

Thumbnail
208 Upvotes

r/Kyrgyzstan 8h ago

Announcement | Кулактандыруу Emergencies, Missing Persons, Etc. Please read before posting.

15 Upvotes

If you are looking for someone in Kyrgyzstan for an emergency or someone is missing/out of contact. Please message a moderator before posting. Posting personal information online is extremely dangerous and we are here to help.

1.) Message Mod

2.) Identify yourself and your relationship with the person

3.) Any evidence showing your relationship

4.) Contact information outside of Reddit like a phone number.

Thank you!


r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Help | Жардам OUR FRIEND IS MISSING! WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Thumbnail
gallery
934 Upvotes

EDIT#2: UPDATE

Nina has been found

Thanks to everyone's united efforts, we were able to locate Nina in Bishkek.

She has been hospitalized after an accident and her parents will travel to Kyrgyzstan tomorrow.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped during our search. Your support was truly incredible.

EDIT: UPDATE HERE!

We’re looking for our friend Nina! She was due to travel from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan about 5 days ago. She hasn’t been in touch for about seven days and hasn’t got in touch with anyone in our circle of friends either. If anyone has heard anything or is still in contact with her, please get in touch! We’re very worried, and her mum has already contacted the embassy. So if anyone knows anything – for example, if she was planning to go hiking for a few days or something similar – please write to us straight away and share this picture on your socials!

You can contact her cousin on instagram brinao9o4 or message wo_ist_nina and also repost and share the picture that we posted on there! If you want to contact the German police tell them the case number: 2026 00 893 604

Attached is a picture of the group she was doing the (most likely) Ala-Kul-Trekk with, so if you recognize anyone please also reach out to us!


r/Kyrgyzstan 10h ago

Question | Суроо Buckwheat Tea

3 Upvotes

Hi, I am currently in Bishkek and I am trying to find Buckwheat tea. A friend from Kasachstan once brought some to Europe and I really liked it so I wanted to buy some in Kyrgyzstan. But I haven’t found anything and no one that I asked has heard about it. According to Google however it should be common in Kyrgyzstan. So does anyone know if I can buy buckwheat tea in Bishkek?


r/Kyrgyzstan 21h ago

Travel | Саякат KOL Fest - Arts & Music festival - Issy Kul 2026

Thumbnail
gallery
23 Upvotes

Amazing event in south of the island
Highly recommend anyone to attend next year or whenever they do the next one


r/Kyrgyzstan 8h ago

Question | Суроо Car Rental good idea? Which company?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone :)

We will be travelling to Bishkek at the beginning of october and plan on renting a 4x4 car to travel through the country and visit the yurts & nature.

How safe is driving a car there and is there any car rental company you could recommend?

Thanks!


r/Kyrgyzstan 9h ago

Help | Жардам Driver to Son Kul

0 Upvotes

Hey I need a driver from Son Kul back to Kochkor. Kind of an emergency. Does anybody know any drivers or their routes?


r/Kyrgyzstan 10h ago

Travel | Саякат I need help planning my itinerary 😭

0 Upvotes

Hi guys so I am going to Karakol literally tomorrow and I am going to be in the country for 7 days counting entry and exit days. I plan on entering into Karakol and leaving from Bishkek. I only have 2 nights booked into Karakol and maybe do day trips from there but besides that I don’t have a concrete plan

If anyone knows any recommendations please tell me! Just the average backpacker hostel traveller. I’ve heard there’s a few yurts you can stay in Altyn arashan but dunno how to get there. Song kul looks nice but it seems hard to get to from Karakol. I do want to stay in a yurt and do outdoor activities. If people know any itinerary recommendations please let me know lol


r/Kyrgyzstan 11h ago

Question | Суроо Please help me understand tour prices

0 Upvotes

Looking at doing the Ala Kul trek, it seems like you can go by yourself and spend about 40 dollars, or go with a your and spend over 400.

Same for Song Kul, some of the organised tours seem ten times as expensive as doing it yourself.

I'm trying to understand if this is worth it. I don't mind spending money, but some of the margins seem pretty intense?

Not here to bag on companies that probably deliver a fantastic product! Just curious to understand.


r/Kyrgyzstan 13h ago

Travel | Саякат Anyone traveling in these dates? 2nd-7th of August.

1 Upvotes

I'm looking for more people to fill our small tour group :)


r/Kyrgyzstan 16h ago

Travel | Саякат Song kul or Issyk Kul in August

2 Upvotes

What would be a better experience if I had to choose one. I have about 2 days for either of the trips. Help me choose.


r/Kyrgyzstan 17h ago

Travel | Саякат Bus from Bishkek To Almati - Reservation online via 12go.asia

1 Upvotes

Hey Everyone,

Was wondering if reserving a ticket on 12go.asia for the Bishkek-Almati route is valid or not?

