Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

Language and Communication

Kyrgyzstan’s official language is Kyrgyz, however many people also speak Russian (especially in the northern regions). In larger cities and tourist areas, English is widely spoken and understood. If you’re venturing out into Kyrgyzstan’s magnificent countryside, you may want to learn a few words of Kyrgyz or keep a translation app handy if you wish to communicate with the locals. 

Road signs are mostly in Kyrgyz or Russian, although the main sites are easy to navigate and the local people are friendly and helpful. 

Many hotels, restaurants and some public places offer WiFi access. You can also buy a local SIM card from an authorized store or at the airport but note you’ll need to register your passport details first.

Kyrgyzstan’s country code is +996.

Cash, Currency and Tips

The local currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyz Som (KGS) and it comes in denominations ranging from 1 to 5000. You can either withdraw money from an ATM or use a currency exchange. US dollars are the best currency to exchange. They can also be withdrawn from some ATMs and are often accepted as a form of payment by restaurants, shops and market stalls.

While the majority of Kyrgyzstan hotels and banks will accept credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, many businesses (including local handicraft bazaars) still only take cash. If you’re traveling to rural areas, make sure you seek out an ATM before you leave Bishkek as they are less prevalent in villages and smaller towns.

Tipping is not customary in Kyrgyzstan. A service charge is typically added to your bill at most restaurants, although you may want to leave a discretionary tip for your waiter too. If you’d like to reward your Kyrgyzstan tour guides or drivers for excellent service, this should be done at the end of your trip.

Health Information

There are no specific vaccination requirements for visiting Kyrgyzstan. Nevertheless, you should visit your doctor before your trip and ensure you’re up to date with any routine inoculations. You should also bring any medications you may need with you as local drugstores may not be well-stocked in Kyrgyzstan.

While the tap water in Bishek has been classified as safe to drink, we recommend purchasing bottled water. If you’re horse riding in the Chon Kemin region, all the water you consume will be boiled spring water. 

Medical services are very limited once you leave Bishek. It is a good idea to purchase travel insurance for your Kyrgyzstan vacation in case of unexpected illness or injury.

Emergency medical assistance is available at +103, and local police at +102. 

Getting Around

While it’s possible to take internal flights between Kyrgyzstan’s larger cities, the most popular modes of transport are by road. Private cars and taxis are a common means of transport, especially in Bishkek.  

If you’re planning to visit farther-flung destinations like Cholpon-Ata on the shores of Lake Issyk-Köl or the breathtaking valleys of Chon Kemin, we recommend a private car with a professional chauffeur who is familiar with the terrain and local attractions.