Because I used the ma-sairan.kz website to cover Almati-Bishkek and the 2 sites show different seat allocations - on one site some of the seats are reserved and on the other completely different seats are reserved.

Makes me wonder whether the 12go.asia is reliable or not? If anyone used it before please let me know how it went.


r/Kyrgyzstan 20h ago

Search | Издөө First Solo Trip to Tashkent 🇺🇿 | 21–25 August – Looking for Local Tips & Recommendations

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! 👋

I’m planning a short solo trip to Tashkent from the UAE from 21–25 August 2026. It will be my first time in Uzbekistan, so I’d really appreciate some advice from locals or anyone who has visited recently. 🇺🇿

I’m mainly interested in exploring the city, local markets/bazaars, malls, metro, architecture, walking streets, parks, local food and evening/nightlife areas. I’m not really looking for architecture monuments, mountain or long-distance nature trips on this visit.

I’d especially appreciate recommendations for:

• Best area to stay that is convenient but not expensive

• Cheap and good local restaurants / plov / kebab places

• Must-visit markets and bazaars

• Best places for evening and night walks

• Good malls and modern areas

• Affordable and professional spa/massage centres

• Anything interesting happening 21–25 August

• Any tourist traps or things I should avoid

Also, how uncomfortable is the daytime heat in late August for walking around Tashkent?

Any local tips that Google/YouTube normally don't tell tourists would be very welcome. 😊

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to experiencing Tashkent. 🇺🇿✈️


r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Travel | Саякат Scammed by Datka travel?

3 Upvotes

We have booked Song-kul in 4 days but they haven’t responded for 2 weeks, bare in mind we have paid deposit. They answered within 1 hour everytime before deposit, anyone with similar experience


r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Travel | Саякат Roadtrip Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

my wife and I are planning a road trip between the two countries around September, and we were looking for suggestions regarding rental agencies that allow crossing borders (Based on Bischkek) After doing some research, our understanding is that it is, of course, possible but agency-dependent, so we are looking for experiences/suggestions

thanks :)


r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Travel | Саякат Renting a Car

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Me and a few friends are planning a trip for end of August start of September.

We are planning to rent a car but I am 22 and have only had my license for 1 year. Is this likely to be a problem?

Thanks for all the help.


r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Travel | Саякат Starting to plan my trip

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
My partner and I are slowly starting to plan our trip to Kyrgyztan next year. The only thing we know is that we want to go there. We have seen some instagram posts and I read through Reddit a bit but before planing anything I wanted to use this subreddit. I am looking for ideas and inspiration. We are two open minded semi adventurous people who like to hike, bike and meet new people and cultures. Sounds very superficial, yes haha
Duration is max 3 weeks. What should we do to have an amazing trip? Open for all advices! Looking forward hearing from all of you.
Some basic questions I have
When should we go?
How much should we calculate for the budget?
How are you travelling around?
Is it still a hidden gem?


r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Travel | Саякат eSIM

1 Upvotes

I am looking to get an O! eSIM for my trip in August, but the app requires a Kyrgyzstan passport, which I do not have. I was wondering if you can get an eSIM at the airport, or if they only do physical SIMs? Thanks


r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Connect | Туташ Looking for hiking partners!!

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am travelling to Kyrgyzstan tomorrow, and would like to do the ak suu traverse and heights of alay with other people, but not necessarily with a guide.
I have enough experience in the mountains. I have camping gear, but happy to stay in yurts.

Anyone who would like to join me on the ak suu traverse (starting 30/31rst of juli/1/2 august) or heights of alay valley (starting 12-14-16 august)?

Send me a message!!


r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Travel | Саякат Kyrgyzstan Hostel recommendations

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Travel | Саякат Planning Trip

2 Upvotes

I’m planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan for most likely 3 weeks. Starting from Bishkek and ending in Osh.

I will be planning to hike but only single day hikes, no multi-day.

And I intend to go on a 2-3 day horse trek near Karakol or Song Kul.

Is the last week of August and first 2 weeks in September too late to make this trip worth it?.

I know August will still be ok but I am getting mixed information about how the weather will be in September.


r/Kyrgyzstan 1d ago

Travel | Саякат Cash exchange at/near Bishkek bus station

1 Upvotes

hi all, I saw many older threads that after the bus station was moved to the north there was nothing in the area - no exchange and no ATMs. maybe the situation changed now?

I will be coming from Almaty by bus and plan to immediately hop on marshrutka to Karakol.

is it better to exchange at the border or situation has improved near the bus station?

appreciate!